YankeeInMDE has left 53 comments

YankeeInMDE comments on MY FIRST DAY IN BOGOTA

crsuribe....why even put yourself in that position. 'kicking someone's ass' is not on my to do list in colombia. i guess i just don't understand why someone wouldn't just walk away from a situation like this. why even take the chance.....btw, do you fight well after being dosed?

YankeeInMDE comments on MY FIRST DAY IN BOGOTA

handled the situation well??? seriously??? so you would have not only spoken to these scam artists, you would have SHOWN THEM your money too? what am i missing here?

YankeeInMDE comments on MY FIRST DAY IN BOGOTA

I am amazed. Knowing this is an obvious scam, why would you show these men your money? Ever hear of 'miilionario'?? I'd consider myself VERY lucky. Also, where did you buy your pizza? You found the most expensive pizza place in all of Colombia~~~~are you saying you paid around $25.000- 30.000 pesos for two slices and a soda? Lastly, cambio houses are THE worst way to get pesos in Colombia. You're probably paying 5-10% commission to the house. Use your ATM card, unless your fees are crazy.

YankeeInMDE comments on

i just saw fares on continental from newark for UNDER $400 EWR to BOG for March. the best rates these days seems to be on spirit air, especially if you are flexible on your travel dates. check out their promotions.....they have specific date sales out of Fort Lauderdale and other cities, to Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena.

YankeeInMDE comments on cdxxfriend

where did you end up finding a place in CTG? just curious........

YankeeInMDE comments on Do people wear shorts in Cartagena?

Bottom line, during the day shorts are okay. At night, shorts are a no no unless you wanna look like a tool.

YankeeInMDE comments on

BTW, LDV is wall to wall puta. If that is not what you're looking for, don't go there.

YankeeInMDE comments on

Go to Tu Candela. Especially solo, it's is your best option.....nice mix of people there.

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

NOT the Conquistador. I agree that would be no better than living on the street.

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

you could see my building in your video, actually.

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

By the way, if you paid 2 million pesos a month for that crap hole my price just went up.

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

Big mouth? Relax buddy. I have an apartment and would probably accept an offer of 2 million pesos per month. Why so sensitive? By the way, I am sure your Colombian friends appreciate your "third world" comment on the video.

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

if you are willing to pay 2.000.000 pesos a month i know an oceanfront apt. that is available. i will live on the streets!

YankeeInMDE comments on Need long-term rental in Cartagena

Juan Ventura: ittscol at hotmail.com Juan speaks english and is VERY trustworthy. I highly recommend him.

YankeeInMDE comments on jobs in bogota?

I hope ya don't plan on making alot of $$$!!

YankeeInMDE comments on

geez, what did you say?

YankeeInMDE comments on First trip to Medellin

mango's is a MUST SEE in my book. it is NOT a strip club. it is a night club filled with the 'beautiful people' of Medellin. i also agree with the post above, don't go alone. do a search on youtube and you'll def. see some videos, but don't be overwhelmed, it's a fun place, get a bottle and hang. you won't regret. TONS OF EYE CANDY TOO!

YankeeInMDE comments on working and living in bogota?

Cold. Rainy. hmmm, other than that it's great! Seriously, I am not much of a big city guy, and Bogota is DEF. a big city....... but the weather was the real killer for me. It rains about 5 days a week. I've been here about 8 months now and that is NOT an exaggeration. I, too would agree, it's very important to have some friends to pass the time with.

YankeeInMDE comments on One Pass airmiles bargain

rhyde--- i also got my miles flying continental. makes no difference. onepass miles are onepass miles. but i had to call the customer service number here in colombia in order to book the flights. i don't think you can do it online.

YankeeInMDE comments on women take notice no more free slaps

WOW! curious for a female perspective.......did she deserve it?

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

spi, you had it pegged. no game on espn here in bogota'. wasn't even able to watch game at bogota beer company either.........at least the giants won! go blue!

YankeeInMDE comments on One Pass airmiles bargain

papi are you sure? i just booked for sept. 21 earlier today.

YankeeInMDE comments on One Pass airmiles bargain

just a heads up. this promo is still in effect and A GREAT DEAL. Just booked 2 r/t's BOG_CTG for 5000 miles and $11 each. Can't beat that!!!! Thanks for posting!!!!!

YankeeInMDE comments on Met a Mujer Online And Looking for Mentoring, Not Judgement

so let me get this straight, if i meet a woman who is NOT a virgin (regardless of her age) she is a whore? that is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!! btw, if ya don't want comments don't post about your 35 yr. old virgin wife. gimme a friggin break!

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

I am looking at the same thing. I am not feeling good about my chances of avoiding the rain and cold! Ridiculous, they show a freakin' pre-season game but not opening night?

YankeeInMDE comments on Met a Mujer Online And Looking for Mentoring, Not Judgement

Did I misread something? 35-36 yr old virgin? really????

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

spi- It was in Spanish.

YankeeInMDE comments on I had to share this

The daughter of the paisa who told me 'beware of Colombian women' has a daughter. She hasn't been in Colombia in about 15 years and has only been twice in her life, but she still tries to show me how much better her Spanish is, and impress me with her 'knowledge' of Colombia. When I mentioned something to her about being paisa she responded "what's pasia?" Pathetic.

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

Wow!!! Check out all the Giants fans! Nice to know I'm not alone. For what it's worth, I just saw a promo during the US Open tennis for the game tonight. Let's hope it's on because it's another friggin COLD and RAINY day in Bogota' and I'd rather watch the game at home. Go G-men!!!!

YankeeInMDE comments on City Tour Service in Bogota?

If you plan to use an open air bus for tours in Bogota' I would highly recommend you offer air pollution masks!

YankeeInMDE comments on Cartagena Price Guide Please?

fyi---There is a decent language school (Lengua Nueva) in Getsemani. I agree with the majority here that 4 mos. in CTG is a long time.....I have done it. However, I broke it up by travelling abroad. An inexpensive option may be taking a bus up to Santa Marta and checking out Parque Tayrona and the Santa Marta area in general. Parque Tayrona is an amazing place and it would be a shame to miss it if you are spending so much time in CTG. Personally, I could not enjoy myself on twice the budget that you are suggesting.....but to each there own. Hope this helps. Enjoy. You seem like the type that knows what to expect and not to expect as far as value for your $$. Practice your Spanish in the meantime. ;-)

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

Roc----- based on the info on the site above, and the fact that EVERY Sunday night game that was broadcasted in the states on NBC on Sunday nights (last season) was broadcast here on ESPN last year, I am confident the game will be on ESPN here in Colombia. They broadcasted a Monday night Giants/Browns preseason game this season. That was an NBC game as well. That being said, 'spigrimace' is dead on when he says 'it is not an easy thing to figure out' what the actual programming schedule is. I have been misled before by bad info......even when there were tons of promos for 'upcoming programming' for specific baseball games on ESPN games were not broadcasted. That being said, I will be ready to get my ass in a taxi to head to Bogota' Beer Company (I'm actually in Bogota', not MDE) to watch the game if for some reason the game is not on ESPN. Actually the new Hooters may be a good option as well. Is anyone certain that the game will be shown there as well? According to the schedule I posted above, there will be a couple NFL films specials before the game begins. It is a safe bet that if you see these shows on ESPN beginning at 4pm, that the game will follow. Go Blue!!!!!

YankeeInMDE comments on NFL Opening Game: Giants vs. Redskins Thursday 6pm - ojo not on TV in Colombia!

According to ESPN's website you are wrong. The game will be on ESPN just like every other game that was broadcasted on NBC last year. Go Giants! http://intltv.espn.com/schedules/displaySchedule.jsp?timeZone=BOG&airingChoice=A&monthYear=09-2008&networks=9&startDate=09-04-2008&endDate=09-04-2008

YankeeInMDE comments on I had to share this

Sadly, that ignorant attitude doesn't just exist amongst the Americans. Before my first trip to Colombia, about 4 years ago, I was in the company of a woman born and raised in Medellin that had moved to the states about 30-40 years prior with her husband. When she found out that I was planning a trip to Colombia she told me "be careful of the Colombian women." I couldn't help but think......WTF is that about?!?!?! Ignorance knows no nationality.

YankeeInMDE comments on Cartagena Price Guide Please?

January's 'high season' ends the week or two after New Year's. Prices around Jan. 14th will be no different Feb. prices. Also, I think you are dead on when you say the apartments you've found in your price range probably aren't very nice. I'd be careful in certain parts of Getsemani as well. How's your spanish?

YankeeInMDE comments on

They do charge for each segment for pre-assigned seats ($15 for aisle or window/$5 for middle seat). I'd highly recommend your pre-purchasing your baggage as well. If not you are running the risk of their not being space and you will be charged more at check in. Also of note, only one checked bag of 50 lbs. is allowed. I know someone who had to leave a 2nd suitcase behind at the airport in Ft. Lauderdale. Don't expect any wiggle room with their policies.

YankeeInMDE comments on

Definitely not at the public school level. Maybe at some private schools, and that would depend on what type of USA education you are talking about.

YankeeInMDE comments on

I just booked Spirit from Atlantic City to CTG for under $400. 1 1/2 hour layover in Ft. Lauderdale. You'd have to go to their website to find out about SYR but I know Spirit tends to fly out of secondary airports (ie. FLL not MIA; ACY not PHI; etc).

YankeeInMDE comments on Cartagena Price Guide Please?

I love CTG. But I cannot imagine getting by on $25/day unless your living standards are WAY lower than mine.....or anyone else I know who has ever traveled there. The estimated prices above seem accurate to me. Santa Marta is less expensive, but on your budget I don't know if it's do-able there either. What type of place are you looking to stay at?

YankeeInMDE comments on

What is the source of this story? Just curious.

YankeeInMDE comments on still looking for an apartment in North Bogotá

if you'd be interested in a furnished 1 bed (with TV) studio, chimney, balcony. full kitchen. washer/dryer. located blocks from unicentro........let me know. Av. 15 #110/ COL$1.300.000 plus 220.000 admin. plus utilities. i am actually giving the place up on sept. 15. a nice place w/ good landlords too.

YankeeInMDE comments on Bashing paisas

Webmanco: 'Tenemos experiencias parecidas con paisanos, con extranjeros, inclusive a veces con familiares. Lo bueno es que la vida es bella y sigue.' Bien dicho! rocinante: nacíste en los estados unidos?? entonces hablas de ti mismo cuando dices que 'Por lo general los extranjeros de los paises ricos tratan todos.....sin respeto.' y 'Casi todos los Americanos y Europeanos ven a los Colombiaos con ojos de superiore.' Eres de los EEUU no? Hay buena gente y mala gente de todos partes..........no deberias juzgar sino quieres ser juzgado.

YankeeInMDE comments on cartagena luxury rentals

I have always found that dealing with reliable people is most important thing when renting an apartment or similiar type place and I have had nothing but positive experiences dealing with the people who rent apt's recommended by Tom on this page: http://www.colombiarental.net/ I have also paid varying prices depending on the season, how many people were using the unit and length of the rental period. Everyone will be willing to negotiate for a longer rental period,

YankeeInMDE comments on

lighten up simon.

YankeeInMDE comments on Colombia: Vacation Wonderland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnIGID8yCCs here's one of the video clips of the episode. bourdain RAVES about colombia. great episode. just search 'anthony bourdain colombia' on google and you can see many clips.

YankeeInMDE comments on Where and what can you rent in Bogota with 1,700,000 pesos per month ?

It just so happens that I am currently in an apt. in Bogota' near Unicentro (Av. 15 #110) and am about to tell my landlord i am moving out..............probably mid september. The place is in your price range. Send me an email or pm with what exactly what you're looking for or questions about the place. Depending on what you are looking for, I think 1.7 million is definitely feasible.

YankeeInMDE comments on What's the least worse bank in Colombia?

I have yet to find a good bank in Colombia and I have been here over 3 years. These banks CHARGE for accepting deposits from 3rd parties as well as the majority of the time you wish to access your money, whether it be by ATM (even at their own ATM's), cash withdrawl, and more. I will never understand why someone should be charged to have someone put $$ in their account or to access their own $$. Crazy!

YankeeInMDE comments on English Instruction, Medellin, 'Foreign Woman' Scam?

When someone you don't even know personally asks for money, regardless of the reason, something is wrong. Next thing ya know you'll be hearing about the old 'sick grandmother' who needs emergency surgery.

YankeeInMDE comments on Gym Decision in Bogota

$1.370.000?????? That is CRAZY! I am near Unicentro and have checked out the gym there. Very small. Very little equipment and VERY expensive. Dont' remember exactly how much. I joined Hard Body just one block off Avenida 15 on Calle 106. I paid $400.000 for the year and classes are included (aerobics, rumba, spinning etc.) but don't really use them. My wife does and she likes the instructors/classes. There is a pretty decent free weight area and machines as well as approx. 20 eliptic (sp?) machines, 5 stationary bikes and 15 or so treadmills. I think they have a deal right now for about $450k plus 2 extra months, a training session/evaluation included. BTW, lots of gym combine a 'peluqueria' as well as lipo, and other 'beauty' treatments. I am happy with my gym and would NEVER consider paying over $1million pesos! Good luck.

YankeeInMDE comments on mel727

just curious, what are u paying for your hotel? my name is scott and i am from NJ but own an apt in cartagena. any info or advice you may need, just hit me up here at pbh. i studied spanish for a short while in getsemani. personally i wouldn't stay there but to each there own. bocagrande and el laguito are MUCH nicer and you may be able to find similiarly priced places. alot depends on when you are going because this time of year, esp. august is VERY HOT and for me, A.C. would be a priority. have a great trip and enjoy. scott