Terry2 has left 80 comments

Terry2 comments on Colombiano(a) and foreigner met each other - true life accounts

Forgot to mention... this started in June 2006

Terry2 comments on Colombiano(a) and foreigner met each other - true life accounts

Long story.... short version: I work for a company in Canada that has an association with ERCO Worldwide, a chemical company. They have a plant in Mininco Chile. I was sent with two crews to do some work and our accommodations were in Angol Chile. First few shifts... ( nite shifts) were aborted due to engineering certs. So.. the partying began.We had two rented houses, and on this particular evening, the crew was going partying but due to a back incident..( mine) I was left behind. The second crew came by and by chance... I got locked out of the house. ( Everything locks behind you here...). I didn't have a key... so... I stuggled to the main street hoping to catch someone from the crews but no luck. The police...( didn't know they were police... looked like all the rest of the military) came by when I was sitting on a bus bench and started yammering to me... I told them I was waiting for my crews and that I was locked out but only managed to make matters worse. When they got out of the truck... a Nissan with large box on the back... I started to get annoyed. Then, someone tugged at my sleeve and said... you have to go... you cannot stay here.. you must go.... This was a girl...I asked... you speak English... tell them I'm locked out and I'm waiting for my crew to return.. but she said... no,, you must go... now...don't speak.. just go.... She was extremely insistent so I walked with her. A little further down the street, I said.. You speak Englsih, can we go get a drink somewhre? She looked at my watch and said.. No... bandidos... At this point I explained my situ and she took me to her place.. that she shared with another girl... ( I cannot fully explain how someone can live in a place like this). We talked all night and next morning I took her ( with her directions) to my house and introduced her to the crew. At this time... we decided to hire her to do the cooking and cleaning and help us as she could speak english. We spent some tme together in Santiago, then on to Barranquilla where her family and daughter lived. We stayed in the Dann Carlton Barranquilla and cemented our relationship. We were marred June 28th this year and awainting custory papers for her daughter before I can apply to the Canadian government I have been to Colombia many times and thoroughly enjoy it... we stay frequently in Cartagena and love it! Hopefully, we will have all the family here in Canada next year!

Terry2 comments on Computer Purchase

A question... do these computers have Windows Vista installed or the Linux equivalent Ubuntu?

Terry2 comments on Best place in Bogota for laptops

WOW..... thanks ujay! You went to a lot of trouble and I appreciate it. Seems these puters are priced a lot higher in Colombia. 2.79 million pesos is about 1600.00 CAD. I appreciate your offer but my wife lives in Bogota and if I decide to get this one I'll have her go to the Cafam Florsta. Thanks again!

Terry2 comments on Best place in Bogota for laptops

Great suggestions! Thanks

Terry2 comments on Best place in Bogota for laptops

Thanks all.... I live in Canada and to get any info on this item is damn near impossible. I won't be in Colombia until Dec 22 and I think that a purchase of this nature is probably more expensive than if purchased elsewhere. My flight down does not connect in US. Vancouver to Toronto to Bogota. Anyways... thanks for your input!

Terry2 comments on Restaurants in Cartagena

Main drag on the way to Laquito... east side of main street..( can't remember the name at the moment) called La Olla...... nothing really fancy, large inside, separate air conditioned room, and very good food! My fav when I visit Cartagena mostly because it is within walking distance. The restaurant mentioned above, near the marina is very expensive... causes much indigestion.

Terry2 comments on How about you deal with Colombia yourself? ;-)

Maybe not excactly along the same line but... on food.... eggs... in Canada, the eggs must be constantly refrigerated. All stores maintain this refrigeration as per Canada's food safety guidelines. In Colombia. I see even the major stores stock the eggs on ordinary shelves, no cooling at all. Even along the highway or at intersections, many people selling eggs in plastic bags... no idea how long these have been kept at ambient temperature. Can't help but wonder what the consequences of this are...given that Salmonella and eggs go hand in hand. In Barranquilla, in the Los Olivos neighborhood, the local meat store ( simply someones house) the meats were simply hanging from a tree out front, open to the insects and the road dust.Maybe the rest of the world is too germ conscious? Terry Terry

Terry2 comments on Christmas in Melgar

Aprendo un poco de español pero yo no sé lo suficiente como para salir yo de cárcel. Her family lives in the Los Olivos neighborhood of Barranquilla which is 'dirt poor''. I know I am supporting them indirectly so I am exercising my right as 'husband' to have some family time of my own without the agonizing reception line of all the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. It would perhaps be different if I could converse in their language, but to sit there with a stupid grin on my face pretending to be overjoyed is not in the cards for me.I moved my wife and stepdaughter to Bogota in order to get away from the brother and the constant ploys to get money from the 'girl with the gringo'. Brother with a gun, and an attitude, just pissed me off. I understand all the sentiments expressed here about 'family' and I agree in principle but this is also MY Christmas and I want to spend it with MY family. And... ujay..... sod off gave you away. You have to read the entire message........

Terry2 comments on Skiing in Chile

Look up Portillo Chile.... ski area near Santiago. Northern hemisphere national teams use this area for for training during the summer months.

Terry2 comments on

Great writeup Suerte Gringo... I can relate.... Most of what I have experienced is in the area of 'logical thinking' and I think this is the missing link in Colombian business....

Terry2 comments on

In 2006 I consulted with an immigration lawyer in Vancouver, a Catherine Sas, regarding my Colombiana and was told that unless she had very privleged work history for some period of time, with assurances from her employer that she was allowed a specific time off to visit Canada, a substantial bank account, a family that was solely dependant on her returning, and owned real property in Colombia....or on the other hand .. was a university student, studying a particular discipline with an invitation from a Canadian University she MAY be allowed a visitors visa good for up to 180 days..... but no longer. I was advised in my case that I had two choices.... go to Colombia and live common law for a year ( and document everything) or go to Colombia and marry her. Big choice... so I opted for door number 2. We only completed the nuptials last June so now we wait.... and wait... and we know how the Canadian government loves speed......

Terry2 comments on From Canada to Colombia, how can I get a sweet deal

So far, the best deals for me ( from YVR - Vancouver BC) have been Westjet to Fort Lauderdale and find a connecting flight from there. Mostly I use Avianca which requires that I take a van ride to Miami International. Also... sometimes, you can find a decent deal with Mexicana via Mexico City. If I don't use Expedia I will book myself.

Terry2 comments on Passport for a visit to Colombia

Apparently, some countries are requiring that your passport does not expire within a given number of months from your entrance date. Some countries have set a 6 month limit, others not so strict. I spoke with the Colombian consulate here in Canada last May and was advised that Colombia's policy was 1 1/2 months.... ie 90 days. Better to be safe than sorry. Terry2

Terry2 comments on

What do girls from Medellin put behind their ears to attract men? Their knees........hehehe

Terry2 comments on Citibank in Colombia is the worst

Same problem here with HSBC. It seems that their connection to any banks outside of Colombia is zilch! I have an ATM card and they just looked at it like it wasn't real. Had to go the 1 million peso advance on my Mastercard. .... a few times......

Terry2 comments on Rosario Islands

I think they are all about the same. You may have your choice of the smaller boats...nice bumpy ride for about 1 1/2 hours or the larger single vessel that is quite a bit slower but much smoother. ( also can be very crowded). The trip involves a stop at a beach bar/restaurant and a tour of the Marine park which can be interesting if you are so inclined. They will split groups that would prefer to go diving versus the marine park. The terminal is just before the entrance to to Centro and if you go... ask for Ingrid. She was an excellent tour guide and also spoke English! Terry2

Terry2 comments on Express Envelope from Colombia to the US (example)

Well this was for Northern BC in Canada.... not too bad! Tracking Look-up Results for POD Shipment # Piece # Date Time Status City 9053073912 9053073912 2008-07-25 07:58 Awaiting Consignee Collection PRINCE GEORGE, CA 2008-07-25 07:06 Arrived at DHL Facility PRINCE GEORGE, CA 2008-07-24 17:04 Arrived at DHL facility PRINCE GEORGE, CA 2008-07-24 14:22 Processed at Location VANCOUVER, CA 2008-07-24 14:22 Depart Facility VANCOUVER, CA 2008-07-24 10:33 Processed at Location VANCOUVER, CA 2008-07-24 07:53 Arrived at DHL Facility VANCOUVER, CA 2008-07-24 05:37 Depart Facility WILMINGTON HUB OH USA 2008-07-23 23:13 Arrived at DHL Facility WILMINGTON HUB OH USA 2008-07-23 20:39 Depart Facility MIAMI FL USA 2008-07-23 07:39 Arrived at DHL Facility MIAMI FL USA 2008-07-22 21:37 Depart Facility BOGOTA, CO 2008-07-22 18:30 Picked Up by DHL BOGOTA, CO Terry2

Terry2 comments on

Hey Aaron21... we had been there many times before and it had some special memories.... so that was where she wanted to go. We left her daughter in Barranquilla with her grandmother so it was on the way. I have no problems with Cartagena aside from the constant vendors on the beach so it could have been nice

Terry2 comments on

Thanks CanadaMan... it was a long haul... two years in fact but now its up to the Canadian government so now I'm really worried..... We met in Chile in June 2006 when I was working for ERCO installing the new chemical plant in Mininco. It has been a real nightmare in terms of gov't paperwork for both Chile and Colombia. She is a native Colombiana.... ""hey Elmo.... a Barranquillera and a Costena to boot"""" so give us a 'thumbs up'

Terry2 comments on

Lemme check on it...

Terry2 comments on

Gawd.... you can't be THAT slow can you? ...Anyway her name is Marlena and she is currently in Bogota and looking for a gringo. I have had to decline for obvious reasons but then again.... maybe down the road she might need some advice.........

Terry2 comments on

Forget it clyde.... that's my bonus

Terry2 comments on

Well.... it was a slow weekend in Bogota, nothing much happening so I decided to get married....... kinda extreme I know..... but what the hell. Gave me an excuse to go par....ah... honeymoon in Cartagena. However... no sun only clouds and stifling heat. Add to this the worst head/chest cold I have ever had...and you got it.... I'm back in Canada now and recuperating. This was one damn expensive holiday! Terry

Terry2 comments on

Geez... you're asking a lot of people you don't even know.....but...hey, this ultimately is YOUR decision. Remember.... its harder to hit a moving target.......

Terry2 comments on How do you deal with being apart from your Colombian/latina wife/husband/novia/novio ?

Comments were meant for you CanadaMan..... like I said....GOOD LUCK!

Terry2 comments on How do you deal with being apart from your Colombian/latina wife/husband/novia/novio ?

Man... you're wearing your heart on your sleeve.... get a grip! No matter how much you love this girl... you gotta go through the hoops for a LONG time before you are able to bring your novia home. In Canada.... ( unless she is independently wealthy or is following a specific university program and is invited by a Canadian University) you have two options. You either live common-law in Colombia for a period of one year ( keeping a detailed record of course) or you go there and marry her. After this.... expect an average of 8 months wait until she receives a visa, if of course the medicals , etc prove out. ( This btw comes from a very well known immigration lawyer, Catherine Sas and a good friend who went through the same process.) You really gotta be in there for the LONG haul and the costs associated... and I mean COSTS...... Good luck dude

Terry2 comments on Intal Driver License Colombia-USA

Colombia has drivers licenses? I thought all you needed was a horn!

Terry2 comments on salaries in colombia

Have you had a look at http://www.payscale.com/research/CO/Country=Colombia/Salary ??

Terry2 comments on Having good luck on the visa front with all sorts of visa,s

So... perserverance pays off! Good to hear. I'm glad that there is still some life in the Canadian Immigration Service..:)

Terry2 comments on what monthly rent can I expect to pay in Bogota?

My novia found an apartment...if you can call it that... basically one room with small kitchen, bathroom (separate) fully furnished in Quinta Parades for 1,100,000 pesos..... not cheap! The unfurnished rooms are much cheaper so if you can get by on some budget furniture, that would be the way to go. She moved from another small furnished apartment that was 1,600,000 / month. She has had some dificulty in finding suitable accommodations in a reasonable price range. I will be going down shortly and will have a look but I don't hold much hope. Terry

Terry2 comments on Need a little 'Bogota' help here.....please and thankyou!

Many many thanks all..... appreciate this! Terry

Terry2 comments on Solo in Cartagena 5-9 May

I think Chriscan might mean the Hotel Las Velas. It is the Dann Hotel in Laquito and is situated right on the beach. Very nice hotel and staff are great. Terry

Terry2 comments on Will Avianca actually get me there?

Use Avianca all the time. No problems but that dinner Monpirri is showing is for Executive class only!

Terry2 comments on

Hijinks...no pun intended... this is from a fellow canuck in BC... I know where you are coming from. My daughter worls for a 'call center' in Calgary and believe it or not..it is unionized. She is making 17.00 /hr ...in a call center! I have lost many metal trades journeyman to the tarsands projects but take solice in the fact that BC is also benefitting from the overflow work. The attitude in Alberta is that if you don't like the work you are doing.. quit and just walk down the street. What you are offering is a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to better their lot in a another country that offers unlimited opportunities. Sorry if I'm blowing the Canadian horn too loud but I don't think I'm alone in this. Good luck dude.. and I hope that we may meet someday. Terry

Terry2 comments on Political hypocrisy

Hey mike,,, you oughta know that all these 'gifts' have many strings attached, and they are all designed to protect your ass financially and politically. These are your elected representatives and given that they may seem off target at times, they are answerable to you... the voters. Look at the BIG picture..

Terry2 comments on Send money via Westernunion for hotel in BAQ or not? - URGENT !!!

If you have been in contact with the hotel and this is their instructions then maybe get this Marta's Colombian ID number for verification that she did receive the money. It might give you some....maybe only a little recourse if you get stiffed. I stay at the Dann Carlton often in Barranquilla and use my mastercard with no problems. Hope all works out for you! Terry

Terry2 comments on Inquiry about meeting my gf

Well... coming to Canada? Unless she has some kind of university degree program and an invite from a Canadian University.... her chances of coming here are slim to none. I have consulted a well known immigration lawyer and was told I either have to go to Colombia and live with her for a year ( and of course document everything to prove living common-law), or go to Colombia and marry her. This will also require an application for a visa that could take up to a year or more. Terry

Terry2 comments on QUESTION ABOUT CELL PHONES?!!

I have Rogers AT&T... and there is no problem until you get the bill! $3.50 per minute? Best you use email Terry

Terry2 comments on Decent apartment and locale needed for Bogota

Thanks guys... I didn't realize the differential from Barranquilla.. but now I do! Damn... this place is expensive. I know that given the safety factor and also the area...North... it would be more money but I had to choke a bit before I agreed. We have found a furnished apartment very near zona rosa with all services included for 1.7 million pesos....choke... choke.... but I can only take so much of her looking for suitable apartments. This place does not require a bunch of documents and sureties with 2 months in advance and a damage deposit of 800k pesos.I also understand that school for her 11 yr old daughter runs about 650k per month. ..Gawd......I can see the poorhouse from here! I told her to go for it. Now all I have to do is sell my soul.......... Thanks for all your comments... Terry

Terry2 comments on Decent apartment and locale needed for Bogota

Thanks all! My fiance will be goiing there next week so she can have a look around. I am in Canada so it is difficult for me to help her at this time because I'm just back from Colombia Dec 19th. Someone told her about an apartment in Las Americas... and they said it was very safe as this is the area most of the police live in. Yeah, yeah.... that in itself makes that area even worse. Thanks again for your help. LilaM... I will have a look at that website but I think she will probably do better by being there and having a look for herself. We are awaiting some papers from Chile and then we will be married, then I get to apply to bring her to Canada. Later group Terry

Terry2 comments on The making of a Colombian USA raised modefoque

Shit Elmo... I was an old drunk in Barranquilla last week.... so I got ya beat!

Terry2 comments on recommend good family doctor in barranquilla

Hiya Jinksmiester.... I have a fiance in Barranquilla with an 11 yr old daughter and of course all the medical histories that follow. I will ask her what she thinks and advise. I don't think you would have any trouble as medical services are readily available albeit the 'waiting' room is a killer! This is also a 'hiya' from a fellow Canuck in PG BC

Terry2 comments on

Ah... welcome Lillibeth....you are doing very well with the Ingles, congratulacions! If you would like... I can send you Suite premier from this website: http://www.wordmagicsoft.com/products.shtml Practica, practica, and practica mas By the way, I am trying to learn espanol so good luck!

Terry2 comments on Tom Power's Top Cartagena Music

Hiya Tom Just back from 2 weeks in Cartagena with Kathy and Stephanie and enjoyed it thoroughly! I'm sorry I can't comment on your list of artists but Kathy met an old friend (female) and the two of them spent the night yakking and listening to something that emphasized the accordion. If I ever hear that noise again I think I'll lose it! It started to sound like bagpipes! Anyhow... Sept 10 Decree Absolute.... Oct whatever for the Marriage....if I can impose once again to get the translation done by the Consul I would appreciate it. I will research these artists and get back to you. Currently, I favour Yuridia, a Mexican girl singing rehashed American songs. Just enjoy her voice and the fact that the songs are slow enough to attempt my slow form of translation. Thanks for all your help Terry

Terry2 comments on Help with homecentre

Yes....he did But if you would notice the URL given in the first post...it has the suffix .cl that is Chile. I was not aware he thought he was looking at the Sodimac in Colombia. Ah well..... :)

Terry2 comments on Help with homecentre

Check your currency calculator... 144,990.00 CLP = 274.498 USD

Terry2 comments on Recommend English/Spanish Software or Online Program....

Learning Spanish Have a look here: http://www.loquella.com/learn-spanish/

I also have Rosetta Stone on disk...

Terry2 comments on Calling experts on Colombian building

Ah.... Thanks for the info mecca...for some reason I thought that cable stays were embedded into the concrete floors and tensioned afterwards.

Only experienced one cable tensioning incident in Vancouver BC Canada where the cable ripped up the concrete and shut down power for an entire block of office buildings.

Thanks again
Terry2

Terry2 comments on Calling experts on Colombian building

Torre La Escollera Took a couple of pictures of that 'tallest' building on my last two trips and being a steel construction supt, I was rather amazed at the lack of bracing, vertical or horizontal... or even pan. I never once saw any activity that could be construed as providing moment connections. I'm not an engineer but I had to wonder.... I hope all the Colombian buildings are not designed in a similar fashion.

I would like to eventually purchase an apartment in or near Cartagena and hope I can depend on a reasonable building code!



Terry2