SoCalDude has left 9 comments

SoCalDude comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

So this topic is alive and well I see I am surprised about how this topic has grown these past couple days since I left for Cali.

First, Crazy4Cali, thanks for your response. Your points are well taken and I think we have both chilled out a bit.

Second, for all the "perfect" people. Yeah, the general discussions are great, but you don't gain Understanding without airing the dirty laundry once in awhile. I do agree that personal attacks are a bit off, but on the same token, this is something that is probably going to continue because people have emotions about different things and feel the need to respond. I think this topic has helped some understanding for us all and really that is what the world needs more of for sure.

Regards,

SoCalDude

SoCalDude comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

Albatross and Crazy4Cali You feel the need to object to my previous post? Please, by all means go ahead and do that. I guess I am absurd for standing up for those of us who go about our way and ARE NOT the OBNOXIOUS American Tourists (who are the minority) who deservedly receive the negative bashing they receive. However, I want to tell you a story.

There once was a BUSLOAD of tourists from Las Vegas, seniors if you will. They went to Cali and other tourist areas around. They didn't speak the language, but did have an interpreter. They were silly yes regarding some of the things they spoke about and the questions they asked. However, they dropped over $2000 in one afternoon in a quaint indian village in the Andes ( I forget the name) buying all kinds of things for their families and friends back home. They gave to the beggars and bought sweets for the kids. I saw how they could be perceived as possibly rude or something like that. But, they were seniors and they were kind and caring and not disrepectful of the people who were their hosts.

That is one story, I have many others. How about the Brits when they go abroad? Ever seen them taking trips to Colombia? or Germans? or many others. While we are not perfect, there are many Americans who do just fine as international travelers.

P.S. How about the foreigners who come to our country to visit? I have seen some horror stories there as well.

And straight up Crazy4Cali, you and I wouldn't be a problem for each other if we were bumping into each other along the way. However, your little backhanded comment deserves lots of praise--how about---nah, won't stoop to your levels. Have a great day!

Now I know why CaliPro gets so pissed off sometimes at some of the posters here who think they are do-gooders and have God on their side and their side alone!

Ok, back to the Shiner Bock.

SoCalDude comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

Ah, So the American Tourist Bashing begins in ernest! Oh damn are you people messed up. You think of Colombia as a jewel and I agree, but you think of Americans as the people who would screw it up. You think only of the few and not the many who quietly go about their vacations. You forget that those (INSERT FREAKIN NATIONALITY HERE) you see cruising along just might be (WELL YOU GUESSED IT) Americans too!

You think the money we would generate in Colombia wouldn't go to the government in Bogota. How about all the FREAKIN taxes Colombia would come up with because us GRINGOS are in the area spending the dollars we bring with us. I don't care if you don't like us, but you are messed up if you think a wave of gringos coming into Colombia wouldn't help Colombia's economy!

The only problem really is two-fold: 1) THE INEPT and HIGHLY CORRUPT GOVERNMENT of Colombia and 2) The Guerrillas that adorn Colombia's countryside.

The American tourist would be a welcome relief compared to the 2nd option above--or are you all on CRACK?

I certainly can take some of the American bashing, fine, we have a lot of idiots in our country. But, GENERALIZING, is stupid. I WILL NOT TOLERATE anyone tearing up our nation like BKELLY who needs to ---I won't say it here---. I lived in Cali for a year as a foreign exchange student, I am going back to Cali today. I love the country, but will not take the BS from some EuroSnob who thinks they are God's gift to the world. There is a reason Australia, Colombia, the USA, and many others cut some ties with Europe.

If Colombia could have 40 million gringos visiting each year it would have a great effect. Also, yes, Amercian businesses would start to look seriously at investing in Colombia. If the corrupt government officals in Bogota and in whatever local districts could allow the money generated to go where it is needed, then maybe Colombia's infrastructure could be improved quite a bit.

Oh, and by the way, WHERE ARE THERE MORE COLOMBIANS than any other country outside of COLOMBIA?

You need a hint EUROSNOBS?????? That's right, the USA!!

That's enough for now, I am going to the airport lounge here in Houston (thank goodness for the Houston to Cali direct flight) and waiting for my flight to take off with a nice cold Shiner Bock.

Regards,

SoCalDude (not a EuroSnob)
Currently in Houston, Texas
Soon to be in Cali, Colombia!!

SoCalDude comments on Colombia defeats Mexico 2-1 in Gold Cup! Viva Colombiaaaaa!!!!

Sanchez the Best Keeper in the Game?? NOT !! You have to be kidding me Gomezman. If not Brad Freidel, then Kasey Keller is without a doubt the Best Keeper in Soccer today. Then maybe next would be Tim Howard who has had to deal with a lackluster defense in front of him on Manchester United. I would also put Brazil's keeper (Dida) up there as well in #3 or #4.

It's ok, that Mexico won't be in the final of the Gold Cup this year like Team USA, but we will see you in Columbus in September and I am sure if Sanchez is playing he will get lit up like fireworks on the 4th of July!!

GO USA!!
GO COLOMBIA!!

SoCalDude comments on Colombian Botero Ahead of Lance Armstrong in 13th Stage of Tour de France

Who Cares about King of The Mountains? Also, Lance will finish above Botero in the Mountain standings, so why even mention it?

SoCalDude comments on Colombian Botero Ahead of Lance Armstrong in 13th Stage of Tour de France

Who Cares about King of The Mountains? Last time I checked it was ALL ABOUT the YELLOW JERSEY, which is STITCHED with Lance's name---not marked in crayon!

I am happy for Botero and all Colombian riders when they do well, but let's not be disrespectful or try to show things in a light that really isn't REALITY. The King of the Mountains, Sprints, and Rookies are nice and keep the field larger, which looks better for TV's sake, but the Tour De France(Lance) winner is what it is all about!

Thanks,

SoCalDude

P.S. Go LANCE---
www.olntv.com

SoCalDude comments on Un saludo from Medellin

OK Justin'o' Dude, you know you gotta post some pics of the girls in Medellin, oh, and the area. Some pics of the bars you are visiting and whatever else would be cool.

I know I will be doing the same in June when I am in Cali.

I am a bit depressed that CaliPro never hooked me up with more of the pics he has taken. What can I say, you know us guys are all about the visual right?

Keep on having a great time dude!

See ya,

SoCalDude
dberg077 at hotmail.com

SoCalDude comments on Total mariachi disaster: What a fool I am

Lose the Mental Case There are lots of women in Colombia and elsewhere.

Find one that won't go MENTAL on you like this one did!

Lose this one as MIAMIMIKE is RIGHT ON THE MONEY!! This is just a sign of things to come with her messed up response to the Mariachis.

SoCalDude

SoCalDude comments on Photos from Cali

CaliPro You got to hook me up!! Ok, so I have only been a member for a week, but I have been part Caleno since I lived there back in '85-'86. I am going at the end of April and I really enjoy all the photos of Colombia, especially the ones that relate to Cali.

So, if you don't mind, I have sent you a PM for the passwords for your pics.

Thanks,

SoCalDude