Prepago al Maximo

[Researcher]

I man should do what a man WANTS to do.  CP does

  Sure, if he can. Some men have no choices and have to take what they can get.


      Researcher

[benjio]

Girls that have the money (educatation,travel,estrato 6, bilingual, w/ maids) in Colombia would not resort to meeting strange foreigners they meet online in the first place.

That is absolutely not true. Now if you had included extremely attractive women with all those other characteristics, on average, I'd have to agree. That almost never happens...hence my initial suspicion of my new friend's motives. But I've met dozens of women from CC and LatinEuro and believe me, not all of them poor. Some are the exact opposite. You'd be surprise. Do those types of women contact men on these sites? HELL NO!!! Their inboxes stay full and those that have the patience sort through the mayhem to find someone they may be interested in. In the end, it's usually all about physical attraction. Even some of the girls I've met at Jamie's are from affluent backgrounds, well educated, and have absolutely no need to seek out a foreign husband for financial support. You're forgetting how displeased a lot of Colombian Women are with Colombian Men...especially along the coast. Of course those types may be few and far between, but if I have to acknowledge the existence of these Colombian Super Prepagos you keep ranting about that I have yet to run across, you have realize that there are women from wealthy backgrounds in Latin America searching for love overseas.
 
By the way, being bilingual in Colombia isn't a huge deal. I know plenty of Colombians that know Spanish and English, or Spanish and Portuguese. I work with dozens of them. I said polylingual, which I think says a lot more about a person, nevertheless a Colombiano. If nothing else, they had the free time to sit around and learn multiple languages they were probably never going to use.
 

[fathertime]

I man should do what a man WANTS to do.  CP does

Zon it appears the one thing you would like to do is ride Calipro's jock!


  I personally thoroughly enjoy the human aspect of CP's posts and agree with him most of the time, but there is no reason for you to constantly reference him in your posts, it is like the town beggar saying how great the wealthy town banker is.  The banker doesn't give a poop and it just makes you look like a silly grovelling schoolgirl.   Use your head, and choose your own path, (Just like CP did) jajajaja


Just giving you some crap, but seriously you *appear* to have different goals so you likely need to modify how you operate!   


Fathertime! 

[dennislevy]

I so much prefer my life to South America to the life I had as a divorced man in the US.
 
I won t even talk about women.
 
Living in Colombia in furnished apartments  and then traveling in Colombia Ecuador and Peru has enabled me to be completely free, and to live my life as I want to live it. I don t owe anyone anything.  I don t have to work to keep up with anyone and I ve eliminated all the nonsense (and that s only my opinion....that some of American life is about.  ..I don t disrespect anyone who thinks those things are essential  or important)
 
I dont have a monthly mortage hanging over me
I dont wash a car
I don t mow a lawn,
I don t shovel snow
I don t have a list of chores,
I don t go to McDonalds,
I don t pay heating blls,
I don t pay air conditioning bills,
I dont pay life insurance, homeowner s insurance, car insurance a monthly security bill, association fees
I dont pay electricity, garbage or water bills
I don t worry abut getting speeding tickets or traffic accidents
 
I haven t had a date in a few days, but in the last FIVE days , I spent 300 Peruvian soles to live.... that s $111.00 USD.
I sleep in a comfortable bed in a room and bath that totals about 260 square feet with nine foot high celings. My sheets are changed every day.  I have clean towels every day, soap and toilet paper.
There is a high bank of windows facing the street, I have natural light
I eat three square meals a day, 
I have cable TV, hot water, if I want to stay in he shower for 15 minutes, I do...
.I have virtually unlimited Interent access,
I refine my Spanish every day with the young couple that own this hotel.
I walk around Chiclayo and I look at exotic women. 
 
Its late November and I imagine its cold in much of the US. I m walking around in a short sleeved polo shirt and deck shoes without socks.
 
Granted, I ll be nostalgic tomorrow...but it will pass.
 
Happy Thanksgiving to all.       
 
           

[Jeff S]

My father much preferred living in central Mexico as a retiree for most of the same reasons. He lived quite well on his social security of less than $1000 per month and that included owning a car and dog, living in a nice 2 bedroom apartment with all the amenities you'd have anywhere in the US, eating very well, and having excellent medical care - including house calls by his doctor. Other than to occasionally visit his family, he had no desire to visit the US.

[Zon]

Zon it appears the one thing you would like to do is ride Calipro's jock!

CP is a Pro - I am a not a school girl, I am CP fan HAHAHA    Seriously, I think CP's perspective on things is spot on.  I don't know what CP's "goals" are - HELL I don't even know what MY goals are!   

What is emerging in this thread is a better understanding of Life Hunting vs. Wife Hunting; and the differences in perspective from those of us that want to invest much time on the ground in Colombia vs. those of us who want to spend little time in Colombia ...

I am starting to get curious, however, to know what progress Benijo is making in the background:)

[beginthebeguin]

I agree with dennis and Zon. Find a good way of life first; it's turkey on your plate. And if you find a good wife along the way, that's nothing but gravy. Of course there are guys who also want the cranberry sauce and the whipped cream on their pie. 
BTW it's hard to explain Thanksgiving day and it's traditions to a colombiana, or for any latina for that matter. Black Friday? Well they might understand that. jajajajajaja

[Researcher]

   I spent alot of time in Mexico and Colombia and met many expats in both countries. The difference in the ones I met in Mexico was that they retired there mostly because of the cost and the climate. Many of the expats I met in Colombia were there because they could bribe women to be their girlfriend. Sorry, but that is the truth.


     Researcher

[JimD]

I dont have a monthly mortage hanging over me
I dont wash a car
I don t mow a lawn,
I don t shovel snow
I don t have a list of chores,
I don t go to McDonalds,
I don t pay heating blls,
I don t pay air conditioning bills,
I dont pay life insurance, homeowner s insurance, car insurance a monthly security bill, association fees
I dont pay electricity, garbage or water bills
I don t worry abut getting speeding tickets or traffic accidents
 
         

Hey Dennis I'll just post where our South American experience differs:
 
I do wash a car
I do mow a lawn
I do have a list of chores
I do pay a heating bill
I do pay car insurence, administration and health insurence
I do pay electric and garbage
And while I don't worry about speeding tickets (never heard of one) I most certainly do worry about traffic accidents.
 
 
 
 

[Calipro]

Hey Dennis I'll just post where our South American experience differs:
 
I do wash a car
I do mow a lawn
I do have a list of chores
I do pay a heating bill
I do pay car insurence, administration and health insurence
I do pay electric and garbage
And while I don't worry about speeding tickets (never heard of one) I most certainly do worry about traffic accidents.

The ticket that I got in Tulua for running a red light finally showed up on the computer system at el transito in Cali......cost 535,000 cop. Supposedly would have been half that if I'd had paid it within 5 days of the citation....unfortunately it didn't show up in the computer system in Cali until well after that.


What company do you recommend for health insurance in Cali.....my ex had SURA and I was surprised at the low cost 63,000 cop per month and the relatively high level if care....even covered a lot of drugs 100%.

[Fuzzyone]

   I spent alot of time in Mexico and Colombia and met many expats in both countries. The difference in the ones I met in Mexico was that they retired there mostly because of the cost and the climate. Many of the expats I met in Colombia were there because they could bribe women to be their girlfriend. Sorry, but that is the truth.


     Researcher

  Why did you have to go do that? Now you have hurt these guys feelings by exposing the truth it is all about money if you have some even a whore will date you.

[dennislevy]

l lived in Bogota and Medellin for 29 months, traveled from one end to the other of the country for seven more months. 
 
I never bribed ANY woman to go out with me or to go to bed with me, and never paid a woman to have sex with me.....PERIOD.
 
If a man chooses women WISELY, dates APPROPRIATELY , is respectful of women but self confident....and speaks good to excellent Spanish, there is no reason to bribe a woman.
 
 
 
 

[maritime04]

I have issues with someone trying to make the economical debate as to why they live in Colombia, especially if they choose to do so in a larger Colombian city (w/ western lifestyle), it’s more respectable to simply say for the dating opportunities it provides then LIE and say its cost of living. I think one can have huge cost savings in anything directly related to labor, the more unskilled labor the cheaper it is, but also the quality goes down as ANYONE in Colombia knows who has tried to build anything!
Where do I start, I try not to just throw nonsense in the air without trying to have some logical thoughts to back it up. I do not think I could have explained it any better than saying

Trust me there buddy allot of things are possible that you and I have never seen.

I provided a good argument towards the existence of a more higher end prepago, even provided a good book, written by one of the madams who ran Colombian models, beauty queens, and TV personalities.  Natalia pairs is still rumored to “work” then and again and I doubt she is poor, her price is just HIGH
Your response

but if I have to acknowledge the existence of these Colombian Super Prepagos you keep ranting about that I have yet to run across, you have realize that there are women from wealthy backgrounds in Latin America searching for love overseas.

Well I guess I am forced to surrender to such logic, that if benjio has never seen it; it cannot be possible. I said nothing about wealthy women looking for love overseas. I SAID MEETING STRANGE FORINGERS THEY MEET ONLINE. I even underlined it. Why do I think this, because truly wealth Colombians live in social circles that frown upon that behavior, they don’t meet their husbands on Colombian Cupido, they are introduced to them via family and their extensive social connections, They would regard such a meeting as a HUGE risk in their safety, which in Colombia is important. Now when I say wealth I mean upper 8-6% of Colombia’s income earners. Now you can disagree with this.But I think I present my argument in good form, and it’s well thought out.
BUT
I am smart enough to know I don’t know everything, are you?
Colombia is different then the USA!!!! Really and how is it different Zon? ?
Your argument is that one gets a false perspective by only visiting Colombia for a short time, that by being lucky enough to live in Colombia for longer periods of time you will gain the perspective of a Colombian male and suddenly see the TRUTH.
WHAT TRUTH?
How is anyone supposed to look at Colombia, but with the perspective of our past experiences and life?
I live in Colombia, I am half Colombian, and WTF are you talking about?
Again I live in Colombia, so I guess I am living proof you do not know what you are talking about.
Living in the moment can easily be done in USA, Colombia or MARS!!! What’s your point?

And imagine what a Colombian man's perspective is (that is probably YOUR perspective IF you were to live in his shoes).  That is the reality a gringo starts to assume when LIVING in Colombia (or the DR, or Costa Rica, or many other places).

I would take this more seriously if I was being lectured by someone who could actually read and speak Spanish at a toddler’s level!! I am going to say this WE ARE ALL GRINGOS; unless you were born and raised there YOU ARE A GRINGO, if you’re from France YOU ARE STILL a GRINGO. Living in Colombia and taking advantage of the many pleasures does not make you a Colombian and will never give you a Colombian man’s perspective. That’s a very vague statement to begin with especially for a place like Colombia with income inequality and life being very different for Urban or rural communities in Colombians.
So, is it possible to feel 10 years younger, honestly?
No Zon Colombia does not make you 10 years younger, but you said FEEL, so if sleeping with younger women (who then sleep with the men they want to) and going out to the VIP section of clubs with so-called friends and women(who pretend to like you) and listening to regatton for 6 hours MAKES YOU FEEL 10 years younger than HAVE AT IT.
Is it true that a 45 -60 year old man will be held in a much higher social regard in Colombia? HELL YES!
They have a WORD for that here it’s called VIEJO VERDE
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=viejo%20verde for those Spanish impaired.
Much higher social regard from WHOM? Women, no I do not think so. Not how you are implying it and the example of looking to Colombian men as an example is HORRIBLE,
EXACTLY What kind of example am I supposed to gain from looking at a 45-60 year old Colombian male? In this case you used a friend exactly your age (which I do not know) but let’s say 40+ whom was involved in a serious relationship with a women (future wife) say 15 years his younger, (AWSOME) they get into said fight and break-up, within 72 hours he’s got an equal or greater replacement lined up, with many more ready to take her place.
I WILL ASK AGAIN WHAT EXAMPLE AM I TO LEARN FROM THIS?
That Woman are disposable, and easily replaced in COLOMBIA. Half true, women are easily replaced but important relationships not that easy. I would like to think that if I get into a horrible fight with my finance, and we parted ways neither of us would be searching for a replacement so soon after, unless there was ZERO value in the relationship to begin with. This says allot about the Colombian man! Looking at life through the perspective of a Colombian man is probly not the best way to go about relationships and life….... Just my opinion
I think I heard someone say………………

You're forgetting how displeased a lot of Colombian Women are with Colombian Men...

I wonder why that is benjio, I wonder why…………………
We all have different approaches in life, but your argument is very weak, and your constant thumbing your nose down at wife hunters is non-sense. These guys are looking to make relationships so they can improve their lives, and feel happy how exactly is that NOT life-hunting??? Seems to me it’s a good use of one’s time, just as much as wondering envigado harassing groups of women to date you.
Who wants Kool-Aid, ZON you never stopped drinking it.
The argument you make is like saying Hugh Heffner is actually wanted and liked by the women he chooses to surround himself with. This is the world in which he lives?? Seriously you never stop to ask WHY; do you think any culture exists where women appreciate being treated like a disposable dipper? Do you really think they do not have their own agenda, especially when confronted with a chauvinistic macho environment like Colombia? Acting like the typical Colombian man will only bring you the same problems faced by the typical Colombian man, as you have little grasp of the language, I cannot expect you to even understand Latin males or females for that matter your perspective I am afraid is no better than any short-time visitor.

[Zon]

We all have different approaches in life, but your argument is very weak, and your constant thumbing your nose down at wife hunters is non-sense. These guys are looking to make relationships so they can improve their lives, and feel happy how exactly is that NOT life-hunting???

Who wants Kool-Aid, ZON you never stopped drinking it.

The argument you make is like saying Hugh Heffner is actually wanted and liked by the women he chooses to surround himself with. This is the world in which he lives?? Seriously you never stop to ask WHY; do you think any culture exists where women appreciate being treated like a disposable dipper? Do you really think they do not have their own agenda, especially when confronted with a chauvinistic macho environment like Colombia? Acting like the typical Colombian man will only bring you the same problems faced by the typical Colombian man, as you have little grasp of the language, I cannot expect you to even understand Latin males or females for that matter your perspective I am afraid is no better than any short-time visitor.

Mari04 - I thought your entire response was about the most thoughtful and logical response I have ever seen on this board. Clearly, the structure of discussions board threads do not easily provide for deep dialouge.  Here are a couple responses ...

My idea of a good time, does not necessitate the company of a woman BTW.  Some men want to always be around one, or many, the same or different.   To each his own.  The last time I was flying out of Colombia, I sat next to a Colombian man who was convinced that there are ONLY TWO reasons for a guy like me to ever spend a day in Colombia = 1, women and 2, drugs. Anything elese was beyond his willingness to believe.

I DO NOT LOOK DOWN UPON WIFE HUNTERS.   My constant point is ONLY and simply that it is best that marriage not be a life goal, in and of itself.  There is ample evidence of men who treat this more as a mail order transaction, than a natural consequence of human interaction.

YOU ARE RIGHT, Colombia has many warts.  Few Colombian men, generally speaking, will receive a priority ticket to enter the pearly gates upon death.  Also my interest and enjoyment of Colombia should not be interpreted as anti-american ...living in Colombia also makes me appreicate the USA more. 

I would take this more seriously if I was being lectured by someone who could actually read and speak Spanish at a toddler’s level!! I am going to say this WE ARE ALL GRINGOS; unless you were born and raised there YOU ARE A GRINGO, if you're from France YOU ARE STILL a GRINGO.

I do not intend to lecture you.  And my ready admission that my Spanish is "tottler level"  (HAHAHA) is evidence thereof.  HOWEVER, my impressions and understandings of Colombia - although far less than yours, are far greater to a AM that goes to Colombia for only 7 days on a rommance tour.  I would like to think I am a "Super Gringo" - pro favor:)

PERSPECTIVES are tricky things.  I have friends in the USA that hold the same opinions of my motivations as you seem to have. "The only reason I enjoy spending time in Colombia and dating women there is because I can behave selfishly and not be called a pig, and my selection is greater because every Colombiana want a mule to gain access into the USA".   

MARI04 ... you do not feel more appreciated, respected, and having a greater social value in Colombia than the USA?    ( All things being equal ) You do not recognize the willingness and curiosity of people to meet and talk with you?  You do not see that women's eye are more open to contact and welcoming overtures than in the USA?   Hmmm, I think that is strange only because my experience is so different.

My point then may be better illustrated looking at the CURRENT PERSPECTIVES IN THE USA, and the social value of being a man / husband.  This is where there seems to be a great, uncomplimentary contrast between being a man in the USA versus Colombia.  I could write MANY pages on this: the imagery of men in advertising.   The shifts in gender at the workplace.   The gender gaps in college and graduate studies.  Divorce law.   I could go on and on, but this should be obvious to all.   PLUS, in the USA, there is an emphasis on YOUTH (not vitality), and its window is very narrow.  Again, this should be clear to all.   I do not think that dancing and socializing is the reason for living, but I do understand that a couple of decades without it, can decrease a person's volume for living.  (yes dancing y rumbiar is important to me - at least at this stage of my life.  I ENJOY IT)

Do I agree that women should have the value of a used diaper?   Do I like to see men strike and rob women in public, without anyone standing up?  Of course not.   Women should be respected ... and beauty appreciated.  In the USA, everyone abdicates security and protection to 911.  In the USA female beauty is more rare, and makes everyones brain turn to [snip].  And to add a little punctuation to this fact: when is the last time you saw a "cougar" on the hunt in Colombia?

These are just some thoughts to offer in return for yours.  I think that marriage (or a relationship) is a subset of life, not the whole enchilada.   I enjoy the prospects of living abroad for the foreseeable future; to me it offers more choices and more NEW experiences.  I do not have an agenda, and lack the motivation to lecture anyone on anything ... I am just participating in a discussion with others who seemingly are also willing to think outside the box to design a life.

====

But, I am open to the idea of being misguided!  Maybe a man is hapless until meeting a woman that will become his wife.  Maybe, only then life truly starts.  Is this the way married guys see it?

[beginthebeguin]

Zon said

But, I am open to the idea of being misguided!  Maybe men are hapless until meeting a woman that will become his wife.  Maybe, only then life truly starts.  Is this the way married guys see it?

Yes and if you are very, very lucky (and only time will tell) you only have to pick once. Otherwise we are STILL hapless. That is why some still search looking for marriage or not.

[JimD]

What company do you recommend for health insurance in Cali.....my ex had SURA and I was surprised at the low cost 63,000 cop per month and the relatively high level if care....even covered a lot of drugs 100%.

The SURA she had was at that price probobly an EPS. You can get as I have private insurence in addition. I subcribed early to Coomeva Plan Oro. I reccomend it. Excellent choice of doctors, clinicas of your choice and very fast approval of procedures with out the typical first time refusals. If you get a private plan you are required to have EPS too. If you need more info when you're in Cali let me know.

[Micky]

Maritime and His Post -

Many will not like,  or agree with M4s post,  I do agree with most of it.  His prospective is unique in that he IS half Colombian and half North American.  I think that some of his posts are written with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,  but,  I think that is very understandable given what he sees here by the super majority of Gringos that live,  or visit here often,  their personal playground.  He sees the Parque Gringo Gringos that most all seem to have an air of arrogance,  that they are apart from,  and somehow better than others.  When down in El Centro,  other than some tourists at Botero plaza,  I never see any obvious gringos in and around El Hueco and I have been there hundreds of times.  The same with Minorista and Majorista,  the produce and shopping centers that are NOT supermarkets,  where you will find the working class buying their groceries.

As much as I would like to disagree with Maritime (also Researcher made a comment in the same vein),  I can not.  In that the majority of Gringos here are NOT here for the culture or economic advantage.

I will certainly disagree with the cost of living statement that M4 made.  I live what would be equal to a lower middle class,  or upper working class,  life style here that is MUCH cheaper than in the States. Although I would not disagree that one could spend a lot more if they lived in Poblado,  owned a car,  took taxis all of the time,  ate out at restaurants daily,  have maids and shop at Pomona.

Maritimes view on the guys chasing the young girls is also pretty spot on.  I truly do not care what a guy does  (dating/relationship wise)  within the bounds of honesty and not playing games with women of any age.  I do find it quite odd that the men who complain about the Gringa/Western women and their demands and expectations are often the ones who want to play the "you can be replaced easily"  card with Latinas.  A thing that is so wrong when done TO you,  becomes ok to do to someone else.

Maritime,  I moved to Colombia because after several hundred hours studying all of the LA countries,  I found the people of Colombia to be the most resilient people anywhere.  With all of the MAJOR problems that this country has had,  bad politicians,  trafficantes,  FARC,  Paras,  economics,  employment,  opportunities (lack of),  and yet with all of this,  these people have a love and appreciation of life that I think is unmatched.

Zon,  while I think it is possible to look at things from another perspective,  I do agree with Maritime,  in that you can not think,  or have the perspective of a Colombiano.  One would HAVE to have been raised in a culture to fully operate as one of that culture.  The Latin life is simple,  but the culture is very complex,  as you know,  it would take a lifetime of learning just to have a good understanding of this culture.  Unlike some here,  I do believe that Zon does have respect and admiration for what is Colombia.

I have more,  but a couple of punk kids want lunch,  duty calls.
 

Micky 

[dennislevy]

I lived in Bogota and Medellin for 29 months, those are two BIG Colombian cities, I lived what M04 calls a western lifestyle  and it was WAY cheaper then to live in the US.  The most defining part of that lifestyle...as a singe man.....is to live ALONE....

I can certainly compare living in Bogota and Medellin to living ALONE in a large to huge American city as a renter and wthout a car.  Medellin has a very efficent overhead metro system, New york has a sprawling subway system. Someone can correct me but the last I heard, a subway ride in New York was $2.00, In medlelin, I think its sitill 1550 pesos, call it 85 or 90 cents and you can buy a metro bus transfer  for 2100 pesos, $1.10 to $1.25. 
 
I didn t own a house or a car in Colombia , so I did cut out insurance premiums, gas, car maintenance and property taxes.
 
But I ate out 90 plus % of the time, either alone or with women and it was still cheaper then the US, I took taxis ALL the time, and it was still cheaper then the US.  I never kept very much in the refrigerators of the furnished studios that I rented unless a woman was with me for the weekend 
 
You CAN T eat breakfast out---- 2 eggs,  a big cup of coffee and 2 fresh bakery rolls ANYWHERE  the US for $1.80 to 2 bucks. I did it every day in Bogota.  In Bogota I went to the movies once a week, at Salitre Plaza or Gran Estacion...those are big malls with cinema multplexes.......either by myself or with a woman. It was part of my weekend routine, I paid 6,500 or 7,000 pesos for a ticket, that s no more then 4 dollars, even with a low rate of exchange. How much is a movie ticket in the US, now, $11 or $13?
 
I had a budget of $1600 to $1800 a month in Bogota AND I was a prolific dater....If I didnt date at ALL, I could have lived in bogota for $1,200 to $1300 dollars a month.
 
If I were to live in  New York City at age 58, as a renter, renting a UNFURNISHED studio apartment in midtown Manahttan and relying on public transportation, eating all my meals out and trying to date women.....
 
fugedaboutit!!!!! 
 
ONE REASON that I came to Colombia was to be women...but not the young ones.............
 
but of EQUAL  importance I also wanted a much SIMPLER and more economic life style and to take on the challenge of LIVING IN THE CULTURE. 
 
Other then being a gringo not much of the points that M04 made about Zon applies to me.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

[Calipro]

The SURA she had was at that price probobly an EPS. You can get as I have private insurence in addition. I subcribed early to Coomeva Plan Oro. I reccomend it. Excellent choice of doctors, clinicas of your choice and very fast approval of procedures with out the typical first time refusals. If you get a private plan you are required to have EPS too. If you need more info when you're in Cali let me know.

There was a gringo living in Cali that went by Ricky that also recommended Coomeva.....I currently have Blue Cross and Blue Shield and they will reimburse me for any covered medical expenses that I receive in Colombia but I would first have to pay upfront.....

This guy told me that if I didn't have the cash on me in an emergency that the hospitals there could refuse treatment and that it would be better for me to carry Colombian health insurance.....also said that you can be added to a girlfriends insurance policy at a reduced rate......I have no idea how accurate that information is.

[dennislevy]

Colombian hospitals do refuse treatment to indigent people.
 
Yes a woman can add you to her health insurance, but if I am not mistaken you must have a Colomban cedula AND a documented relationship with the woman...at least a notarized union libre.

If you have a Colombian cedula you can buy health insurance for yourself...but it will be a higher price then for Colombians

[fathertime]

CP is a Pro - I am a not a school girl, I am CP fan HAHAHA    Seriously, I think CP's perspective on things is spot on.  I don't know what CP's "goals" are - HELL I don't even know what MY goals are!   
 

Oh come on zon, you seriously don't know what your goals are yet?


 I realize the babes in Colombia probably have thrown you for a loop but  you seem like a kindly grandfatherly type fellow you should have your crap together a little better with the babes by now.  If you really don't know what you are looking for maybe it is time to figure that part out before you go out with these ladies.    A man should not be so influenced by another to the point where he can't think for himself, and I'm sure Calipro would not want you to be so dependent on him.  From my experience followers don't do well in this adventure.  Take that new found 'tackle' of yours and go get what you want *when you figure out what it is you want*! 

[fathertime]

   I spent alot of time in Mexico and Colombia and met many expats in both countries. The difference in the ones I met in Mexico was that they retired there mostly because of the cost and the climate. Many of the expats I met in Colombia were there because they could bribe women to be their girlfriend. Sorry, but that is the truth.


     Researcher

Very interesting Researcher! 


Fathertime!

[maritime04]

None of these points or issues applies to you Dennis levy, I do see how I crossed into your level of experience when I brought up cost of living in the Latin world versus USA.
So let me explain myself
I did say western Lifestyle; I doubt you live like some of the guys you saw in Medellin right? Can I safely say YES to that question? We can debate what a “western lifestyle is” and by that I mean
Owning an apartment of single family home in estrato 5-6 (100m2 PLUS)
Having a car, and paying for its fuel and upkeep. (2003 and up)
Eating an American diet, including peanut butter, Hines ketchup, pancakes, beef, pastas, orange juice, coca cola, pork, chicken, vegetables out of season, ect...ect…
Eating out at restaurants frequently
Entertaining frequently clubs, bars movies ect..
Fully equipped electrical systems such as TV sets, sound system.
Gym membership
High speed internet and cable TV
Cellular phone use w/ data plan (200 PLUS mins use)
Can you live well on less money in Colombia then USA YES YOU CAN! But will have to weed out some of less necessary items to do so, still maintaining a good quality of life overall.
Nobody here brought up the issue of cost of living, so I was misplaced to bring it up.
I was a bit harsh in my response that came off as arrogant, for that I apologize. I do not want to get myself kicked off the playground.
Life is not black in white, your reasons for being in Colombia or anywhere else are yours alone, I just said that “women” or “dating” represents a good portion of the reasons, is it the SOLE reason? NO, is it 50% of the reason MOST LIKELY NO. But it’s a factor HELL YES. End of story, is that so hard to say, here I’ll show you.
I came to Colombia to meet and date and have sex with cute girls (that I was seeing all over the world), to improve my Spanish skills, to actually live in the country of my parents, take advantage of a good exchange rate, and because with my job I can live anywhere I want to.
Not so hard, and I was honest. Now after living here for a couple years I have developed opinions and see the country through my limited perspective, and I share those opinions here.
Goals are relative, I once meet a man whose goal was to build a “cloud ship” and take off into space with 1300 people, and now this man always changed his name to Jesus Crist doctor ecstasy, and wears a priest collar every Sunday! To each his own!
Yes you know more about Colombia then say a first time visitor on a 7 day romance tour. But can you honestly tell me that YOU truly understand interpersonal relationship dimension for a Colombian family living in the urban barrios of Medellin? Or say the social psychology of the aristocracy you find typical in countries like Colombia? I DON’T EITHER!!! Allophiliancy is great, but I am still learning, and am always surprised by Colombian thought process!

PERSPECTIVES are tricky things.  I have friends in the USA that hold the same opinions of my motivations as you seem to have. "The only reason I enjoy spending time in Colombia and dating women there is because I can behave selfishly and not be called a pig, and my selection is greater because every Colombiana want a mule to gain access into the USA".   

Where did I cast any form of judgment you? Can you show me because I forgot where I wrote that?
And trust me Colombians are more than willing to call men perros…………………………..

My idea of a good time, does not necessitate the company of a woman BTW.

Some of my best days were in the company of women……………..But again I did not say that; I SAID “SO IF”
The last time I was flying out of Colombia, I sat next to a Colombian man who was convinced that there are ONLY TWO reasons for a guy like me to ever spend a day in Colombia = 1, women and 2, drugs.
Why do you think that is?

MARI04 ... you do not feel more appreciated, respected, and having a greater social value in Colombia than the USA?    ( All things being equal ) You do not recognize the willingness and curiosity of people to meet and talk with you?  You do not see that women's eye are more open to contact and welcoming overtures than in the USA?   Hmmm, I think that is strange only because my experience is so different.

Good questions ill answer
Do I feel more appreciated, No not really I mean for what? What exactly am I giving? I do from time to time feel good when I give to the poor, for buy a present for little ones in my family. My girl appreciates me, but I also appreciate her, so it cancels out.
Respected? Seriously Why because I make more money than most? by that logic I should show respect to say someone like “Snooki Polizzi” (cast member jersey shore) simply because they earn more? I have a personal belief system set-up that determines what and who I respect and trust me it’s not ANY of the cast of “Jersy shore”. Do people kiss ass in Colombia sure, but only a fool would confuse that for respect.
Do I have a greater social value in Colombia than the USA? That depends on you the level of impact you provide to your community as a private person I make little to ZERO impact, I donate to the poor, assist family when I can, respect the law and try not to litter. Do Gringos get more attention living over there, sure but WHY? Sometimes for general curiosity from the locals, other times to obtain different perspectives, or practice English skills.  Does this give me a greater sense of value; NO it does not.
The last one gave me a chuckle; you act like walking around Oviedo gringos are visually raped by numerous women as they pass by. Does not happen there, or in Bello or in El hueco. Yes women are available, and many are open and friendly but I think as others have reported getting a phone number and smile is easy, actually get them to date number 3 or to even pick up the phone is not usually so easy. Colombian women would rather lie and make up an excuse or not show up at all then tell you they are not interested. That is a FACT.
Yes I hear you beauty, youth, divorce law, enchiladas, and the fall of men. I do not really care if you like dancing and partying this was never about that; date as many women as you like, never did I say anything about that. I am not making a moral judgment on you, as you seem to do with wife-hunters That’s not the point I am trying to make, its simple Zon you are on a forum where we discuss things when you make an argument backup with something more than nonsense, Someone may ask WHY, and hopefully you should have it more thought out then “this is their world”.
Of course you enjoy living aboard, but be careful with making choices without a fully understanding your executive functions, the mind can play tricks. I can understand your desires for overseas living and the ability to feel new experiences; it’s one of the things I like forward to in my new married life. Nobody’s life starts when they get married, but it should improve, otherwise why would anybody do it?

[Calipro]

Colombian hospitals do refuse treatment to indigent people.
 
Yes a woman can add you to her health insurance, but if I am not mistaken you must have a Colomban cedula AND a documented relationship with the woman...at least a notarized union libre.

If you have a Colombian cedula you can buy health insurance for yourself...but it will be a higher price then for Colombians

Well if they only refuse treatment to indigent people...I guess I don't have to wonder about getting Colombian health insurance any longer. jejeje
Cedula isn't a problem....the guy said I could be added to my GIRLFRIEND's health insurance...if I have to declare that I'm practically married with a notorized union libre then I'm afraid that the financial risks of  making such a claim would definately outweigh the the benefits of  cheaper insurance premium.
 
 

[JimD]

Per month Coomeva Plan Oro: $214.000 plus Coomeva EPS: $77.000.
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My favorite traffic incident:  Once a guy came up to me while I was eating in the food court in Exito de La Flora and tried to make out like he knew me.   I told him I didn't think I knew him and if it was all the same to him I'd finish eating my meal. Bueno some months later I was driving in the north end with my companera and went through a stoplight and made an illegal left turn...you know...like everybody else...but oops! we hadn't spotted the Guarda on the far corner. He waved me over and my companera started in oh senior guarda es que my companion is new in Colombia and does't know the laws well so please don't give him a ticket to which the guarda replied lady there ain't nowhere in the world you can go through a red light! While this was going on the idiot from Exito shows up and while I'm talking to the guarda he says to my companera I know him, I know him what's his name? The comanera taken of guard tells him and as the Guarda is writing out the ticket for a big fine the idiot says to me Jim, Jim! I need money! Dame una plata! I told him look idiot I'm getting a big fine right here so get the f***k outta here. The Guarda finished writting the ticket then looked up at me and said...so... is it hard to get a visa to the US, I mean if you have an  american helping you?
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I went to Transito a week later to pay he fine but he'd never turned it in..even though I didn't help him get a visa.
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Only in Colombia!