My Adventures in SA -- Introduction
First, let me give you some background about myself and my past experiences in the search for a latin wife in SA.
I'm 42 years old, divorced for 3 three years now and I have a 12 year old daughter. My ex-wife decided that she could do better than me; someone that earned more money, a bigger house, car, etc. I certainly share in the blame for the problems in our marriage, but it was not my decision to get a divorce. I do have a good relationship with my ex-wife overall, actually better since we divorced.
I work as a Network Engineer for the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab in Pensacola, Florida. It's a lovely military base situated on the Gulf of México with beautiful moss covered oak trees and sugar while beaches. I love the area I live in along the coast...in Mobile we have Marti Gras and New Orleans is nearby as well. Great food (esp. seafood) and a nice southern charm.
I started looking for a wife in SA about two years ago. I've always been attracted to latin women more so than any other women. I love the black long hair, the dark golden skin, and their sweet and fun-loving personality. Oh, and the way they dance!!! I've been to Cali and Bogotá in Colombia, and recently to Venezuela. I used Norm's services while in Cali and had a wonderful time. I met many beautiful women and could have easily been engaged within a week if I wanted, but for me the experience was somewhat overwhelming. I think I made the right decision not to go too quickly. After my trip to Cali, I corresponded with a few women that I was interested in for a few weeks but once I got to know them better via e-mail and telephone I realized they were not for me. I was only in Cali for about 10 days and this was not enough time to concentrate on one women and get to know he well enough to make any sort of decision. I needed to go back and try again. Well, I became very busy at work and had to place my plans on hold for a about a year.
My perception of Cali was not very good because most of the city is not very clean (I stayed in the center of town at the Arista (sp) hotel) and the smog was bad. I'm from a relatively small city and have never been out of the country before so this along with the culture shock took some getting used to. Most of downtown reminded me of the run down part of town in most big cites. It seemed to me that this town had seen it's better days. I did find the people to be very friendly and helpful. I lost my return ticket at the airport and a man returned it to my hotel. I gave him about 20 mil pesos and he was very happy. The lady at the front desk was also very helpful. I used the same taxi driver most of the time I was there and he was very honest. I know their are many desperate people who live there, but my experiences were all good. Well, except for the fight in the wall way at my hotel and being woke up early in the morning when Colombia won the cup in soccer. A lot of people were making noise in the streets. I felt safe because I kept a low profile, used common sense and didn't even take photos in public.
One morning when I woke up and was looking out the window, I noticed some people give the homeless some fruit from a wheel barrel he was pushing down the street. I thought that was really cool. Of course, the main attraction was all of the beautiful women on the streets...unbelievable. I found all of the women I meet to be very sincere and sweet. They were more romantic, less inhibited and definitely appreciated a good man. I felt like a king while I was there. An experience alien to me with women here. I'm not one to knock AW, I could find a good women here, but it most likely would take much longer and it seems like so many women my age are overweight and carry so much baggage. I just love the latina look and the culture. I think that is very important if you are looking for someone in SA. Of course you can more easily find a younger, more attractive and sweeter women in SA as well.
Well, I never went back to Cali, but I did visit Bogotá briefly about a year and a half ago. Unfortunately, I lost my luggage and got sick. I recovered enough to return home early. I think that the food on the airplane did it. What fun!!! The restroom was my friend. I funny thing happened while I was in the airport...I was feeling mighty poor and had to make a hasty retreat to the restroom. As I was doing my thing, several well armed police knocked on the door and I opened it. They asked me what was wrong and if I had too much to drink. I had trouble articulating what my situation was due to my condition and the shock of armed men in the restroom with me in Colombia. I was finally able to describe what my problem was with a combination of my poor Spanish and sign language. They laughed at what they thought was a stupid Gringo then left. Well, so much for Bogotá!
On the trip back, I realized that I was a target for customs more so than those arriving from other countries. They did everything except for a cavity search!
I believe that both cities would be a great place to find a good wife, even though I was not successful during my short trips and circumstances. Those who have been to those cities in Colombia more often and have had a lot of experience there would be a much better resource for helpful suggestions than I.
Next, Venezuela and the love of my life!!!!
Tim.