stamper99 has left 24 comments

stamper99 comments on Have you met Juliana?

Seems my wife has about a dozen Tatiana's in her family. If I can't remember a name, I try Tatiana.

stamper99 comments on Feeling Like A Cucaracha En Una Pista De Flamenco

With everyone talking about the Bush Doctrine, this post made me go look up the Monroe Doctrine and all additions to it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_doctrine

stamper99 comments on shopping

Monita: That's what I do now, but it makes for a less peaceful day. Every line whether to get on a bus or order some pan de ono or a coffee becomes a test of wills and manhood. Sí, tengo que ser mas avispado.....but I don't like it. I wonder what happens when I can't see the head of the line, like when I'm paying bills, if some mal parido is busting the line making my wait that much longer. I must have faith that everyone ahead of me is winning the challenges.

stamper99 comments on Que Hubo? Sounds like Cuobo or in English, Q-Bo?

Quibo - "key-bo", Que-Hay "key-ay" - informal greetings like "What's up" Que Hubo - "ke - ooo - bo" - usually an admonishment like "What is your problem" about taking too long. As in "QueHubo...vamos a llegar tarde a misa!" Mom and dad are from Cali and use all of these frequently.

stamper99 comments on shopping

It can be very annoying in the shops when the don't want to let you browse in peace. However, I find the line cutting at the deli or at an ice cream stand much more annoying. My wife and I were at the Unicentro in Cali and we wanted to get some ice cream for the kids. Try as we might, the server kept alternating who she was serving in the line. Whatever line we were in, that line was not getting served. We switched back and forth a couple of times and then we both flipped out simultaneously when again the server was moving to the other line to serve someone who had just arrived. Interestingly, both the server and the new customer gave us looks like we had some kind of social disease. NO SHAME. "Son ciegos, brutos o solamente no saben hacer fila?!?"

stamper99 comments on If you are colombian or friend of Colombia

Is it dinner time yet?

stamper99 comments on

Great at starting global fashion trends. Best counterfeiters in the world. Stretching a little money a loong way. Keeping multiple families. Writing with no punctuation. Block parties!

stamper99 comments on Cali Health Spa Recommendations?

I'll have them check it out. Thanks, Jlove!

stamper99 comments on I need some help please!!!

Or this one http://www.virtualexito.com/

JP

stamper99 comments on Easy for a foreigner to get a cell phone?

Not as easy as in the US My dad paid 58K pesos for the least expensive model from Comcel, July 2005 in Cali. I was surprised that we could not just pre-pay anonymously for minutes. They insisted on a cedula. The 58K included 30(?) minutes which was fine since we wanted it just for emergencies. BTW...we chatted up the counter person and she agreed to sign us up without official ID. We were all set in about 15 minutes.

stamper99 comments on

Goooooogle ads Seconded.

stamper99 comments on All Colombians get "A"s on their studies in Colombia???

Failing the year - conspiracy? When we visited Cali in July, I was surprised to hear *most* of my younger cousins had failed a year of school at some point. This was unheard of when I was growing up. (I'm 38) But now it seems more common and less of a stigma. The usual reasons were given - lack of effort, could no longer afford it, got pregnant.
There was also a new conspiratorial reason - the schools like to keep *paying students* as long as possible so will fail them more readily and possibly without reason. Made me go "hmmmmm".

stamper99 comments on salsa 8

Sorry, I'll miss it... ...well, not really since I'll be on my way to the Salsa capital of the world - Cali.
We're leaving Philly this Sunday for 2 weeks in Cali. I haven't been paying attention to everything going on in Philly this weekend, but I'll make sure to mention Salsa 8 to my sisters. They'll definitely be interested.

stamper99 comments on Gifts for family

Philly to Cali or BUST! We're going to Cali in July from Philly too! First time back in nearly 30 years.
So far we have packed american flag key chains, dollar-store dolls, battery operated toothbrushes and pez for the little ones. John Frieda shampoo and dollar store carry-all bags for my aunts. Biosilk shampoo for my favorite aunt. Obsession cologne for my godfather. And assorted individual-size liquors for the heavy drinkers.
Still have to get some EAGLES stuff though :)

stamper99 comments on PHOTOS!!!!

Very nice... It's almost time for our trip (3-16 July). I'll make sure to get lots of pics too!
Thanks.

stamper99 comments on Do colombians have a harsh sense of humor??

Cockney said... Sarcasm..."it's the lowest form of wit after all!"
I disagree. Puns are the lowest.
Ref: http://www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/8138

Samples:
A gentleman is someone who always offers a lady deceit. (Alan F. G. Lewis)•
Somebody once asked me if I picked my nose. I replied: No. I was born
with it. (Bree Schultz)•

stamper99 comments on La Base, Cali

It's been a long time, but I lived there for a summer in '76. My father's family lived there. It was very residential. I couldn't tell you what "estrato" it is today. It's in the northeast part of Cali. The biggest tip I might give you is that since it is right next to an air base (hence, the name), the airplane take-offs and landings are frequent and can be annoying.

I'll be vacationing in Cali the first 2 weeks in July, so will give a better description then. I'll be staying in Las Ceibas, not too far from La Base.

stamper99 comments on Cali Botantical Gardens and Zoo

Us Too! Our family is going in July for 2 weeks to Cali. Once you get back please post your experiences and recommendations.

stamper99 comments on caleñas in black and white

PW worked for me. Nice pics.

stamper99 comments on Cedula & passport: Necessary? Desirable?

Thanks, poco. Good advice.
Elmo, just this week it was announced that the US would require passports from US citizens entering from Mexico and Canada. I'm sure they would be MORE strict for sonaofbitches (even handsome ones) from Colombia. Wouldn't risk it without a passport.

stamper99 comments on Taking my kids to see the "Old Country"

AHA! OK with US Passport only! This looks authoritative:

When did you become a U.S. Citizen? If you did before 1991, take a copy of your naturalization papers to Colombia and show the date to the immigration authorities. you won´t need to enter the country with a Colombian Passport.

In 1991 the new Colombian Constitution created the dual citizenship so that Colombian People could become or adquire other nationalities without losing the Colombian. People that adquire another nationality after 1991 have to enter the country with Colombian Documents.
Best,
Embassy of Colombia

I became a US citizen in May 1990, so I'm in the clear. Thanks to everyone for the responses and advice.

stamper99 comments on Taking my kids to see the "Old Country"

Hmmm...Incomplete response... From the Colombian Embassy in Washington DC:
...
If you are a Colombian citizen you must enter and leave Colombia using a Colombian passport. You can probably solicit a Colombian passport at the consulate nearest to your home. The only other option would be to denounce your Colombian citizenship which also needs to be done at the consulate. ...
Regards,
ACS Bogota

stamper99 comments on Taking my kids to see the "Old Country"

I'll check and report back Sent email inquiries to the US Embassy in Bogota and to the Colombian Embassy in Washington DC. Hopefully, they can clear this up. Ajiaco - when did you last travel to Colombia?

stamper99 comments on Taking my kids to see the "Old Country"

GLAD I ASKED! After those stories, I definitely will get one! Anyone know where to start? I'm a naturalized american citizen who was born in Cali. Closest colombian consulate is New York City. Anyone already been through the process? Thank you!