wcarmack has left 42 comments

wcarmack comments on Banks and bank accounts

We had no problem opening bank accounts at two banks although both required multiple trips to the branch as well as approval from "the main office". We thought we would give ourselves an option of seeing which bank screwed us less on fees - and we intend to maintain only modest balances. Both banks required our cedulas - not the temporary contrasena - as well as proof of the source of our funds.

wcarmack comments on Gringo couples living in Colombia

I was inquiring mainly about foreign couples who have immigrated to Colombia and who are presently resident here. My wife and I are recently arrived here and the question seemed appropriate. Figured there might be some perspective there we could draw on. Or not. whatever. Should I be careful using the "g" word? Someone might get the red-ass? woody

wcarmack comments on Has anyone been to San Andres or Providencia? I have not seen a post on the subject!

My wife and I spent 17 days there last month. We flew two of our children there from Canada as well. Had a great time. The Hotel Aquario was great. It is all inclusive. Although we paid full price because we were meeting our kids and needed solid advance reservations, we met people from Canada, the U.S and Chile who had purchased the same packages for a fraction of what we paid by doing the "last minute" purchase number. By the 17th day though I must admit, it was time to go. Bargain for everything! wood

wcarmack comments on Buy cell phone SIM card in Colombia/Compra tarjeta SIM en Colombia

When my wife and I first attempted to get a cell phone in late November the place we went to wouldn't sell us one because we didn't yet have our ID cards from the DAS. Passport wasn't good enough. Then five days later when we did have our Colombian ID, the same dude said it was only a temporary one and therefore we still couldn't get one. So, we walked up the street to another Comcel place and bought one. But there was paperwork involved. Apparently the same or similar paperwork is involved in changing the SIM card. Woody

wcarmack comments on Work With Pension Visa?

When my wife and I attended a seminar in Costa Rica two years ago one of the lectures was on the Pensionado visa - as it is in Costa Rica. Clearly the Pensioner could not be on the payroll of a company BUT the Pensioner could own and operate their own business. They could not pay themselves a salary though. But they could keep the profits (less taxes, of course.) I have no idea what the law in Colombia is regarding this however.

wcarmack comments on The message is not getting through......

This is sad. Very sad. Hard to comprehend. Someone needs to reach out to this guy to give him a reference point or something.

wcarmack comments on How do I convince my son?

You are not alone. Try convincing four children that it is time Mom & Dad just closed down life in North America and returned to where they met....................... Good luck. Since he is a Marine (no such thing as an "ex" Marine) present it to him as tour of duty - a recon mission in search of a possibly more rewarding life. But what do I know? The best I have been able to do is get two of the children to agree to meet us on San Andres Island for a few weeks in December. Hopefully they will become more interested after that. We tried to get them to the north coast but ....................... woody

wcarmack comments on Radio Scanner

I know Mexico was touchy about scanners in the 1977-82 range. Thanks. It's funny - or maybe not - but things like Craigslist or ebay for that matter never crossed my mind....................

wcarmack comments on wcarmack

Thanks. What is Liliana's last name? She have an email address? Regarding the item you have of mine.... keep it. We are re-equipped for the next trip. I am happy that the SD card provided you more capacity for memory capture that what you had. Funny thing.... I wish you were in the area when we arrive. I have confidence in you and your knowledge of the country we want so much to be a part in - and do so in an appropriate manner. woody

wcarmack comments on Party my place this friday

In another two months, my wife and I would attend. Hope it all goes well for you.

wcarmack comments on wcarmack

I must say, sitting here at the end of my day, tickets purchased, many arrangements made for Susan and my return - that our return to Cali is upon us - our dream of thirty some years - and, well ... there is a certain profoundness to the fullfillment of the dream that leaves me a bit weak in the knees. None of the four children are coming with us. The best we could do was to arrange to fly two of the youngest to San Andres Island in December for two weeks. But whatever........ We will want to get in touch with Lilliane because this time we need to find a house to lease. Many of my Veteran friends - all retirees - have expressed an interest in coming down so we need a house that will double as a B&B. I was thinking of doing a trip blog - mainly for my own notes - but there are many emotions involved and so I hesitate........ I know you can understand when I say that the emotions involved in giving up completely and totally on living in North America must ve many and sometimes intense - especially leaving four children behind. But we are ready. (I think.) Hope things are well for you in Sweden. (Are your kids in Sweden?) Woody

wcarmack comments on wcarmack

Wow, that was a quick response............

wcarmack comments on Desideria

Hello Desi, When are you planning on returning to Colombia? Susan and I are due back in mid November. Woody woody at dowco.com

wcarmack comments on Domestic help information

That was a great link.

wcarmack comments on Domestic help information

Thanks for the information. Gator, if I may ask, how much more than the minimum wage do you pay? We just want to do the right thing - but we don't want to get chumped either. I spent some time sniffing around www.gobiernoenlinea.gov.co. However my ability to read Spanish is limited at this time.

wcarmack comments on Living in denial

Kalder, I appreciate you post. My wife and I are on the verge of retiring in Colombia where we met 30 some years ago and where our first child was born. We returned to North America shortly after she was born because, frankly, her birth caused us to take a "trip to the mountain top" and alter our plans in favour of what we thought of as her well being. We have always wanted to return to Colombia because it seemed to beckon us. It has been a long road. It is now possible. Our children, now four in number, are frankly, not amused at the prospect of the parents going to Colombia.. They are now all adults except one who is near finishing high school. One of our daughters with a nice fresh degree in International Relations/ Political Science plays the possible danger card at every opportunity. (She even got a certificate in Spanish from her university knowing this was a household topic for years.) They ignore most things positive about Colombia so far. Even outright bribery attempts like offering to pay for a year or two in a Colombian university so she could flush out her education with a dash of reality has been in vain. How silly of me to think some total immersion might add some reality to opinion - hopefully for the better but accurate, or as close to accurate as one can get regardless. The bottom line is that we are coming anyway - sans children (for the moment). To introduce them to Colombia we did manage to get the most reluctant of the daughters to agree to a trip to San Andres Island before years end. She resisted the idea of a vacation on the North Coast - doesn't even want to consider seeing Cali - at this point in time. And before my budget knew it, poof, we find that one of the older daughters feels the need to accompany her. Then, wonder of wonders, the son has expressed interest. We are hoping this a form of progress. Now if I can just get them to sign this "memorandum of understanding......." Our Colombian Citizen daughter is the only one not wanting to go. Just to San Andres. Bummer. But the fact remains that in the minds of many many people, Colombia is a dangerous place. Oddly enough, many of my friends and associates and their wives have been saying, with what appears to be sincerity, that as soon as we are settled there they want to visit. It is a very interesting thing. When we were there last year for a month, we never encountered any bad situations. It was noteworthy how everyone we met gave us their version of security tips - which we heeded - generally speaking. The only time terror entered the picture last year was when we were passengers in a car on a Santa Marta to Cartagena trip. What a movie that was. But your post is a necessary reminder of possible reality. I know. I was once robbed (circa 1980) by a woman and two transvestites at about two in the morning on Avenida Sexta in Cali - just walking by minding my own business - failing to heed all the common sense warnings my rum soaked brain was trying it's best send out - when poof - knife to the throat. I started laughing - must've been that Infantry instinct - the one that lets you know when you are absolutely fucked - and it's all in another's hands - and the Cuba Libres. Bye bye wallet. The likelyhood of those circumstances repeating themselves are vastly reduced these days. Then of course there is fate............... There's also Club Colombia...... Sorry, got carried away there......

wcarmack comments on Foreigners having babies in Colombia

One of my daughters was born in Colombia in 1975. Neither myself or my wife are Colombian citizens. My daughter was issued a cedula last year. woody

wcarmack comments on

My youngest son and I got a grand tour of the USNS Comfort a few years ago when it was in Vancouver. The ship is huge - with a much larger capacity than the hospital ships of yesteryear. I can not remember the exact number of operating rooms on this ship but it was quite a few. The USNS Repose of the Vietnam Era, in which I won a complimentary cruise from Danang to Subic Bay was a dwarf by comparison.

wcarmack comments on Western Union Comments solicited

I appreciate all the info. The sending of money to Colombia would be a onetime/rare thing for us to do. This is just to cover some ground work for us as we get nearer to arriving. And my impression is that any computer option is not feasible at this time. I have lots to link into today. Thanks. woody

wcarmack comments on Western Union Comments solicited

Money Gram eh? Thanks I will check that out.

wcarmack comments on Western Union Comments solicited

The site here in Canada, appears to allow me to purchase, say, 200,00 Pesos from this end. I am probably going to do this at least once just to experience it. Just trying to get a good wide angle sight picture on the situation before the C note or so vanishes into cyberspace. http://www.westernunion.ca/info/homePage.asp?country=CA&src=1526684265348261

wcarmack comments on MS-13 in Colombia

Whatever the source of that my first instinct is: "On no, it is budget plotting time again in Washington and the various three lettered agencies are all going for some increases in budget by playing the contemporary theme of "we too are an important part of this effort, see look, at this situation". The goal, in my opinion, is to have some more debt creating federal dollars slopped into the trough. Have you any pointers to the source material for your statement? Woody

wcarmack comments on Arriving in Colombia with visa

Thanks for the information everyone. It is appreciated.

wcarmack comments on Arriving in Colombia with visa

Thanks for the responses folks. I have been making too general usage of the word "visa" I reckon. We will be entering as retirees. Probably on a Pensionado visa. (TEMPORARY SPECIAL VISA (TS) or on a (TEMPORARY VISA FOR FATHER OR MOTHER OF A COLOMBIAN CITIZEN (TP) as defined by the Colombian Embassy in Canada. Our intention is to stay permanently in Colombia. Is a cedula issued after registering with the DAS within 15 days of arrival? (I am assuming that one must possess a cedula in order to have a Colombian bank accounts and carry on the affairs of day to day life - like having electricity, phones, and so on.)

wcarmack comments on Arriving in Colombia with visa

Doesn't the issuance of a visa come before the cedula in the case of person who is not a citizen of Colombia? I know that my Colombia born daughter has been issued her first cedula from a Colombian Consulate in Canada.

wcarmack comments on vicshere

Does one not first get the visa from the Colombian Consulate in the country they presently legally reside? After the visa comes the cedula? Or have I just fallen off the turnip truck? Woody

wcarmack comments on New law - Increase in health care payments by Colombian Pensionados

I am curious what a good medical plan will cost for a family per month. Has anyone actually had occasion to use these plans and if so, how did it go? Is there a basic medical plan fee that all citizens and residents are part of? (Costa Rica is like that.) If this is the case are the private medical plans supplements to it? We are planning on arriving as residents on either a Pensionado visa or as the parents of a Colombian citizen. I have noticed when inquiring in Canada about medical insurance issues with regard to traveling to Colombia, the Canadian insurance agents tend to get a blank look on their faces, sometimes involuntary twitching sets in, and they start speaking in tongues and stuff. Thirty years ago we just paid as we went in Colombia all through my wife's pregnancy. In and out of the Clinica de los Remedios - cash on the barrel head. I am a little more cautious and calculating these days. Nevermind that I need to cover all the bases on behalf of any of our children that may come to live with us. They got questions....... Finally, I will say that all the medical and dental care we received in Colombia back in the seventies was top notch in every regard. I am the first to understand that we were very lucky to be able to afford the care and recognize that many people could not. ( If I knew how, I could post a picture that I took from the window of my wife's private room in the Clinica de los Remedios which shows the Social Security hospital in Cali clearly in the background. And it wasn't lost on me at the moment I took the picture. Woody

wcarmack comments on Pensionado Visa

Is it possible to operate a Bed & Breakfast on a Pensionado visa? woody

wcarmack comments on Happy Birthday - United States of America

Colonel,

My heart is also in Colombia but me ass is still stuck in Canada - a little longer. Thanks for your service. Hope you found what you are looking for.

Woody
Infantry (Battalion Scout)
0311 USMC
Class of 66-67

wcarmack comments on Who was Alfonso Bonilla Aragon?

Thank you Tinto.
Woody

wcarmack comments on I have colombian and American pass ports...... what should i show when i go to colombia

Colombian law requires that you enter Colombia with your Colombian passport. One of my children was born in Colombia.

Woody

wcarmack comments on American University in Colombia?

GI Bill in Colombia It is possible to use your GI Bill benefits at some universities in Colombia. This likely applies to most major schools. However you need to find someone in the school administration who is familiar with the paperwork. There can be delays of several months from the time you actually start school until the money starts coming in.

Contact the Va at www.va.gov

Good luck.

woody

wcarmack comments on The mid market Peso rate is now 2,001 this morning. The ATM exchange well

Dollar's direction South, south, south.
Down, down, down.

Until the bleeding of the U.S. treasury stops.
woody

wcarmack comments on The mid market Peso rate is now 2,001 this morning. The ATM exchange well

I was happy at 25 to 1 back in 1973.

wcarmack comments on Furnished Studio for Rent in Cali

Small world indeed Andres,

I just send you a bundle of past and present photos. How funny is it that you be posting an ad for a place (small) to rent in the same cul-de-sac we used to live in, just as we getting ready to make the jump back into Colombia after 30 years?

We need to stay in touch on this for sure.

woody

wcarmack comments on Furnished Studio for Rent in Cali

Happy to have us..... We are, in fact, just looking for a good launching pad.

This must be the same cul-de-sac. I checked one of our maps. Being that one of our daughter's was born in Clinica de Los Remedios I am almost certain.

I have several photos of the cul-de-sac taken about a year ago when we re-visited the area. There is a clinica directly across from the entrance to the cul-de-sac? If I understood how to post a photo here I would. Otherwise, I can send you one back channel.

Our main concerns are privacy and an internet connection.

Thanks,

woody

wcarmack comments on Furnished Studio for Rent in Cali

Furnished Studio - couldn't be................ My wife and I might be interested come mid July onward for awhile.

30 years ago we lived in a cul-de-sac in the exact area you are describing. Hmmm, I wonder. If I knew how to post a picture I would.

We were in Cali for a month last year and re-visited the place among many other places. Now we are returning in retirement and we need a base for few months while we get ourselves organized.

I only knew of one cul-de-sac in Cali (norte) and what you describe seems to be the same one.

Feel free to contact me at woody at carmack.ca or woody at dowco.com.

Thanks,

Woody

wcarmack comments on Exporting Colombian Violence and Murder ?

One news account Lawsuit may hold key to murder
Authorities investigating whether socialite's death is connected to court battle over $1M in land
Saturday, April 14, 2007
By PETER N. SPENCER and FRANK DONNELLY
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

Panamanian authorities are seeking connections between a protracted legal battle that Toni Grossi Abrams waged against a Panama City lawyer and the Staten Island socialite's brutal murder this week, according to several sources familiar with the investigation.

Those sources said Mrs. Grossi Abrams -- whose charred and dismembered body was found in a Panama City soccer field hours after she was reported missing from her nearby apartment Tuesday -- had recently won a lawsuit against Angela Healy Watkins, who sold Mrs. Grossi Abrams a parcel of land on the Pacific island of Contadura three years ago. Mrs. Grossi Abrams charged that Ms. Watkins, who is reportedly well-connected in Panamanian politics, sold the land to another buyer after Mrs. Grossi Abrams already had paid for it.

Mrs. Grossi Abrams' cousin, Panamanian businessman Seth Redlich, said she incurred more than $300,000 in legal fees in an attempt to keep the land, which is reportedly worth well over $1 million. Based on recent Panamanian court rulings, it appears Mrs. Grossi Abrams was close to, or had finally won her legal struggle with Ms. Watkins.

Ms. Watkins is reportedly the first cousin of Jose Allemagne, a former Panamanian presidential candidate.

Redlich, who said he has been in constant contact with Panamanian officials conducting the investigation, said the timing of the murder seems to be more than a coincidence.

"I believe there is some connection [to the lawsuit]. There are a lot of people who are not unhappy [Mrs. Grossi Abrams] is dead," said Redlich.

"Something very strange is going on here," he added.

SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED

Police say Mrs. Grossi Abrams -- who would have turned 58 Wednesday -- was beaten to death early Tuesday, then partially dismembered and stuffed in a suitcase before she was brought to the field about three miles away and set on fire. Her corpse, propped against a building, was spotted by a group of children playing soccer.

The apartment manager told police he saw a woman -- later identified as an American who rented the apartment above Mrs. Grossi Abrams -- and a young man leave the apartment carrying a large suitcase at around 2 a.m.

That woman, Debra Ann Ridley -- who is deemed a primary suspect by police -- and two Panamanian citizens, now identified as Nadia Staff Pitti and Alonso Marshal Gordon, are in custody. The Panamanians were caught on a video surveillance tape Wednesday attempting to pick up suitcases left behind by two Colombian men in a hotel near Mrs. Grossi Abrams' downtown apartment, sources said.

Police are still seeking those two Colombian men in connection with the murder. They apparently hired the two Panamanians to pick up their suitcases, which contained personal effects, at the hotel.

Ms. Ridley has not been cooperating with authorities, according to sources close to the investigation.

Sources who have visited the murder scene said it also appears Mrs. Grossi Abrams' attackers had meticulously cleaned her apartment after they murdered her -- but missed some blood on a carpet. A city medical examiner later matched that blood with blood found near the corpse.

Officials have promised a comprehensive investigation into Mrs. Grossi Abrams' slaying, headed by a president-appointed task force and utilizing several international law enforcement agencies. They have set up roadblocks and checkpoints throughout the country in hopes of capturing the two fugitives.

REACTION AT HOME

Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said he was assured in talks with William A. Eaton, the American ambassador to Panama, and Eaton's Panamanian counterpart, Federico A. Humbert, that the probe would be given priority. He also said Eaton had offered Humbert "the support of the FBI, if necessary."

"I knew Toni," the congressman said, adding he would monitor the investigation closely. "She was a lovely lady, a sweetheart. This is just brutal."

An FBI representative in Panama said the agency would get involved in the probe "only if requested by the host country." He declined to say whether such a request had been made.

Closer to home, a chill wind blew yesterday afternoon off Upper New York Bay, swirling around the 10-story Bay Street Landing condominium in St. George where Mrs. Grossi Abrams lived. Locked gates prevented a reporter from approaching the building and security personnel said media would not be allowed in to talk to residents.

However, one female resident who came over to a reporter expressed dismay when told of Mrs. Grossi Abrams' death.

"I'm shocked," she said, adding she did not know the victim.

The building letter carrier, Enrique Morris, said he knew Mrs. Grossi Abrams in passing.

"She was nice," he said. "She traveled a lot. She was always on the go."

PENDING FUNERAL

Redlich, Mrs. Grossi Abrams' cousin, said he hoped her body would be released to him on Monday. He plans to fly it back to New York a day or two later, and possibly hold a funeral service by the end of next week.

He said she would be laid to rest in Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, Manhattan, next to her husband, Martin Abrams, who died in 1998.

The Rev. William A.F. Blasingame, rector of St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, Stapleton, a close friend of Mrs. Grossi Abrams, said he expects to preside at the funeral or requiem.

Peter N. Spencer and Frank Donnelly are news reporters for the Advance. They may be reached at spencer at siadvance.com and fdonnelly at siadvance.com.

wcarmack comments on Newbie in Cali---Medellin Bashing

OK, I need enlightened
What is the definition of a Paisa?
A country girl?

Not that it matters that much being I am retiring in Colombia and bringing my wife. Still, one needs to know these things.

I been learning lots here. Last weeks word that entered my vocabulary was brujeria. Nice word - lots of uses for that one.

Thanks in advance,

Woody

wcarmack comments on Help!! Father retiring in Colombia cannot open a bank account.

4x1000 Tax
What is the 4x1000 tax referred to in relation to banking in Colombia?

Thanks,
Woody

wcarmack comments on

Visa Lottery for Colombians Am I to understand that Colombians who wish to travel to the U.S. must pay a few of $100 USD to just be considered for the visa? And they are out the $100 if/when turned down?

Woody

wcarmack comments on Moving with family to Colombia

Moving Children to Colombia Well.............. My wife and I are going to retire in Colombia. we have four children. Three girls and one son who is the youngest.

After living in Canada most of their lives, well, they basically think we are crazy. The oldest was born in Colombia.

We want to make the move shortly. At this stage only perhaps the 15 year old son will be coming. We expect at least one more to follow, perhaps.

Who knows? We are keeping a log book of events in this matter. Stay tuned. Because no matter what they think we are returning.

But they are not amused at this stage.
One has Colombian Citizenship, is a Jehovah's Witness and thinks we are out of our minds.

One is just graduating with degrees in International Relations and Political Science. We are attempting to offer her graduate school in Colombia. No far no luck.

One has bailed and gone into banking.

The 15 year old is in his second year of Spanish.

And no matter what, Papa and mama are coming - and soon.

woody