wcarmack has left 68 comments

wcarmack comments on Translator rates

Thanks. I tried that but since I live in Cali I am short on friends in Bogota.

wcarmack comments on Recent visa Pensionado renewals?

Well, we had the original issued by the Colombian Consulate in Toronto - good for one year. Last year when we went to the MRE office in Bogota to renew they made us go to the US/Canadian embassy and get a letter confirming receipt of pension. They issued the visa for another year. Now here I am again about to renew again. But with a bunch of visa rules changing one is left to wonder what the process is like these past few weeks. woody

wcarmack comments on Recent visa Pensionado renewals?

It is issued for a year at a time. They are not difficult to obtain. Just show proof you have retirement income at a Colombian Consulate.

wcarmack comments on tobacco

I happen to have a large freezer bag of the best Canadian loose smoking tobacco brought to me by the grower in Canada a few months ago. You are welcome to some of this. We live in Cali, Woody

wcarmack comments on Death & Dying in Colombia

Rikito stated: "I can get a free burial in a small town near where I live and I am eligible for "special" death benefits given to highly decorated U.S. military personnel regardless of where they die." I would be interested in what you think those "special| death benefits might be. I have worked with disabled Veterans for many years and most of the cases were for people who lived outside the United States. There have been more than enough funerals held and grieving widows looked after over the years but outside of a burial flag issued (and you best have a DD214 handy) and a modest amount of money for burial expenses (maybe) there isn't much to be had. If you are a disabled Vet in receipt of compensation for a service connected disability there are DIC payments for the widow and perhaps your minor children. Or if your estate is of modest means and your service was during a time of war there might be a modest pension for your widow. But "special" benefits for a highly decorated person are unknown to me. What do you mean by highly decorated? Woody

wcarmack comments on Bank Scam in Colombia.

Was it the Banco Popular located in Chipichapi that was involved? There was an attempt to scan us within hours of opening an account early last year.

wcarmack comments on Pensionado Visa Question

Miguel, Gator and Stephen, I thank you. As Stephen pointed out the answer is listed right on our visas. Obviously I didn't notice that. Woody

wcarmack comments on Colombian Experts in Obama’s Administration

I enjoyed this article Byron. Thanks. My hope would be that these people in the current administration have more depth in their understanding than has been the case in the past. It will be interesting to watch.

wcarmack comments on help needed on retirement plans in cali,colombia

Steven Aubrey said: ",I get a military pension which is less than half of what you get and it still has medical and dental coverage outside the country available to me." How do you use your military health benefits here? Is it "Tricare" aka CHAMPUS from the US? Who do you contact to process coverage? Thank you, Woody

wcarmack comments on April 16, 2009 Obama re-designates FARC Marxist narcoterrorists as 'insurgents'

One other thing: Obama didn't "re-designate" FARC as "insurgents" He simply used a proper word. Therefore, the headline that Aztec used is false information. Period.

wcarmack comments on April 16, 2009 Obama re-designates FARC Marxist narcoterrorists as 'insurgents'

Why not simply read his remarks completely and as they are? The context in which Obama's remarks are presented above is in the nature of shit slinging howler monkeys and has no merit. It is just more petty Obama hate material. I would note that the use of "insurgents is entirely proper. In fact there is a certificate here which is from a "counter-insurgency" course taken long ago. 1: a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government ; especially : a rebel not recognized as a belligerent2: one who acts contrary to the policies and decisions of one's own political party Choosing a Better Future in the Americas By President Barack Obama As we approach the Summit of the Americas, our hemisphere is faced with a clear choice. We can overcome our shared challenges with a sense of common purpose, or we can stay mired in the old debates of the past. For the sake of all our people, we must choose the future. Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities, and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My Administration is committed to the promise of a new day. We will renew and sustain a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security. In advance of the Summit, we have begun to move in a new direction. This week, we amended a Cuba policy that has failed for decades to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. In particular, the refusal to allow Cuban Americans to visit or provide resources to their families on the island made no sense - particularly after years of economic hardship in Cuba, and the devastating hurricanes that took place last year. Now, that policy has changed. The U.S.-Cuba relationship is one example of a debate in the Americas that is too often dragged back to the 20th century. To confront our economic crisis, we don't need a debate about whether to have a rigid, state-run economy or unbridled and unregulated capitalism - we need pragmatic and responsible action that advances our common prosperity. To combat lawlessness and violence, we don't need a debate about whether to blame right-wing paramilitaries or left-wing insurgents - we need practical cooperation to expand our common security. We must choose the future over the past, because we know that the future holds enormous opportunities if we work together. That is why leaders from Santiago to Brasilia to Mexico City are focused on a renewed partnership of the Americas that makes progress on fundamental issues like economic recovery, energy, and security. There is no time to lose. The global economic crisis has hit the Americas hard, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Years of progress in combating poverty and inequality hangs in the balance. The United States is working to advance prosperity in the hemisphere by jumpstarting our own recovery. In doing so, we will help spur trade, investment, remittances, and tourism that provides a broader base for prosperity in the hemisphere. We also need collective action. At the recent G-20 Summit, the United States pledged to seek nearly half a billion dollars in immediate assistance for vulnerable populations, while working with our G-20 partners to set aside substantial resources to help countries through difficult times. We have called upon the Inter-American Development Bank to maximize lending to restart the flow of credit, and stand ready to examine the needs and capacity of the IDB going forward. And we are working to put in place tough, clear 21st century rules of the road to prevent the abuses that caused the current crisis. While we confront this crisis, we must build a new foundation for long-term prosperity. One area that holds out enormous promise is energy. Our hemisphere has bountiful natural resources that could make renewable energy plentiful and sustainable, while creating jobs for our people. In the process, we can confront climate change that threatens rising sea levels in the Caribbean, diminishing glaciers in the Andes, and powerful storms on the Gulf Coast of the United States. Together, we have both the responsibility to act, and the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of greater prosperity and security. That is why I look forward to pursuing a new Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas that will help us learn from one another, share technologies, leverage investment, and maximize our comparative advantage. Just as we advance our common prosperity, we must advance our common security. Too many in our hemisphere are forced to live in fear. That is why the United States will strongly support respect for the rule of law, better law enforcement, and stronger judicial institutions. Security for our citizens must be advanced through our commitment to partner with those who are courageously battling drug cartels, gangs and other criminal networks throughout the Americas. Our efforts start at home. By reducing demand for drugs and curtailing the illegal flow of weapons and bulk cash south across our border, we can advance security in the United States and beyond. And going forward, we will sustain a lasting dialogue in the hemisphere to ensure that we are building on best practices, adapting to new threats, and coordinating our efforts. Finally, the Summit gives every democratically-elected leader in the Americas the opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. Each of our countries has pursued its own democratic journey, but we must be joined together in our commitment to liberty, equality, and human rights. That is why I look forward to the day when every country in the hemisphere can take its seat at the table consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. And just as the United States seeks that goal in reaching out to the Cuban people, we expect all of our friends in the hemisphere to join together in supporting liberty, equality, and human rights for all Cubans. This Summit offers the opportunity of a new beginning. Advancing prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas depends upon 21st century partnerships, freed from the posturing of the past. That is the leadership and partnership that the United States stands ready to provide.

wcarmack comments on SPANISH CONVERSATION LESSONS IN CALI

I might be interested in this. I have been in Cali since September 2007. As it turns out I find myself deferring to my wife's Spanish speaking abilities most of the time. I need to work on this. Twice a week would likely work for me starting in mid May depending on location, etc. You can email me at woody at dowco.com to discuss this further. Woody woody at dowco.com

wcarmack comments on Children born in Colombia to US Citzens

We had a child born here in 1975. The mother Is Canadian, the father a U.S. citizen. We immediately registered her birth at the (then) U.S. Consulate in Cali and received a "Certificate of Birth of a citizen of the United States". A short time after that we obtained a U.S. passport for the child in her own name. There is/should be no "procedure" for bringing them to the U.S. You just board the aircraft with the U.S. passport and go. Of course, if Mama is not a U.S. citizen, the paperwork begins in earnest. Because our child was born prior to 1991 (when the law apparantly changed) she is also a Colombian citizen. Woody

wcarmack comments on First Anniversary of Colombia Reports. Any ideas on what to do next?

You are doing a good job. I stop by your site most every day.

wcarmack comments on books, Colombian history?

The Making of Modern Colombia, A Nation in spite of itself. By David Bushnell, University of California press. Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society. By Frank Safford and Marco Palacios.Oxford University Press. Excellent books

wcarmack comments on Canada, Colombia sign free trade agreement

The Canada-Colombia agreement, although signed by the Canadian Prime Minister in Lima last weekend, must still be approved by the Canadian Parliament. Given the present Canadian government is a minority government passage is by no means assured.

wcarmack comments on unbelieveable situation in baq

"Exhibit A is Joe Biden... I think I read that he contributes less than 2% of his income to charity. That's pathetic for a guy with a well-paying job, job security and gilded pension and health care plans for the rest of his life." Why mention Joe Biden? Why not some Republican scumbag? I believe Biden has less assets than anyone else in the Senate. What percentage of YOUR income do you give to charity?

wcarmack comments on Colombian army chief resigns

Did anyone notice that the general's resignation came a day after the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called the situation with the "false positives" a crime against humanity AND stated that if the persons responsible were not dealt with appropriately in Colombia the International Criminal Court would?

wcarmack comments on Who's going to vote in the USA elections in Colombia?

I always vote. Woody "Vote early, vote often"

wcarmack comments on Where to stay in Cali

www.habita.com.co/ They have lots of places. The most secure would be their place in Barrio Menga most of which are about 70,000 pesos a day. I highly recommend them. (and I get no commission) Woody

wcarmack comments on any rodadero experts?

I would recommend the Hotel La Sierra. Located on the beach. Good security, great staff, clean up scale hotel. Been there twice so far.

wcarmack comments on Parental consent to travel?

Thanks again to all. Susan and I went to the DAS and asked them. They assured us that there would be no problem with them. We then went to American Airlines. They called up the reservations for our 17 year old son and his 20 year old sister and also assured us there would be no problem. I think we will do a letter anyway - more for the possibility that U.S. Homeland Security might beak off since they are transiting the states from Canada to Colombia.

wcarmack comments on Parental consent to travel?

Thank you folks for the info. We did such a notorized letter in Canada last year to enable him to come to San Andres in December. This was done in Canada prior to us departing there. Turns out no one gave a damn and it wasn't needed. But this time they are transiting the United States and ................. Both of his parents (us) are in Colombia as residents. We will contact the airline (AA). One final thing: Where does one go to get a statement/letter notorized in Colombia that we can send to him prior to departure? As always, Thanks, Woody

wcarmack comments on Citibank in Colombia is the worst

Within a week of opening an account at the Banco Popular in Chipichapi someone repeatedly accessed the account through the phone for balance checks. (We had gone back to Canada for a few weeks.) We had only deposited a very modest amount fortunately. The bottom line: When the account was opened the "telephone banking" pin paper was not given to us. We suspect the bank officer who opened the account. When we went into the bank to inquire about these charges we told we had made the inquiries so we were responsible for the charges. The next day we returned with our lawyer and closed out the account. Woody

wcarmack comments on MI FUGA A LA LIBERTAD

I do not think so.

wcarmack comments on Ingrid superstar

There are two books out which speak highly of Ingrid during her period of captivity. The first book is MI FUGA, hacia la libertad, by John Pinchao. The other is 7 Años Secuestrado por las FARC by Luis Eladio Perez. These books are presently on sale across Colombia. Woody

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

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.)