A Few Words About Latin Encounters

[littlebhuddha]

I just wanted to say a few words about my recent experience with Latin Encounters. There has been a lot said on this board both pro and con and I just wanted to add my thoughts to this body of comments. I choose Latin Encounters based on gut instinct and my pre-visit experience with Alcira, one of Margareths assistants. After reading the posts on this board about Margareth over the last year I got the impression that she was a natural matchmaker. Several members had posted comments with regards to this and it seemed to me that considering my sincere desire to find a wife and my lack of experience and time she might be the best way to go. So despite advice steering me towards other Cali agencies with more women in the age range I was looking for I joined LE. I don't remember who it was but somebody on this board suggested that I throw out my list out and talk to Margareth and Alcira when I got there and then let them choose the ladies. At the time I thought that was completely insane. But it turned out to be sage advice. Margareth is incredibly adept at reading people and if I had it to do all over I would follow that advice without hesitation. I had originally planned to spend the first five days at the agency and then move to the Intercontinental but after a couple of days I decided to stay at the agency. That was before I found one lady that I wanted to spend the rest of my time with. With about 4 days left in Cali we realized that we needed some privacy and then I was wishing that I had kept to my original plan. But I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at LE. There were other gringos that I could socialize with and I really got to be good friends with a couple of them. I also became good friends with Margareth and Alcira. It was nice to have them available to answer questions and give advice. I love the house. I will always remember my morning coffee downstairs relaxing in an easy chair next to the back yard or upstairs on the balcony listening to the sounds of an awakening Cali. There was a nice breakfast every morning with fresh fruit and fresh squeezed juice. The rooms were nice and clean and I had my own bathroom. I enjoyed the family atmosphere of the agency. I felt very comfortable. I really like Margareth a lot. She is a sharp businesswoman but she is also a romantic. She truly loves bringing two people together. Her eyes light up when she thinks she has a match. I also an very fond of Alcira. We spent a lot of time talking and I will consider her a friend for the rest of my life. I feel that I owe a lot to both Margareth and Alcira. They paved the way for me to find exactly what I decided I wanted 20 years ago and had given up looking for. These ladies will work very hard for you regardless of whether or not they think you are doing the right thing. They will not hesitate to give you their opinion but they will try their best to help you find what you want. But if you are truly sincere in your quest they will go to the end of the earth to help you. I highly recommend this agency anyone who is honestly looking for a good wife. I will be happy to answer any questions either here or through my email. My addy is: littlebhuddha@hotmail.com. And to any one on the fence about going to Cali: Go, just go. Regardless of which agency you choose just go. It will indeed change your life profoundly.

[John O]

... in response to A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 10, 2003

I'm glad you had a good experience with Latin Encounters, and I'm happy you've found the right lady.

As for me, I found LE to be not unlike the other agencies I've experienced in Cali: Latin Best, All Colombian Girls, Latin Internet, Latin Women Connection & the now defunct Latin Connections.

I've found the staff at all the agencies to be nice & helpful, up to a point. They're in business to make money, which is normal, so quality of service declines during busy times. In addition, you will get better service if you are staying at the agency, as opposed to simply paying for a membership, especially a short-term one.

Margareth seems like a nice lady, though I dealt with her staff, not her. I've spent more time with Luz Amparo at LB, though perhaps it's because her place is currently a bit smaller than LE. She's also very nice, & seems a little more hands-on to me. Perhaps it was b/c I stayed there.

Another point is, because there are so many members at each agency, the staff don't know most of the ladies that well. I've had a few specific staff recommendations on women, most of which didn't pan out; usually it was just a question of taste. It's not like these are high-priced matchmakers who will sit down at length with you to get to know your specific needs, wants, tastes, dreams, etc. At least that hasn't been my experience.

Then again, all of these agencies are much cheaper than what you'd get for a comparable service in the U.S. In short, you get what you pay for. And what I'm paying for is basically introductions. I do the rest of the work. And this is fine with me.

I guess you could say the agency shows you where the gold lies; it's your job to dig it up.

[cassius]

... in response to A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 10, 2003

Funny post. You used 95% of post to praise margareth and alcira to the skies, but absoluteley nothing about the lady you've spent 20yrs trying to find. Nothing about your trip experiences.

Are you a crony of LE?

Why is margareth so interesting? An agency owner? - c'mon give us a break!

Tell us about you, your lady and your trip, not about business people.

Thanks!

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to Re: A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by cassius on Oct 10, 2003

I have posted several reports on my trip both before and after. I haven't said a lot about the lady I met partly because I didn't think anyone would be interested in the mushy details and because I don't feel completely comfortable discussing details of my private life. But if you guys are interested I could spill a few details. As for being a crony of LE, I guess I am now. I do consider Margareth a friend. We spent a lot of time talking about the ladies and the gringos looking for them. We talked about our families and how we arrived at the point in life we found ourselves. I found her to be very interesting and more importantly interested in what I had to say. However I am sure that not everyone does or will feel the same about LE. I'm not interested in changing or influencing yours or anyone elses opinion. I simply wanted to post my experiences with and impressions of LE. If you don't like what I have written go get your own experiences and impressions. I do get the feeling that maybe LE isn't the agency for you.

[ameikle]

... in response to A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 10, 2003

Hey littlebhuddha, I know you remember me from all the discussions we had while waiting for appointments.  I'm happy for you my friend, I'm glad you met the one.  Guys let me tell you... littlebhuddha can get down on the dance floor for a 50 year old :-).  I remember Alcira telling me how popular he was with the ladies, every lady littlebhuddha met was calling the next day to see if they could get a second date with him.  I thought the hardest part of the trip for bhuddha was making a decision.

Anyhow.. When you guys get married don't forget to send me an invite, I have your email so I'll send you the pics we took at the club.

littlebhuddha is right, you guys on the fence have to go, it will change your life profoundly. I've been to Cali 3 times in the past nine months and plan to go back again as soon as my manager approves my vacation, but I’m going to try another city next time.  

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to Re: A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by ameikle on Oct 10, 2003

Hola T Sorry I didn't get to say adios. Things were a little hectic that day. We didn't get in until 6 am. You were doing pretty good yourself Friday night. It took me six months to get as far as you did in one night. How did things go with the lady you were with? They looked like they were going pretty good at Tropical. I ran into K at the airport and he said he thought he may have found the one. L just called me and said to say hola. Don't worry amigo you are at the top of the invite list. Are you going back to Colombia over the holidays? If so maybe we can get together in Cartegana. Bueno suerte, my friend.

[Freddie]

... in response to A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 10, 2003

Good link to Cali hotels. I've stayed in Valle Real, Pacifico Royal, Don Jaime and Windsor Plaza.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-482580-cali_hotels-i

And now for something completly different.

If you need a place for you and your lady to 'get away from it all' try one of these. These places are used by the locals when carrying on an illicit rendezvous. These would be called 'No-Tell Motels' in the US. All my information on these is second hand.

You drive in and all transactions are done through a window. Money and keys are exchanged without seeing anyone. You can even order snacks and drinks.

They look very nice from the web site. There are at least 8 different places on the two roads heading north out of Cali.

Note the little parking spots with the doors to hide your car in the Geisha photo. They must do a good business.

These are the only two I can remember the names of:
http://www.motelextasis.com.co/index2.html
http://www.geisha-sur.com/

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to A few links on hotels in Cali (regular a..., posted by Freddie on Oct 10, 2003

Noche en Paris charges 20000 pesos for three hours for a small but very nice air conditioned room.

[Freddie]

... in response to A few links on hotels in Cali (regular a..., posted by Freddie on Oct 10, 2003

My bad.
I forgot to mention that you can call the hotels yourself and get the rooms much cheaper. Be sure and tell them you are NOT on an expense account and ask for the best price.

EVERYTHING is negotiable.

[Turner]

... in response to The prices in the link for Cali hotels a..., posted by Freddie on Oct 10, 2003

Is there a nice hotel located near the agencies to stay at?

[Freddie]

... in response to Re: Cali hotels . , posted by Turner on Oct 10, 2003

Don Jaime is on 6th Ave in the heart of the nightlife. A good choice. Windsor Plaza (a step down) is 2 blocks off 6th. Good for the price.

Valle Real, a big step above Don Jaime is about 8 blocks from 6th Ave.

Pacifico Royal, a step or two above Valle Real (think Hyatt, very business oriented), is in the Cuidad Jardin area (south) and built into the mall across the street from the Unicentro Mall. I believe there are a number of agencies in that area.

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 10, 2003

Glad you had a good experiance . I too met my wife at LE with a personal intoduction fom margui.
My only regret was that on Marguis advice , i moved too quickly and married without getting to know my wife beter and the obsticles we would encounter. My advice to you is now that margui has made a match for you, detach yourslf from the agency and the "advice" that they will try to give you on many dfferent matters , and take your time and get to know your lady away frm the agency and i would even say--away frm cali. Remember ,you are in her enviorment and her city.If you take a trip to Cartagena or San Andres , then you can really get to know what your lady is like and what her temperment is like as well . I am not the only man on this board that has jumped to quicky as a result of Marguis magic. Just be careful, take your time and make decisons without being pushed frm the agency.If you do get married and do it in colombia, DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM TELL YOU THAT TO GET A JUDGE TO PERFORM A MARRIAGE FOR A GRINGO IS MORE EXPENSIVE .I WENT WITH THE AGENCYS JUDGE AND IT COST ME 1000,OO US.I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT IF YOU PAY MORE THEN 200,000 PESOS, YOU GOT TAKEN-TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. I wish you all the bstad tell Rosa i miss her cooking !!

Andy

[BenKramer1]

... in response to Re: A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by Kiltboy1 on Oct 10, 2003

HI Andy,

   I remember reading your story on the LE forum which has since been taken down. Margui told me that it would come back, yea right.

    You married your wife in Cali and she stalled you around when it came time for her to come to the USA to be with you, but she did end up with you. What has happened since then ? Apparently you are having trouble with her ? If you prefer you can email me privately at benkramer1@nospam.com.

Ben

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to Re: Re: A Few Words About Latin Encounte..., posted by BenKramer1 on Oct 10, 2003

Yes , you are correct that my wife and i are having problems , but this has nothing to do with my response to the post. I should have not had to pay 1000.00 US Dollars for the marriage. This is an outright  lie from the agency and my point was that you can and should obtain a judge in cali for 200,000 pesos or less. Ask Calipro or any seasoned cali person. This is the legitimate rate even if you are a gringo. I like margui as a person and she did introdice me to my wife.that is still no excuse for taking advantage of me or any other man that trusted her to handle that situation for them. I was satisfied with the service i got from LE and i would use her services again if i was not married. WHAT I WOULD NOT USE IS HER JUDGE , WHO MARGUI GETS A CUT FROM !!!

If you have a problem with me being honest about what transpired , then that is your opinion , but i am going to voice my opinion  as well. My problem is not with LE as far as an agency, it is with LE , as far as a facilitator of things after the marriage.

Please feel free to comment to me after you reads this. I have given you 100% of the truth on this. I have no reason to lie .

Andy

[Calipro]

... in response to Re: A Few Words About Latin Encounters, posted by Kiltboy1 on Oct 10, 2003

It takes some cash for some of the notories to over look the fact that you don't have a marriage visa.