My first year of marriage

[papi]

As to the food well ok I don´t like arepas.

Cali-vet, arepas do taste like cardboard but i do happen to like arepas con todo

i have a couple questions. Pls don't feel obliged to answer if you don't care to do so..just curious:

1. have we met before in cali?
2. what is your work? are you a writer by chance?

[rigormortis]

I am interested in hearing what this man Jamie says about Colombia since he lives there all the time and operates an agency business.  I am irratated that El Ruso is making like what he is saying is untrue and making other wild intrepretations of events.  If "Jamie" is biased, people will notice that without all this mudd being throun around.  I am glad to hear some of these negatives about Colombia and the ladies before I pick up and move there.  I would like to hear more from "Jaime" but considering how his remarcks are misintrepreted, i wouldn't be surprised if he chose not to speak so honestly.    

El Ruso are you an authority on all matters on this thread and all the others?  It looks like the appreacition award went to your head.  Construtive critism I enjoy viewing but it looks like you have some sort of problem with people but that is your problem and should not stop people from making opinions here.  For people that like to view this,  it appears like you are trying to prove something?  

It did motivate me to post which may be a positive for someone who prefers to watch.  

[doombug]

As harsh as it may sound Colombia is a corrupt, ignorant, infested mess. But this does not mean one can’t have good times and find good things. It is what we try to provide and it is an undertaking more difficult than the surface reveals.

When I meet Colombians in the States, I always make sure to empathize with them on the bad rap Colombia too often receives. In actuality, I've always believed this rap to be well deserved.

Pftt, call me two-faced. 

Just like BB, I'd prefer retiring in Spain (or Peru. Yum!).

I'm perplexed that Señor Ruso took Señor Jaime's comments out of context. Then again, I think it's in the UN charter somewhere that no country other than America can be criticized or negatively stereotyped.

Sugar coating is for cookies.

Peace, my hoodlums!

[doombug]

It did motivate me to post which may be a positive for someone who prefers to watch.  

Most awesome, Sir Mortis! Welcome aboard.

It's nice to see that PL can lure even the undead to post here.

[papi]

I'm perplexed that Señor Ruso took Señor Jaime's comments out of context.

a lot of posts get taken out of context but i guess that is the nature of certain individuals. On the one hand I can understand Ruso's and others love of colombia. I feel it as well. On the other hand, Jamie paints a realistic picture. Lets face it, i dont have to worry about getting taken for a $1 mil peso ATM ride by a taxi in most of the USA

[el_ruso]

Mr Rigomortis,

First of all, interesting choice of name.  I think everyone is biased based on their experience and values, me, Jamie, you, everyone else.  We are human, not robots.  Jamie made a point that I found to be surprising because it contradicted my own impression of Colombia, and I engaged him in discussion to find out what his basis for this opinion is.  I didn't know that I am obliged to agree with Jamie, or any other poster here.  You may disagree with me all you want, and as long as you can bring something valuable to the discussion, I hope you will, regardless of whether you agree with me or not.

Now, I never said that what Jamie was saying was not "true".  I just disputed conclusions drawn by him.  I encourage you to hear opinions of different people, including Jamie, before you make any major decisions.  If you seriously consider moving to Colombia, which is actually my plan too in the future, I encourage you to consider several other people who live in Colombia, and whose impressions differ from those of Jamie.  Everyone's experience is different.

I did not aim to win any awards, and even though it was pleasant to receive it, I did not do anything on purpose to get it.  I just share my experience and speak my mind, as others do, and I hope you will be doing as well.

I am not trying to prove anything.  What is my "problem" with people?  You don't know me, and I doubt you know much about me or my life to do psychoanalize me.  If I disagree with someone, it doesn't mean I have a "problem" with that person.  I am not insisting that others' opinions have to be identical to mine, nor mine must be identical to theirs.  That is not a "problem", but a function of a normal thinking person.

[sean126]

Welcome rigormortis.  

I have had more than one "watcher" tell me that they don't want to post on here or post very much on here because of the "level of intensity" that others respond to someone's comments (to put it a nice way).  I have been accused of this on one occasion myself, even though I didn't see it even when looking over my comments again.  But I can respect someone's opinion because that's all it is.  To the other "watchers" I say....don't let it keep you from posting.  Your opinion is just as relevant as the rest of ours.  No one here is an expert at anything, if you consider an expert as always being right and not making mistakes.

El ruso...you post some good comments sometimes, but on the interrogation, humiliation and embarrassment that you say Jamie gave this girl...I think your WAYYYYY off base.  From what I seen in his post it seems to me that he was trying to ask questions because she wasn't saying anything but "help me" and "I don't know why we have a problem".  It's kind of hard to give advice to someone when they won't say what is happening.  He said she didn't say anything because she was to embarrassed to, NOT because he embarrassed her.  Its been my experience when someone doesn't want to tell you ANYTHING it's usually because they can't lie very well.  I would consider her not telling me anything besides "he just stopped calling me and I don't know why" and not wanting to tell me anything else.. as she is not being honest with me about the whole story.  I mean...she came to him for help in the first place.  She's either pretending to be an idiot or she was hiding something..ie, lying by omission.   Thats just common sense to me.   She must of felt comfortable ENOUGH with him in the first place to even approach him with her "unknown problem" AND if she was trying to be slick and sneaky about the whole situation then she was playing stupid in hopes that Jamie would reveal that he had already talked to the guy and told her what was said without her having to say anything herself.  That's a common tactic also.   I got a pretty good BS detector and that's a few of the tricks of the trade.

[Cachaco]

Why does this happen because Colombians are incessant liars. Even for the most inconsequential matters they want to lie.

Jamie, I really have to take exception to that sweeping generalization you made about Colombians. We are all liars, every one of us, all the time??
I can see by your post that you have had some negative experiences with the girls that come to your agency, but please don't paint all Colombians with the same brush.
I am not denying that Colombia has many problems, there's rampant corruption and crime. Some cities like Barranquilla have old infrastructures that result in frequent power outages, etc. In short, the country suffers from all the social and infrastructure problems that are common to most third world countries, with the added burden of the drug trade.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to be going beyond pointing out what is wrong with the country, and seem to be implying that the people are no good, either.

[daytrader]

All (including myself) have chosen Colombia over other destinations as the place they want to live. I can state with certainty that the negativism that has been expressed on this thread is very much the exception among the American community in Valle De Cauca.

....bears worth repeating...and I'm not even a resident of Colombia...

"Attitude determines Altitude"

[/color]

The underlying attitude of Jamie's recent posts are shocking to me, considering he has a business there...his comments are suprising to me that they would appear in this forum, considering this is the premier site for talk about his type business.   I chalk it up to temporary, localized bad karma, his website is first class and I wish him well.  (I would recommend him upgrading his circuit breaker box to prevent future appliance damage.  There are some simple solutions that are available in the States, it might be a little tricky getting the component(s) down in SA). 

DayTrader

[rpcv]

The underlying attitude of Jamie's recent posts are shocking to me, considering he has a business there...his comments are suprising to me that they would appear in this forum, considering this is the premier site for talk about his type business. 

Jamie's comments are not shocking to me at all. I had quite a lengthy discussion on another board (Gringos.com) with him regarding what he believes to be the responsibilities of an agency owner towards his clients.

Basically, the discussion was that as a client, I (and others on that board) felt that we could try to choose a reputable agency but if the agency owner was not honest about the services offered etc, than how is that the client's fault? He said the agency owner is never responsible for anything. If things go well for the client, it is because he made a good choice. If the client pays money and doesn't receive the services advertised on the agency's website, that is the client's responsibility too. 
 
Yet earlier on this thread he said, "People here will not admit to mistakes or take responsibility for anything."

It's great some folks have had success with his agency but his belief that agency owners are not responsible for anything was enough for me to refrain from visiting it.
   

[daytrader]

If I am representing a product or service to strangers and charging a fee for my efforts, I want to have the best outcomes for the customer and be proud of what I am representing.  Neither of which seems to be reality in this case.  Shocking that someone would so brazenly say so!   

DayTrader

[papi]

Jamie, I really have to take exception to that sweeping generalization you made about Colombians. We are all liars, every one of us, all the time??

i find that it runs the gamut:

1. the gringo tax, trying to take advantage of gringos
2. generous, hard working people that have welcomed me into their homes
3. flaky, unreliable chicas
4. sincere, sweet women
5. Folks always trying to get in my wallet

It is going to vary but there is a high % of bad apples yet many again are truly wonderful, happy and giving folks. I love colombia yet applaud Jamie for painting a realistic picture.

[papi]

5. Folks always trying to get in my wallet

By the way, I have a group of friends living in the Midwest and born in colombia. All will tell you the same when they return from family visits to colombia

[el_ruso]

Jamie's "picture" is for the most part negative.  He does not demonstrate to me appreciation of colombian people or culture, which stems back in time and has been demonstrated consistently by his posts.  He certainly has a right to his opinion, but having this attitude for a guy in his position is incongruous to say the least.

It is good to be open and realistic, to tell good and bad.  If he was just a guy who went to Colombia and left with a bad taste in his mouth, well it happens.  But for a guy in his position to basically do anti-promotion of his basic service is ridiculous.  If he thinks so low about Colombia and its women, why does he bother running a marriage agency there?  Saying that a majority of colombian women will be disasters as wives is a ridiculuous statement, and I am waiting for him to try to support such a claim.  I don't see taking this out of context, and if he meant something different, and I misinterpreted him, I hope he will clarify.  Why doesn't he write something like, I don't advise anybody to date or marry a colombian woman.  Do NOT do it.  They are disasters.  And write it on his site in big letters.

He does have a good site, and there are guys here who used him with good results, so I am really confused by what I am hearing from him here.

[papi]

Jamie has contributed as much or more to helping men find love as anyone on this forum. Unlike other agencies that sell the hype, he lives in colombia and has a solid handle on the situation and has seen both the good and bad. Again, he is painting a realistic picture and i am sure will continue to help others find a wife. period.

[Jamie]

Cali-vet

Utopia you are quite right. I think the poster with the complaints about B/quilla is experiencing the exception to the rule. Having spent considerable time in and around Cali and Bogotá I can vouch for the fact that power outages are no more frequent in these areas than in the US.

The point of my post is not about electricity. However it is my understanding that Barranquilla has more infrastructure problems than other cities of Colombia.

All (including myself) have chosen Colombia over other destinations as the place they want to live.

You have Americans living everywhere but the facts are Colombia is towards the bottom of the list as a destination for travel and living for Americans. Now wouldn’t you think the reason for this is that the negatives out weigh the positives?

I can state with certainty that the negativism that has been expressed on this thread is very much the exception among the American community in Valle De Cauca.

If it is a fact I don’t see how it can be a negativism. It is sort of like me telling a fan of a Colombian soccer team that his team lost to Peru today 2 to 1 and being told that I am being negative for reporting the score.

el_ruso

DO try to sue the power company, or any other company of its magnitude.  GOOD LUCK!  My job is to get companies accept liability, and let's just say they are not quick to accept it.  Regardless, they will not accept it unless you spend more for legal defense than it will be worth to you.

My point with this example was the lack of common sense not what cities in Colombia the electricity is off or on, nor if I was going to get reimbursed. 

2. Regarding the story about your lady client, I go by the information given by you.  Instead of trying to make her feel comfortable with you and help her open up, you "confronted" and embarrassed her, of which you are obviously proud.  You have great people skills.

You did not go by the information provide you fabricated a story.

3. You seem to run one of the best organized and well-advertised operation in Colombia, and in BAQ in particular you don't seem to have much competition.

I hardly ever advertise and I have hundreds of competitors competition is not localized. When guys make a decision of what International marriage agency to use they look at many different cities and countries. They normally don’t say, ok I am going to Barranquilla lets see who I have to choose from. If they did they would have around 10 to choose from.

I have lived in Houston until two years ago, and I have NEVER heard about the Rumbo newspaper.

They are a Spanish newspaper.

However, what you are doing essentially is this, both by your attitude and your comments in this thread.  A patient comes to a doctor.  Doctor tells him: I think you are going to die.  This medicine is a disaster for the majority of my patients.  But pay me some non-refundable $, and I will proscribe you this medicine, and let's see what happens.  Most other agencies seem to overhype their services, you do the opposite, and either extreme is not good.  I have never met you, but I am shocked that you can do any business with such an attitude.  And even more shocked that you would WANT to do this business with such an attitude.

It is not an attitude it is an understanding of my environment which I report. Your analogy does not fit because the medicine I provide is different than the medicine others provide and the patient usually gets cured. But I do understand your confusion, why I would say things that would appear not to be in my best interest to say. I am saving this answer for one of my writings later. 

4. If Colombians are "doing well" they will not move to US.  People move abroad if they are NOT doing well, and other options are exhausted.  It is VERY difficult to move to another country, and people do it when there is a very good reason.

As I indicated I am not knowledgeable in this area I am primarily applying common sense and limited experience. Unlike Mexico where poor people can cross the border it is mush more difficult for Colombians to do so. However, I actually dated a Colombian in the States that traveled through Central America and entered the States from Mexico, sorry Ray I didn’t turn her in but I don’t think this is how most Colombians enter the States. I think most enter through legitimate means which means they must have had the funds to do so. They are not as you describe. I would certainly like to hear what other may know of this.

5. Americans who live in Colombia seem to genuinly enjoy their experience.  I have not heard anyone but you who was only negative.  If anything, you are making a case NOT to go to Barranquilla.

Again I indicate I do enjoy myself and the Americans I have met here feel the same way. Yet at the same time they share much of what I have said. As I have all ready mentioned there is only one reason for anyone to come to Barranquilla and that is the women. I have had many men talk to me about living in Colombia and once I find out their objectives I tell them the pluses and minus.

A few of you guys appear to be nothing more than cheerleaders for Colombia for those just reading understand even a losing team will have cheerleaders.


Cachaco

Jamie, I really have to take exception to that sweeping generalization you made about Colombians. We are all liars, every one of us, all the time??

This is what I said,

Why does this happen because Colombians are incessant liars. Even for the most inconsequential matters they want to lie.

Now I understand this is very broad and provoking. Of course not all are liars and not all liars lie all the time. Since I am in the relationship business I see many interactions between American men and Colombian women either first hand or through my customers and employees. Now you can imagine if a girl says she likes a man but really does not like the man how this can create difficulties for us. It is one of our primary focuses to constantly observe, study, and question the women to see if behavior matches what comes out of their mouth. We know from experience that most men will be blind to this due to their inexperience with Colombian women and the emotional bias that develops with such women. So the topic of recognizing the truth is essential to our ultimate objective of assisting a couple to matrimony.

The one thing that has hit me more than anything regarding the differences between Colombians and Americans is the depth of lying I see here. To this moment it amazes me. It makes the job for the good women that work for me who have a sincere interest in helping couples much more difficult because lying is pervasive in Colombia. I don’t come to such a conclusion lightly. It comes from an overwhelming amount of observations over a wide range of people. Now could this information be slanted? Possibly, maybe women lie more in relationship matter than they do in friendship matters or business matters. I don’t think so but it could be.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to be going beyond pointing out what is wrong with the country, and seem to be implying that the people are no good, either.

Everyone acknowledges Colombia is corrupt. What Colombians won’t acknowledge is that it is not just the politicians or bureaucracies that are corrupt it’s all the people that support and abide by this system of corruption. It’s not just the rich it’s almost everybody. Now whether this makes them a bad person or a good person depends on the situation. I do not think most are bad. But as I indicated before most of the women would make bad wives to most American men but this does not mean they are bad people. Sorry but I have to hold off on the answer why until it hits my website.

I think were going to have to change the name of this topic from “my first year of marriage” to everything under the sun

[Cali-vet]

As the American agency operator in B/quilla has repeatedly solicited posters here to look at see his business website I took a cursory look. One of the first things that struck me was the statement:

“we will discretely find out where you stand with each of your personal introductions. There will be no need to wonder if she likes you - you'll know.”

The usefulness of this service seems pretty dubious in light of his recent statement:

“expect help to come her way from not opening up and telling me what she really knew. Why does this happen because Colombians are incessant liars. Even for the most inconsequential matters they want to lie. When I tell the girl what I know and ask her why she did not tell me this and how can I help you if you are not going to tell me everything the typical response is I was embarrassed or I was ashamed to tell you which is the next frequent activity of Colombians, making excuses.”

I also saw that he charges $1375.00 for three days during which the client can have group meetings with forty women. From the photos it appears the client will meet with groups of ten to fifteen women at a time. Client’s hotel expense not included. This got me curious so I decided to check some of the popular agency and tour businesses in Colombia:

A one year membership with allcolombiangirls is $450.00.
One on one personal introductions.
No limit to the number of introductions.
Life membership $840.00
http://www.allcolombiangirls.com/

One seven day week at calicharm $280.00
One on one personal introductions
No limit on number of introductions
Air-conditioned private room included in price.
http://www.calicharm.com/

Three group social events with TLC Worldwide $995.00 first time, $750.00 subsequent tours
Socials with up to five hundred women in attendance. Introduce yourself to whoever you want.
http://www.singlesvacations.com/

In light of the fact the that he charges up to eleven times more than comparable agencies it becomes pretty clear why he is disposed to tolerate living and working a place he claims to despise.

I also observe that the Russian´s dialog with him has been gentlemanly and well intentioned while his responses have been sarcastic and defensive. Maybe this attitude affects his relationship with the Colombians he is around.

[papi]

CV, i am not here to defend Jamie. I think he runs one of the better services in colombia and I have met far worse. Regarding his pricing, i have seen other agencies nickel/dime and cheat gringos. I don't feel that is Jamie's style. Furthermore, i believe he does have more affordable services for those not wishing to pay for his pricier plans. His more expensive tour is probably competitive with the larger tours in that i believe he includes hotel and private translators which are normally a la carte again on the big tour.

Cali Charm remains papi's #1 recommendation followed by TLC but I would not hesitate recommending Jamie. His success ranks high and he did make a full court effort to find me a wife even though he failed miserably...

I do applaud your efforts though to speak out against agency abuse. We need more guys like you not afraid to speak their mind. well done!

[rpcv]

I do applaud your efforts though to speak out against agency abuse. We need more guys like you not afraid to speak their mind. well done!

There will always be differences among agencies in terms of prices, services etc. That is understandable and to be expected. The key is as you suggested Papi is for folks to speak out against agency abuse or misrepresentation. I have no problem paying for services rendered; just not for false claims. 

I agree from my personal experience that Cali Charm is a top notch agency. The other ones in Cali, (ACG, LE, and Cali VIP) should not be overlooked though.

[rpcv]

As I indicated I am not knowledgeable in this area I am primarily applying common sense and limited experience. Unlike Mexico where poor people can cross the border it is mush more difficult for Colombians to do so. However, I actually dated a Colombian in the States that traveled through Central America and entered the States from Mexico, sorry Ray I didn’t turn her in but I don’t think this is how most Colombians enter the States. I think most enter through legitimate means which means they must have had the funds to do so. They are not as you describe. I would certainly like to hear what other may know of this.

Both El Ruso's and Jamie have valid points. I would have to say from my experience with DHS (Department of Homeland Security) that a majority of those who leave Colombia for the USA are scientists, doctors, well educated individuals, etc. In terms of other countries I've lived in, it is usually a similar situation where the person has the financial means to leave for the USA.

However, there is also a large percentage of Colombians who are displaced from their homes whom can not afford a direct trip, settle in neighboring countries and eventually find their way to the USA. (I don't have more recent stats right now but The Human Rights and Displacement Consultancy put the figure at more than two million displaced between 1995 and 2000.)

[Cali-vet]

Papi no we´ve never met though I visited a mutual friend a couple of times arriving just after you´d left for the Tres Cruces. Small business but big enough to know all about "primas", "sesentias", "intereses", "vacaciones", "subsidio", "EPS" and "cooperativas".

[el_ruso]

Jamie,

So far you have accused Colombians to be "incessant" liars, corrupt and criminal (although you do backpedal somewhat in response to Cachaco, saying now that "most are not bad").  Oh, and you insist that a majority of Colombian women are "disasters" as wives.  it is not going to be of use to discuss your opinion of Colombia, because you insist that you will care to justify your negative generalizations "later".  I guess we should all patiently wait for that historic day, hour and minute to find out the "truth" about Colombia. 

It would be interesting what you will think of someone who will state very negative opinion about your company and insult you personally, but instead of substantiating this, will promise to do it "later".

I am not a cheerleader.  Colombia has its problems, has higher crime rate than average for US, and at least in BAQ there are electricity problems.  It has a lot of unemployment and underemployment.  Those are serious problems, but as far as I know they have not affected you personally.

But it really has a lot of good too.  People in general are very friendly, warm and welcoming, and have been willing to help whenever I encountered small problems.  There is a lot to do there for fun, to go out, dance, listen to music.  Here in US most clubs play either hiphop or the beeping electronic music by comparison.  There are a lot of nature activities available.  Traditional food is delicious.  And I can go on and on.  All I say is that there is a lot of good in Colombia not available in US, and vice versa.  This is me being realistic.

[Jamie]

From Cali-vet:

One of the first things that struck me was the statement:

“we will discretely find out where you stand with each of your personal introductions. There will be no need to wonder if she likes you - you'll know.”

The usefulness of this service seems pretty dubious in light of his recent statement:

“expect help to come her way from not opening up and telling me what she really knew. Why does this happen because Colombians are incessant liars. Even for the most inconsequential matters they want to lie. When I tell the girl what I know and ask her why she did not tell me this and how can I help you if you are not going to tell me everything the typical response is I was embarrassed or I was ashamed to tell you which is the next frequent activity of Colombians, making excuses.”

Now let me ask you if some girl privately says to one of our translators after meeting Joe that she like Joe do you think it is possible we could ask her some follow up questions and determine from the content and scope of her answer if she was telling the truth?

From Cali-vet:

Client’s hotel expense not included.

It appear you are being “dubious” the page from which you quoted clearly says accommodations are included but you chose to state the opposite.

From Cali-vet"

In light of the fact the that he charges up to eleven times more than comparable agencies

If these agencies were truly comparable the market as you say would not all me to charge 11 times more. We are not comparable; we do more and get better results which is why we are able to charge more. Are you trying to say price is a primary determination of what agency to use?

…it becomes pretty clear why he is disposed to tolerate living and working a place he claims to despise.

I never said I despise living in Colombia I am not sure why you have to bring distortion in to the debate.

[Jamie]

El_Ruso:

So far you have accused Colombians to be "incessant" liars, corrupt and criminal (although you do backpedal somewhat in response to Cachaco, saying now that "most are not bad").

I did not backpedal I expanded my explanation not that there would be anything wrong with making a correction.
Are you saying in general classifying Colombia as corrupt is wrong? And if you don’t consider Colombia corrupt what country should have this label?

Are you saying Colombia does not have a higher state of criminality then most nations?

it is not going to be of use to discuss your opinion of Colombia, because you insist that you will care to justify your negative generalizations "later".

I provided plenty of discussion material and I have responded to every one of your questions and comments much more so then you have of mine. I have a history of postings and I am well known in this community for my position on many matters. When an author writes a book he discusses the material afterwards not before the book is written. Since I post articles on the Internet I would rather wait till I complete the article before providing all the details of what the article is about.

I guess we should all patiently wait for that historic day, hour and minute to find out the "truth" about Colombia. 

You don’t need to over dramatize I all ready provide the truth and I have never classified myself as an expert like some of the poster on here like to do.

It would be interesting what you will think of someone who will state very negative opinion about your company and insult you personally, but instead of substantiating this, will promise to do it "later".

There is a big difference between making personal accusations to an individual and making statements of a general nature. Are you trying to say there is not a difference and one needs to immediately justify both?

I am not a cheerleader.  Colombia has its problems, has higher crime rate than average for US, and at least in BAQ there are electricity problems.  It has a lot of unemployment and underemployment.  Those are serious problems, but as far as I know they have not affected you personally.

Well you are wrong it personally affects me in many ways. How could it not. You think I am isolated and protected from the troubles of Colombia?

But it really has a lot of good too.  People in general are very friendly, warm and welcoming, and have been willing to help whenever I encountered small problems.

I would agree

There is a lot to do there for fun, to go out, dance, listen to music.

Compared to the U.S it has much less to do but I do not consider this a problem I have all ready stated good company makes for a good time.

Here in US most clubs play either hiphop or the beeping electronic music by comparison.

I disagree you have a significantly larger variety of clubs in a like size city to choose from in the States then you do in Colombia.

There are a lot of nature activities available.

Again much less than the States. Pollution is much worse in Colombia and they are destroying much of the natural beauty. It is also much more dangerous to travel on the outskirts of Colombia. True or False?

Traditional food is delicious.

What food would that be and please provide the ingredients and how it is cooked?
 

And I can go on and on.

Well I think you have said very little please continue after you respond to my questions.

All I say is that there is a lot of good in Colombia not available in US

Such as? Could you provide a list of 5?

This is me being realistic.

So the lack of American travelers and expatriates living in Colombia carries no meaning? That would seem to be more of a reality.

Could you tell us how much time you have spent in Colombia? 

[Cali-vet]

As I said it was a cursory look so missed the part about hotel. However you are dreaming (and you do seem to exist in kind of a bubble up there)
when it comes to comparability. Apart from winning hands down on having the most verbose website there have been absolutely no reports anywhere indicating that you offer a superior oportunity to meet a Colombian lifemate, superior that is to other agencies that offer the same or better service for a fraction of your astounding price. I guarantee you do not have better translators than those employed by the agencies I mentioned, nor do you offer more attentive service. In fact I can´t imagine the shock and overwhelming sensation of "I´ve been had!" that I would experiece after paying the highest agency price in all Colombia only to have you sit me down at a table with fifteen women and say well guy this is your introduction. What a time saver for you! Even taking the gouging out of the equation I would never agree to a meeting stratagy like that. Might just as well go on a TLC tour where I could at least walk up to the women I´m attracted to and introduce myself and not waste time being gracious to the twos and threes asking me questions at your round table. From what has been posted it appears your clients are first timers to Colombia who have never had and don´t realize they have a right to expect  normal one to one introductions with women they choose.

All in all you make your self out to be a hostle and angry old guy who hates everything about where he is (Ruso is right, you haven´t said anything positive about your life in Colombia) but stays for the money. And quit already with the "read it on my website" blurbs. If you have something to say to members of this forum then step up to the plate and say it right here!