tlextoo has left 44 comments

tlextoo comments on How do Colombians make money?

I'll show my usual ignorance...if you can't afford a washing machine, and can't rent one, I am going to assume there isn't a coin-op laundry facility anywhere near. So the option is washing laundry by hand?

tlextoo comments on What happened to Art Brode.

Same here...emailed him to check on Cali rentals, last week....no response

tlextoo comments on

What I mean is....the law(s) themselves are a sad commentary that there may a perception in the world, justified or not, that Americans are a fine lot of buggerers and child molesters. Personally, and I have said this before here, if I am in another country, I am an ambassador for my country and its people. There are, I believe, more kind, caring and humane people in the USA than is generally perceived, thanks to the actions of a few miscreants. And I do admit ignorance if it is a US Law that US Citizens cannot have consensual sex with under 18, but I would expect that it is. Hard to imagine to other n-number of countries agreeing to the age limit.....

tlextoo comments on

"a US citizen is committing a crime if they have sex with anybody under 18, regardless of what country they are in and that countries laws" "it is illegal for a US citizen to have sex with anyone under 18 in Colombia even though the majority of States have an age of consent lower than 18" I'm thinking this is a sad commentary on the perceptions we have created.

tlextoo comments on bradk

I'll send this direct cause I really don't like all the wise-ass comments about how stupid WE are for doing such things. I am fully aware of the possible pitfalls of sending money to a female in another country, and am adult enough to decide it's my money. I use moneygram also, $10 flat fee and it is almost instantaneous. Have looked at other ways but in the end I think it likely as expensive, ATM end up costing her money, and this is convenient for both of us as I can do it from my desk at work or home.

tlextoo comments on englishman

No I am in the states. I have gotten enough information that lets me know by the time she can be evicted, she can find a noew place to live. I understand that the eviction process can talk up to a couple of years. So I think she will be fine. Thanks.

tlextoo comments on Tenants rights attorney in Medellin

Same here, moved to another state and kept a house in Texas, rented it, then they left a $5,000 cleanup mess, then threatened to sue if I didn't give them their deposit. End of story, end of career in real estate rental.

tlextoo comments on Tenants rights attorney in Medellin

Frank...but I assume if you were the tenant, residential or commercial, and you were paying the rent and services on time, you would expect to have more than what amounts to a week's notice to vacate your space? That is what we are talking about here, not someone who is 'squatting'.

tlextoo comments on Tenants rights attorney in Medellin

Man, good stuff here. It seems that EVEN IF, the insolvency of the guarantor constitutes a default, though non-monetary, the tenant has to be given three months notice of termination, not a few days. I had a gut feel that even in Colombia as one of the writers above noted, there has to be some sense of equity. This information might be enough for her to put the duena at bay and work out a deal to leave at the end of the end of the lease term which apparently was automatically renewed. I think the lady probably thought she wouldn't put up a fight and just leave. Thanks again.

tlextoo comments on Tenants rights attorney in Medellin

Thanks gentlemen for the input. Do you have a link for the code?

tlextoo comments on Tenants rights attorney in Medellin

Actually I did that after searching the threads and he is going to look at it tomorrow. Not actually for me but for a friend who is not that knowledgable about such things, has been paying her rent timely after the six-month lease expired in 9/06 and now the duena comes and says she has to leave this month. Reason she gives is that the guarantor on the lease is no longer financially solvent. She is willing to move but not in that type of rush.

tlextoo comments on Cali2005

I am using direct mails to find a tenants rights attorney in Medellin. I have an amiga there that seems to be losing her lease and she isn't exactly business savvy. Maybe you ahve dealt with a real bad-ass on the other side of the table. Appreciate any help. Might be in the market for a rental later in the year, Never been to Colombia but have good friends here (Dallas) that are from Cali, and now this paisa. Thanks.

tlextoo comments on englishman

Since you are in the rental business, do you have an attorney reference in Medellin? I need someone who represents tenants more than landlords. I have a friend that appears to be getting hosed and losing her lease. Appreciate any help....she may be a future student in english212. Have looked at your site.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Love that ignore option. It's just like the person never fookin existed in my world.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

yepppp and occasionally you catch an a**hole on the line. that is never more evident than is this case. this is like one dysfunctional family.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Well, arthur, your communication skills leave a little to the imagination, so don't get too frothy here. Quote: it would have cost you $30(that includes tax)

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Just to be clear, the $30 includes the impuestos that I keep reading about? Or is that 28% incorrect? I valued the contents at $200, admittedly hedging a bit. I also used servi because there is an office like a block away from her apt in belen but when she wasn't there at delivery time it went to poblado. Lesson learned but ill get over it. The package arrived, but good to know for next time.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Just to be clear, the $30 includes the impuestos that I keep reading about? Or is that 28% incorrect? I valued the contents at $200, admittedly hedging a bit. I also used servi because there is an office like a block away from her apt in belen but when she wasn't there at delivery time it went to poblado. Lesson learned but ill get over it. The package arrived, but good to know for next time.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Just to be clear, the $30 includes the impuestos that I keep reading about? Or is that 28% incorrect? I valued the contents at $200, admittedly hedging a bit. I also used servi because there is an office like a block away from her apt in belen but when she wasn't there at delivery time it went to poblado. Lesson learned but ill get over it. The package arrived, but good to know for next time.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Just to be clear, the $30 includes the impuestos that I keep reading about? Or is that 28% incorrect? I valued the contents at $200, admittedly hedging a bit. I also used servi because there is an office like a block away from her apt in belen but when she wasn't there at delivery time it went to poblado. Lesson learned but ill get over it. The package arrived, but good to know for next time.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Just to be clear, the $30 includes the impuestos that I keep reading about? Or is that 28% incorrect? I valued the contents at $200, admittedly hedging a bit. I also used servi because there is an office like a block away from her apt in belen but when she wasn't there at delivery time it went to poblado. Lesson learned but ill get over it. The package arrived, but good to know for next time.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

yes,one more question since you have your guitar handy.will you do "Eruption"by Eddie Van Halen? So flattered you took time to look at my picture. And a bit nervous too.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Well, lets see, it was normally about a $4 fare to points further, which at the time, I was using 10 to 1 in my calculation, so it would have been about 40 pesos. He hit me up for 100 pesos, and I realized I was getting *fooked, so the fact that he had to go out of his way a bit to exchange my $10 for his 100 pesos, nope, didn't fooking concern me at all. Any other questions?

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

poco says on Friday April 11th, 2008 11:38: Quote: I think I am wasting my keystrokes here except for a few that actually get my point. Cheer up, you are lucky anyone got your point. -------------------------------------- I'm not sure if that is a commentary on the author, the readers, or both....:)

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Actually. I know this may bring down the rain of 'oh, you haven't been yet so you are mere pond scum' but truth is, I have not, and when I do it will not be to go generally to 'chicas'. I love the latin culture and am intelligent enough when I visit another country, to be a good ambassador for the US. When I go to Mexico to visit the family of my wife, I do my best to get my point across, as I do here in Dallas when I go to taquerias o carnecerias, or when I am with my buen amigos caleñas that live here. We muddle through and we make it. I had no problem telling the one taxi driver in San Luis Potosi late one night that he could either take my $10 US that he was turning up his nose at, or he could give me the ride gratis (and no, I don't expect all countries to accept my (formerly) precious US dolIars rather than their currency, I just happended to have only one $10 bill) However, I have dealt directly with two companies directly, one in Bogota and one in Medellin, when I was trying to have something delivered, I never left a call knowing that they knew and understood what I wanted. Talking about tacos and talking about more valuable items are....I don't need to state the obvious. More than the language issue with the guy I used was the rapport that I had, so I felt like he actually gave a that my package got there.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

oh miamimike......hello, wake up and smell the dissatisfied customer here, plus the lack of english speakers, and my frustration and general distrust of anyone who WON'T ANSWER A FREAKING PHONE...http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/sending-to-colombia--other-than-servientrega/ so...you take your $15-$25 and deduct from the $45 I paid, and you have the amount I paid for the guy who always answered the phone and did follow up with me when problems arose.....the taxes are a push since he didn't tell me how much to value the contents at, and I made the decision on the insurance....and I sent it DHL for $18, again...my decision. I think I am wasting my keystrokes here except for a few that actually get my point.

tlextoo comments on Servientrega update

Wasn't seeking opinions but giving information for anyone who might want to use the same guy, and I did put in the caveat of yes, I know I likely got hosed on the price. My point was, I wanted it to get there, it got there in relatively short order. I did not have to pay $115 or whatever to Fedex and THEN have them hit her up for taxes on the other end. I tried calling Miami, and they did not answer the phone. If someone wants to use someone who is responsive and helpful, they can use him....... if not, try another way. there are many posts here about using different services, some on the cheaper side, and they end up dissatisfied. And, included in the $111 was the $45 Austin to Medellin charge, $56 tax I imputed, and $10 insurance, which he told me was unnecessary cause It would not be lost, but I did it anyway. No home delivery fee. When I tracked the package and the Estado era Entrega Verificada and she had not received anything, I called him, he called Colombia to check on it. Turns out they had tried to deliver and she was not home, and later left a message for her. So, as I stated, maybe I got hosed for $25-$30, but it was worth it to me to pick up the phone and have an advocate on my end.

tlextoo comments on Wishin Y Yandel en Colombia

Mitch.......mi amiga en Medellin me ha dicho que estaran en Medellin el 24 de abril.

tlextoo comments on PBH Frequently asked questions..........

Why are there so many d***heads on PBH?

tlextoo comments on American Taxes in Colombia

Read disclaimer above and add to it, I never was a tax practitioner. When I get a chance I will do some research or check out the irs website which MAY give some guidance. If you are using your house in Florida for business and taking a business rental deduction, that is a different kettle of fish, as you likely know. I honestly don't know if Colombia works or not. I'm just using a touch of knowledge as to why tax laws are created. You might actually call the IRS, since it is a freebie, though your time waiting and listening to the same recording over and over telling you to hold, might not be time effective. I have generally found them to be pleasant and helpful. At least that would give you the 'official' answer.....maybe.

tlextoo comments on American Taxes in Colombia

I was educated in accounting and passed the CPA exam years ago and have not practiced as such for years so do not take this as more than insight. The tax laws related to mortgage interest and property taxes were written and are preserved to principally a) support the housing lobby and b) continue the myth of the American Dream. I am guessing that interest and taxes on a house on Colombia don't qualify....like I said, just insight and not a professional opinion. Same with the taxes on a car.

tlextoo comments on Sending to Colombia- Other than Servientrega?

miamimike - you have the contact info for your man in Miami?

tlextoo comments on Sending to Colombia- Other than Servientrega?

Timely post....was getting ready to send a package to Miami. I was able to speak sufficeint spanish to get the gentleman to at least agree with me, or maybe he was simply agreeing with me as I parroted what I had read of the procedure here on PBH. Interesting to note that the Servientrega agent in Austin said it was eight days to Medellin, 5 from Miami. No entiendo. Maybe I'll float a test package first with a broken cell phone and an inoperable Ipod. btw the guy in Austin spoke English.

tlextoo comments on wow those kids sure know how to dance

I can't tell for sure but me thinks it may be the Swing Latino school. If so, here are a couple of their alumnae in Austin. Proud to say I can count them among my best friends, though their dancing ability has yet to penetrate all the cells of my gringo body. They are just getting started here in the states. Please excuse the thumping bass...recording too close to the speaker.

tlextoo comments on Blackberry coverage in Colombia..

Addicted to my BB Pearl.....Treo for work. BB wins hands down. I am on Tmobile as well but get a $1.64/minute rate? Calling cards s***, generally, pressing 1 for english, 1 to make a call...then getting busy signals when they aren't, etc. Great post, signing up now. Do you find that you are able to browse the net from almost anywhere, not necessarily a hotspot?

tlextoo comments on coomar

I enjoyed your post, thanks. Haven't been yet but want to go by suimmer. Ya gotta have cajones to post anything here because there is always some anal orifice trying to one up you.

tlextoo comments on THANK YOU to PBH!

What I have noticed in reading posts here for a couple of months.......frequented by a clique of pseudo cultural elitists still trying to put themselves above others by putting others down.

tlextoo comments on Looking for information...

Jorge...I have used speedypin numerous time because it is convenient, I can use pinless calling, but I have noticed to Colombia in particular, the 'lines' are terrible. almost unable to hear on one, if not both, ends. Have you had similar problems at all? I have started using Yes (recommended by a Calañea amiga, so I kept looking for Jes). For a $5 card, sold at stop-n-robs in Texas, you get 2.5 hours to a cell...not sure about landlines.

tlextoo comments on

Balloon knot....love that description. Perfect.

tlextoo comments on

Balloon knot....love that description. Perfect.

tlextoo comments on

Balloon knot....love that description. Perfect.

tlextoo comments on

Balloon knot....love that description. Perfect.

tlextoo comments on SMS USA to Colombia

My us carrier is tmobile. Don't know their carrier, just the number. Thanks for the heads up on what costs the recipient and what does not.

tlextoo comments on SMS USA to Colombia

My us carrier is tmobile. Don't know their carrier, just the number. Thanks for the heads up on what costs the recipient and what does not.