thur has left 346 comments

thur comments on I just can't beleive how cheap are plane tickets are in Colombia

tasco66: Thanks for the explanation. I have indeed seen that fare on occasion (for a one-way though). Greetings,

thur comments on Iberia Strikes

Pay deal leads union to call off Iberia strike action Spain's Iberia has agreed a deal to merge with British Airways Unions representing staff at Spanish airline Iberia have called off planned strike action after a preliminary agreement with management. On Thursday, Iberia said it had agreed an average 4% pay rise for cabin crew. The crew had planned strikes for 30 November to 2 December, and 14 December to 18 December, over the airline's plans for a hiring and wage freeze... See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8370423.stm It is resolved :-) Greetings,

thur comments on SMS from Europe Germany

I can't tell you how the situation is in Germany, but from The Netherlands it's not possible. No telecom operator I know of allows SMS to Comcel (and at least two that I know of don't allow sending SMS to Colombia at all). However, it is possible to send to Movistar and Tigo. And in case you're thinking about using the SMS service of Skype: the messages I sent from Skype didn't arrive at any Comcel mobile number either (no problem to Movistar and Tigo though). Greetings,

thur comments on Realistic Budget?

For a Colombian it would be just about enough, having cheap housing, sharing and buying groceries at farmer's markets. Being a foreigner the big chunk will be the cost of housing, as you will tend to go for safer, more expensive areas and perhaps go out more (to eat and to drink). Doable? Yes. Probable? No. Greetings,

thur comments on Bull fighting in Colombia?

It's culture, it's tradition, it shows the true nature of man... right? Wonderful to see an exhausted bull being tortured to death for 15-20 minutes, that's what being a human being is all about. Yuck. Greetings,

thur comments on More military comming to Colombia...Curfew needed

Please note that it's not stated that more military personnel will be deployed in Colombia. The agreement has mostly to do with granting unrestricted access and use of military bases of Colombia, as well as use of civilian airports, waterways and air space, to conduct (joint) operations both parties agree upon. The agreement tends towards unrestricted access and more cooperation/ training. Now, this probably will mean more military personnel... however, it is not expected to be something major (let alone, double or triple the already significant presence of American military personell and advisors in Colombia). Greetings,

thur comments on I just can't beleive how cheap are plane tickets are in Colombia

I find airplane tickets in Colombia rather expensive, unless there's a special promotion. I've never paid less than COP 98.000 for a one-way ticket Bogotá - Popayán... and only because there was a special promotion on Avianca _and_ Aires at the time. So, excuse my doubts, how on earth did you pay COP 12.000 for a return ticket between those two cities? Greetings,

thur comments on La Posada del Rancho in Popayan

Hotel Dann Monasterio is quite expensive. I've heard and read good things about Hostaltrail. It's a guesthouse in the centre of Popayán, run by a Scottish couple. They have bunkbeds in a dorm, private rooms with shared bathroom and private rooms with private bathroom. Their site is: www.hosteltrailpopayan.com Greetings,

thur comments on Popoyan to Cali And Vice Versa.....

Oh please... isn't that just a tad paranoid? Perhaps she just really really really only wants to travel by plane. Greetings,

thur comments on Popoyan to Cali And Vice Versa.....

You should have no problems whatsoever. Expreso Palmira for example has a bus travelling between Cali and Popayán every 12 minutes between 04.00h and 19.00h for only 12.000 COP. Greetings,

thur comments on Can I bring Meat (tender steaks) or Cheese from the US to Colombia.

No, you may not, or yes, you may. It depends whether it's raw or... cooked/ treated and properly packed (i.e. original packaging like vacuum-packed and sealed). The same goes for cheese. For the exact rules regarding your personal luggage, check out 'Circular Externa, no. 004', published on the 11th of January 2006 by the Colombian Ministry for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and its source 'Resolución 3865', published on the 20th of December 2005 by the ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario). These PDF-files can be found online (by using Google). Both documents are in Spanish. Greetings,

thur comments on Transferring from Continental to Avianca in Bogota

"Yes BOG has domestic and International terminals, but its still ONE building" Actually, it is not... all domestic Avianca flights leave from another building, known as "El Puente Aereo". That's why the other poster is mentioning the shuttle bus. My guess is, that it won't be possible, unless all the luck in the world is on your side: arriving early, hardly any taxi time, first one off the plane, going through immigration in 3 minutes, getting help from Avianca personnel and hopping on the waiting shuttle bus. Even if all that goes well, your luggage might not be that lucky. Good luck though. Greetings,

thur comments on I am ashamed to have a French passport (this is Colombia related)

Unfortunately there are many fake marriages (in order to obtain residency in the European Union), that it's very common for governments to act against them. Not only France has this kind of rules. For example, A Dutch national may -of course- marry a foreigner, but it doesn't give the Dutch government the obligation to allow that person to create/ have a family on its territory. And even if the residency permit has been given (after paying a high fee, doing a language exam, meeting the income requirements and some other things), the police might check whether or not you're actually living together and running a real household together in the following yearS. If not, the residency permit can be revoked. France, Denmark, The Netherlands and so on are therefor no exception. The denial of a Schengen tourist visa is based on different things... it's not that you have the _right_ to get the visa if you meet the requirements, it's just one hurdle. Even if one does meet the requirements, they might still deny the visa, based upon the suspicion that the person applying for it might overstay or use it for something else (i.e. non-tourist activity). You may thank other Colombian nationals for that, those who overstayed, those who decided to reside illegaly, those who asked residency with a tourist visa and those who on transit asked for asylum. That's why Colombian nationals now even need a seperate transit visa for the UK and the Schengen countries. Yes, it sucks having a Colombian passport. On a side note: having the Schengen tourist visa, doesn't _guarantee_ entry to the Schengen states. It just shows that at the time of application the entry requirements were met. Upon entering one might still be asked to proof that the entry requirements are being met and the purpose for stay hasn't changed... if not or when doubt exists entry may be denied by the officer at passport control. Good luck. Greetings,

thur comments on Time Out Bogota

I'm not exactly sure what a 'Time Out Guide' is, but I'm assuming you're looking for something like the booklet known as 'Plan B Bogotá'. It has articles, coupons and telling you what the upcoming events are for a month. It comes out every month and costs about 3000 COP (see also: www.planb.com.co ). There's something similar, also a booklet which is called 'GO Guia Del Ocio' and costs about 2000 COP (see also: www.goguiadelocio.com.co ). At the tourist office near Plaza de Bolivar they also have a thinner magazine, every month or every two months... but I don't recall the name. And online, of course, you could check out: http://bogota.vive.in/bogota/ Were you referring to this? Greetings,

thur comments on Olimpica Estereo

It links to this source: www.escuchemos.com Greetings,

thur comments on Is the Arepa actually Venezuelan?

Yes... well, its origin. One can also say -without going into the ridiculous national boundries and differences between the two countries- it is typical of the Andes and its surroundings. It was actually also mentioned in a thread here on this page in 2005. At the time there was an article in 'El Tiempo' about the national symbols of Colombia. I can't find a direct URL to the article, but you can also find it quoted in this thread: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/made-in-colombia-algunos-smbolos-nacionales-no-son-tan-colombianos-como-se-cree/ and/or: http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/pdf/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.colombia/2005-08/msg00334.pdf Greetings,

thur comments on an open letter for DWMTE

Very nice you appreciate the help given to you, nice post... except for one sentence: "For most ,you know nothing ,you do nothing ,you are no help what so ever.". Greetings,

thur comments on La Linea Travel

Oh, never mind. The alternative via Manizales seems to be having its share of problems as well, according to El Espectador today: "... En las últimas horas se registraron varios derrumbes en el sector de La Línea, que mantiene incomunicada al Eje Cafetero con Bogotá, ahora se le suma la vía Manizales Bogotá. Las fuertes lluvias que han caído en esta zona del país ocasionaron 5 derrumbes que impiden el paso de todo tipo de vehículos por el sector de Sabinas, las Margaritas y Padua ...". Well, good luck then ;-) Greetings,

thur comments on La Linea Travel

El Tiempo today (Sunday 21st) says the road is partially blocked and only one lane is open for both directions: "... Derrumbes mantienen restringido el paso por la vía a La Línea Largas filas de vehículos permanecen entre los sectores de Cajamarca (Tolima) y Calarcá (Quindío), debido a que la vía tiene tránsito restringido a un solo carril ...". Due to the bad weather and new landslides which have occured, it probably won't be resolved this weekend. No idea how bad the situation will be on Tuesday, the other option would be going via Manizales, I think... See: http://tinyurl.com/7qlmum You might check out the site of Invias as well, but I can't seem to find the above emergency on that site: http://www.invias.gov.co Greetings,

thur comments on Are Comcel SIM cards "forever"?

A Comcel SIM card I hadn't used in 13 months was cancelled and they said it couldn't be reactivated because over a year had passed. I had to buy a new one (well, my aunt did with her 'cédula' and fingerprints). That Comcel SIM card I haven't used in 8 months I could charge again last week and works fine. According to the last digit of your mobile number, on certain days the credit you buy is doubled in minutes. Which numbers on which days can be found in several newspapers (it's called Día Pico y Placa de Comcel). Greetings,

thur comments on CONCIERTO JUANES MEDELLIN

Estás seguro de la fecha? Cómo va a ser el 10 de diciembre, si el 10 debería de estar en Bogotá? Enlace: http://bogota.vive.in/juanes/ 'El Colombiano' de ayer dice además: "... luego el viernes 19 con motivo del concierto de Juanes ...". 'El Tiempo' de antier dice: "... a partir del próximo 5 de diciembre se comenzarán a repartir las 100.000 boletas para el concierto gratuito de Juanes, el próximo 19 de diciembre en Medellín ..." (enlace: http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-3211823 ). Un saludo, Greetings,

thur comments on Wanted! - Internet Radio URLS

Although I actually prefer direct URLs to be able to add them to my favourites, most stations will try anything to hide them. Many radio stations from Colombia are available on the following website: http://www.escuchemos.com/ Greetings,

thur comments on Dual Citizenship Question

Big mistake indeed to wait ten months before thinking about it. You entered as an American, that's how you're registered in the DAS computer, hence you should leave as an American. The time between this contraseña and the real cédula por primera vez can be up to 18 months... at best. Without a cédula, no passport. Your contraseña can't even be "certified", because it's your "primera vez". Take Gator's advice, go see the DAS office and get your status (as the American you are when you entered) in order. My guess is you'll probably need to pay the price of extensions and a fine. Greetings,

thur comments on what is the cheapest way to travel?

johnny2008: Actually yes they do, sloopskipper is right. Colombians are not allowed to transit in the UK without a transit visa. Even if they remain airside and stay within the same terminal for a few hours. Colombia is listed as a country whose nationals need a so-called "Direct Airside Transit Visa". More information: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals The same goes for Colombians who need to transit in a Schengen country (most of Europe). They need to apply for a seperate transit visa, even if they stay airside and/or within the same terminal for a few hours. More information: http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/requirements-exemptions.html Same story for the United States, as sloopskipper already mentioned. There are exceptions if you already have one visa or another (Schengen vs. US vs. UK), it depends... But in this case, a Colombian with no other visas travelling from Colombia to India needs a tourist visa for India _and_ a transitvisa for his transitpoint(s) - i.e. Paris or New York or London. Greetings,

thur comments on what is the cheapest way to travel?

Define "cheap" :-) I can see for the end of this month Bogotá > New York (EWR/JFK) > Mumbai for 1250-1400 EUR with Continental or Avianca/Delta. Which I'd call "cheap", 'cause it's about the same price as going from Amsterdam to Bogotá in _high_ season (like: December). Also Bogotá > Paris > Mumbai for up to 1500 EUR. Either way, Colombians need a transitvisa for the United States and Europe as well. Another hurdle to be taken. There's no "cheap airline" as it depends on the dates and the availability. Best is to browse around on various sites, play with dates and even ask for advice in a real travel agency in Barranquilla after doing some own research. I would advise against (our dear moderator) Peter's suggestion of buying a combination of seperate (cheap) tickets, with all due respect. One lost connection on ticket #1 would leave the passenger without any rights with regard to ticket #2, the luggage won't be checked through all the way (which means: immigration, pick up luggage, security, getting in line to check in again, security and emigration) and there's still the visa hurdle to add to that... non-transit in that case. Good luck. Greetings,

thur comments on FESTIVAL DE VERANO 2008 - PLAZA DE TORO LA SANTAMARIA - BOGOTA COLOMBIA

You wrote: "... So, if you are working for Peta or some non profit, that doesn’t endorse this type of activity. I am sorry..." My response would be; you don't even have to be a animal rights fanatic, vegetarian or a vegan to be against torture. Just being a plain and simple, civilised human ought to be enough. So, a big 'nono' for you (and the others of course as well) in my book. I am sorry... Greetings,

thur comments on 'July 20th in Bogota.... a moving experience' by Brian Andrews

Some how I wouldn't have expected someone still writing things as "buenas dias", "colombia yo soy" and "pan des bono" (or "anthumn" for that matter). Oh well, never mind me... July 20th is a nice experience though :-) Greetings,

thur comments on new to Bogota, trying to visit to CCS

Unfortunately the minimum fare between BOG and CCS is established at 199 USD round trip excluding taxes and surcharges and that's exactly what you're getting. Avianca and Copa/Aerorepública both offer tickets at that price: 199 (ticket price) 241 (taxes and surcharges) = 440 USD, you can check it out on their individual websites (as you already did) or www.despegar.com.co for both. Expensive? Yes... Greetings,

thur comments on Where's the best country for a Schengen visa?

There is no best country, as all countries apply the same rules. You should apply to the Embassy of the country which is your main destination, or... if travelling through several or the exact amount of days for each country isn't fixed, you should apply to the Embassy of your first point of entry (where you enter the Schengen states). Greetings,

thur comments on ROBBED AT KNIFE POINT IN BOGOTA! THIS COUNTRY IS DANGEROUS!!

Unfortunate incident. You shouldn't, however, generalise the country or the city... or its people as a matter of fact based on such an event. Robbers are everywhere and it could have happened anywhere. It's a question of being at the wrong place at the wrong time and with the unlucky addition of having these three individuals near as well. At what time and -more importantly- where did this happen? Bogotá has many streets/areas where one must always be vigilant, especially after sunset. Good luck and thanks for sharing (please try not to generalise next time). [edit: if there is such a next time of course, oops!] Greetings,

thur comments on Tu and Usted in Bogota

I'd definitely go with CG's answer. Among good friends, after the 'Tu' they might use the 'Usted' again. However, that's not because they started to be formal again... Greetings,

thur comments on Avianca Airbus319

No PTVs. Greetings,

thur comments on safety of pan american highway from Cali to Pasto

I second Gator's suggestion. From what I've heard Cali to Popayán seems okay, however the advice was "preferably daytime"... but going further down the advice was "daytime only" by friends and family. Greetings,

thur comments on parents coming to Bogota

Dwr makes excellent suggestions. My two cents: A walk on Carrera 7 (and eat a pie at La Cometa), Plaza de Bolivar and surroundings, Candelaria neighbourhoud, Gold Museum (cheap), Botero Collection (free), National Museum (cheap), a Monserrate visit (I wouldn't go to that restaurant though, it's quite expensive and there are several foodstands up there as well where they sell souvenirs), the Botanic Garden, a panoramic view from Monserrate/ Colpatria/ Mirador de la Calera, etc. A daytrip to Zipaquira seems cool, along the way eat a thick arepa with cheese, meat at Andrés or El Humero or El Tizón and don't forget to sweeten your trip (Endulce Tu Paseo) with merengon, quajada (with arequipe or mora) or something like that. If you have time, a stop at any village (Cajicá, Sopó, Tabio, Chía, Cota) for a quick bite on the main square (to get that authentic village feeling). The neighbourhood of Usaquén (Bogotá) has nice restaurants as well, or restaurant La Jugetería in La Macarena (another neighbourhood of Bogotá). Don't forget the empanadas (paisas which I find better, but that's personal), chicharrón, morcilla, papas criollas, longaniza just to get up the cholesterol level and a freshly made juice (guanabana, mora, maracuya or any other fruit) to compensate that. Hmm, there seems to be a lot of eating in my suggestions :-) Greetings,

thur comments on German lessons in Carta, Barraq, Sta. Marta?

Universidad del Norte (Barranquilla) offers courses on several languages, among those 'German' as well: http://www.uninorte.edu.co/extensiones/idiomas/secciones.asp?ID=24 Greetings,

thur comments on 12 killed in MDE a couple of days ago?

It probably was on the local news... today an article in Semana Magazine talks about 12 murders in two days last week. It still comes off as fearmongering talk about the return of so-called bad times: ".. ¿Vuelve la horrible noche? Los recientes asesinatos hacen temer que se acabe la paz relativa que había logrado Medellín (...) Entre el lunes y martes hubo 15 asesinatos, la mayoría ocurridos en los municipios del área metropolitana, una cifra que no se veía desde hace un lustro .." The complete article (in Spanish) is on the website of Semana Magazine, see: http://www.semana.com/wf_InfoArticulo.aspx?idArt=112678 Greetings,

thur comments on HOLA ALL

There will always be someone who'll say he/she stayed at place X or Y and nothing happened... Let's just say that a general rule it's not the nicest part of town. Although the main street is ok, it's way more problematic if you go into the actual neighbourhood (being "Patio Bonito" in this case). You're safer taking one of those bicitaxis then wandering around alone on a Sunday when the streets are more deserted. We used those to go to San Andresito on a Sunday from AC13. Greetings,

thur comments on

My vote would go to Bogotá, period. Greetings,

thur comments on Going to Ecuador from LAX have layover in Bogata what should i know for customs/declaration process?

As viajero123 said, seeing as you won't even enter Colombia... the paperwork (in both Spanish and English) isn't necessary for you. When disembarking and entering the main corridor to passport control there's a sideway to the right for international connections, there you go upstairs where the international concourse is. You'll probably won't be the only one, it seems a piece of cake and 1h40m should be plenty. It's always good to check with the check-in staff and/or the cabin crew and/or ground staff. Greetings,

thur comments on Buses or Taxi from Cartagena to Coveñas and back

We used "Transportes González" from Cartagena to Montería. The minivan took us by Tolú and Coveñas, beautiful sight and it was very tempting to get out at that moment... anyway, we didn't, but were pleased with the air conditioned comfortable minivan. I looked them up on www.paginasamarillas.com.co TRANSPORTES GONZáLEZ Pozón Terminal de Transportes Taquilla 43 Colombia - Bolívar, Cartagena Teléfonos : (57) (5) 6530269 Perhaps it's helpful. Greetings,

thur comments on HOLA ALL

Carrera 92 # 42 Sur is near the neighbourhood "Patio Bonito" in Bogotá. It's with "Sur" (South) added and as long as I'm adding... "Patio Bonito" itself is not particularly a neighbourhood one should be. You can enter "kr 92 #42 sur" for the city of Bogotá on: www.mapas.com.co Greetings,

thur comments on colombian history

My two cents: * Palacios, M. & Safford, F., 2002, Colombia. Fragmented Land, Divided Society, Oxford University Press, New York. * Bushnell, D., 1993, The Making of Modern Colombia: A Nation in Spite of Itself, University of California Press, Los Angeles. Greetings,

thur comments on

Of course the extension needs to be paid, it's about 65.000 COP. There are some experiences with the DAS in Bogotá posted in another thread, that might be worth reading: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/visa-extension-question-finally-cleared-upbogota-das/ It's advisable to find out the most recent requirements (they tend to differ from city to city) by calling the DAS or make a short visit beforehand to get all the appropiate requirements to be on the safe side and not waste any time on the actual day of the extension. Greetings,

thur comments on Con Piedad Córdoba, Wilson Borja y Alvaro Leyva, entre otros, se abre proceso por 'farcpolítica'

Although one might think of their positions as "suspicious" or "troubling", personally I find the term "farcpolítica" suspicious in itself. It really comes off as a wayyy too obvious counter attack to balance the "parapolítica" atmosphere and therefore I worry about the alterior political motive. The initiation of these investigations was probably also pressured by time to act, following the capture of Raúl Reyes` laptops. We'll see how this will work out... Greetings,

thur comments on Colombia Vive - 25 Anos De Resistencia DVD

I only saw two parts of it, at the time, on the Semana website. I saw the DVD on sale everywhere in Bogotá (pirated copies) and even at Blockbuster for 35.000 COP (or 39.000 COP, I don't recall). The opinions about the documentary are overall pretty positive with the exception of the last chapter which seems to have been made in a hurry or as a "we need a happy ending" closure. Interesting though, I'd certainly recommend it for anyone with an interest in Colombia and its history. Greetings,

thur comments on Ayuda con Bogota, que esperar?

En Transmilenio ha cambiado la cara de la ciudad, la Av. Caracas y otra avenidas estarán totalmente irreconocibles. Igual con el centro como dijeron arriba: Av. Jimenez, Las Aguas, los andenes de las carreras (11, 13, 15), las ciclovías, la uribanización a ambos lados de la Calle 26, Calle 116, Carrera 7, Cuidad Salitre, los centros comerciales inmensos (Gran Estación, Santafé, San Martín, Hayuelos y más). En general hay mucho más órden, mejor señalización, más seguridad, más urbanización... etc. Un saludo,

thur comments on Why is Avianca so confusing?

I don't see what's so confusing about clicking: Viaje Con Nosotros > Equipaje > Equipaje Libre Permitido (on the left). There is a long list, differentiated by destination and class. Same on the English language version: Fly With Us > Baggage > Free Baggage Allowance. Tada! Greetings,

thur comments on

A few days before the 60 days are up, you extend your stay at the DAS. You might want to read this link: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/visa-extension-question-finally-cleared-upbogota-das/ Greetings,

thur comments on Other than avianco any other airlines from BAQ to San Andres?

It might very well be cheaper to buy a package which includes hotel accomodation, (some) meals and the flight. Walk into any travel agency and inquire what offers are on sale. Aerorepública and Avianca (with an 'a') have different deals and you might want to check out the website of Avianca too. Greetings,

thur comments on bus transportation 2 venezuala or brazil

Bogotá to Medellín by bus doesn't take 24 hours, jeez. Expreso Brasilia seems to be the only one offering services from Caracas, but to Cartagena. The other option would be, as said, from Bogotá to Cúcuta which is right on the border (the buscompany Berlinas would be a good choice for that). From there the border and San Cristobal are walkable. Oh, and it's Venezuela. No bus to Brazil, you'd have to fly from Bogotá to Leticia and from there the border with Brazil is walkable. Greetings,