Planning a trip in March 2011, need a couple of questions answered.

[Colgando]

Hey, I am a 29 year old African-American living in South Florida. I have taken everybody's advice and reviewed the archives on the site. Thanks for sharing everyone. I have had many of my questions and concerns answered with only a few remaining. I am happy to know that being Black is going to be all good in Barranquilla! Jamie's place is #1 on my list, looks like the most fun, smooth, efficient, rewarding experience and everyone gives him props on his service.

I have not found any postings on the spirituality of the Colombian ladies. I know Colombians are 90% Catholic however, what I do not know is generally, how does their spiritual/religious beliefs play out in their everyday lives? Do they pray daily, read the Bible, go to mass, follow what the Bible says, etc.? Do they go to mass on Sundays and that is the extent of it? Do many say they are Catholic but do not attend church, culturally Catholic? On some of the profiles on Jamie's site, the lades will answer yes to the question, is religion a part of your life. What does that mean to them generally, I understand everyone is unique and it is hard to generalize this kind of thing. Does anyone have any experience discussing this subject with Colombian women? Any suggestions on how to approach this subjective with the ladies? Are there any people who consider themselves spiritual on the board that have experiences with this?

Also, I am curious as to the general maturity level of the women in the 21 to 26 year old range? I am excluding the 18 to 21 age range due my thinking that this age group is generally immature. Am I off base with this, should I look at the 18 to 21 age range? I read that Colombians on average marry at 21 years old and the divorce rate is low in Colombia, so it appears that women who marry in this age range stick with the marriage. I understand that this too depends on the individual person and you have to get to know someone, just want to be sure that pursuing the 21 to 26 age group as opposed to an older age group will be all good.

How do the ladies react when you speak Spanish to them on the dates and group intros? Would you all recommend speaking Spanish to them? I believe the answer is it goes over well and that it is recommended, just want a little more coloring on the matter.

Thanks guys for any input. I am so excited about the trip, I believe it is going to one of the best trips/experiences of my life, regardless of the outcome!

[michaelb]

The Catholics vary from 'nominal' to 'very much'.....most of them falling into the first category or perhaps one step above it. Ones to be careful of are the non-Catholics.

Divorce was illegal in Colombia until....let me think, was it 1995? Anyway fairly recently. What, you say, that's 15 years?.....yeah it is, but in the context of their history that's only yesterday, takes a while for a culture to change, and while now legal it still isn't wide spread........that's why the divorce rate looks low.

Speaking Spanish to them? Yes, by all means. It will put you miles ahead of the guys who can't, and gives you the added advantage of not having to rely on an interpreter (both for accuracy and "three's a crowd").
  

[Colgando]

Thanks michaelb for the good words. I did not know that fact about divorcing in Colombia, that makes sense as to why the divorce rate appears so low. Ok, note to self, take caution with non-catholics. Cool with speaking Spanish, I think I shall. Yeah...I was wondering how the translator thing works, it seems like there would be a disconnect, having to make a connection through a translator...but, many people have been successful, so that is awesome.

I am so glad for this site. I am going into this thing eyes wide open, learning from other people who have gone before me. I had so many of the same questions/concerns/thoughts as everyone and this forum is answering everything and more. I started off on the fence, but after researching this thing, I am just going to go for it, worst case scenario, I get to spend 10 days in Colombia and meet a lot of beautiful women and have a lot of fun. Best case scenario is a latina wife. I still have my skepticism. I like what Jamie says on his website, with risk comes reward. The reward is great however, the risks are also great.

Thanks again man, I need to have my head on straight when I go over there, so I value all perspectives and insights.

[whitey]

I have not found any postings on the spirituality of the Colombian ladies. I know Colombians are 90% Catholic however, what I do not know is generally, how does their spiritual/religious beliefs play out in their everyday lives? Do they pray daily, read the Bible, go to mass, follow what the Bible says, etc.? Do they go to mass on Sundays and that is the extent of it? Do many say they are Catholic but do not attend church, culturally Catholic? On some of the profiles on Jamie's site, the lades will answer yes to the question, is religion a part of your life. What does that mean to them generally, I understand everyone is unique and it is hard to generalize this kind of thing. Does anyone have any experience discussing this subject with Colombian women?

Generally speaking, religion is much more a part of the culture in Colombia than it is in Canada, and probably most places in the US outside of the bible belt.  In latina america, they rarely let religion get in the way of having fun and enjoying life, though.

Of course, everyone is different.  My wife goes to church most Sundays, reads the bible a few pages each day, and prays before bed ... however, she doesn't consider herself "fanatic".  Her mother and sister are much more religious than her.  

Any suggestions on how to approach this subjective with the ladies? Are there any people who consider themselves spiritual on the board that have experiences with this?

Latin women are not like North American women ... you don't have to play games and worry about political correctness.  If you want to know something about them, as long as it's not something vulgar, just ask them.  You'll find people are much more direct in Colombia than in North America.

Also, I am curious as to the general maturity level of the women in the 21 to 26 year old range? I am excluding the 18 to 21 age range due my thinking that this age group is generally immature. Am I off base with this, should I look at the 18 to 21 age range? I read that Colombians on average marry at 21 years old and the divorce rate is low in Colombia, so it appears that women who marry in this age range stick with the marriage. I understand that this too depends on the individual person and you have to get to know someone, just want to be sure that pursuing the 21 to 26 age group as opposed to an older age group will be all good.

Generally speaking, latinas are more practical and mature than North Americans, but of course every woman is different.  

I don't know what your goals are, what kind of woman you want, what your level of education is, etc.  I personally would only be interested in someone who has completed a university education, and has been working at least a couple years.  This would be a woman and not a girl, who understands the meaning of working towards and achieving goals, and would understand that in order to earn money you must work for it.

You could have an 18-21 year old if you wanted one, but I don't know why on earth you would.  Much better someone 25 or older.  Someone on the board recently said (I think it was Jeff) something that made a lot of sense to me: there's nothing an 18 year old can do that a 25 year old can't do better!

I think Jeff used a slightly different age range, but hopefully you get the idea.

How do the ladies react when you speak Spanish to them on the dates and group intros? Would you all recommend speaking Spanish to them? I believe the answer is it goes over well and that it is recommended, just want a little more coloring on the matter.

Always best to speak as much Spanish as you can.  Very few people in Barranquilla speak more than a few words of English.  They will appreciate that you try.

Good luck ...

[fathertime]

the women of all ages will likely be ok with you.

speaking spanish to the gals in a bonus.  my first couple times down to barranquilla i used a translator at times and it was still a good experience, but it is a MUCH better experience when you can communicate without a translator.  I also think it shows the ladies that you are adept which is something all ladies like.

if you are very religious you should be able to find other ladies that feel that way also. I think often times they will go with the flow, and shape themselves to what their man would like them to be.  I think you will turn some women off IF you are going to talk extensively about religion but maybe that is what you want since those ladies would not the type you are interested in marrying.  

you should have a real good time meeting the ladies in barranquilla.  try to experience a few gals before you choose just one.  most guys wish they could clone themselves and experience each and every one of the babes that is likely to show interest...but alas for marriage in this country you must choose just one.

Fathertime!

[utopiacowboy]

You got some good advice from Whitey.

My wife did not have a good first marriage and I once asked her if she ever would have considered getting a divorce from her first husband if he had not died. She said no, never.

As for speaking Spanish, sure they are going to love you for it but be careful. You start out speaking exclusively Spanish, chances are that's what you'll speak forever. My wife has never learned English and here we are seven years later still speaking Spanish. I doubt that will ever change.

[Colgando]

Thanks Whitey....I like your screen name!  I have a good friend who's nick name is Whitey and he is caucasian, and I get a kick out of calling him by his nick name.

Very good insight on all points. The thoughts on the age range makes good sense to me. I am a professional, working for a Bank, I have a graduate degree. Def want a woman and not a girl. That makes sense to look for the qualities of a University Education and having worked. Note to self on all your points.

Thanks again Whitey!

[whitey]

Thanks Whitey....I like your screen name!  I have a good friend who's nick name is Whitey and he is caucasian, and I get a kick out of calling him by his nick name.

Very good insight on all points. The thoughts on the age range makes good sense to me. I am a professional, working for a Bank, I have a graduate degree. Def want a woman and not a girl. That makes sense to look for the qualities of a University Education and having worked. Note to self on all your points.

Thanks again Whitey!

De nada, amigo.

Yeah, I'm about as caucasian as they come ... small penis, can't dance, can't jump ... I've got it all baby!   

[Colgando]

Good words UtopiaCowboy and fathertime. I just want her to have religion/faith/spirituality as a part of her life at some level as opposed to being Agnostic or Atheist. It appears that the overwhelming majority of Colombianas will meet this criteria so I should be good to go! I will be most attentive to the way she treats people, interacts with her family and many, many more qualities and characteristics that demonstrate her character, her heart, her mind and the way she loves.

I am def going to take the advice of spending time with as many ladies as I can as opposed to zeroing in on one lady very quickly. I bet that is going to be easier said than done  ! It would be nice to have one lady at the end of the trip to spend time and energy on in developing a relationship that hopefully would lead to marriage.

I was wondering about her never learning English. I am ok with that because I love to speak Spanish and I want to become fluent, I am at an Advanced/Conversational level right now, I have not made it to the fluency level. I just would like for her to be able to speak English to my family and friends who do not speak English. Also, if she ever wanted to work, being bi'lingual would be a necessity. We will see how all that plays out  .

[anthony 1]

I am planning my second trip to Jamie's in early March 2011. I too live in South Florida, I am unable to send a PM. send me an email and I tell you about my experience there. delva.adler@gmail.com

[PachucoBro]

Hey guys! I am new to the forums here and I kept seeing people mention 'Jamie's' website. anyone have a link to it?

Is it an agency? A local spot? or maybe just a guy who can help introduce you to ladies?

I have been to several cities in Colombia, mostly in Barranquilla and Cartegena. I am unfortunately divorced from a Colombiana, but things can be the same no matter where you go in the world. My experience though has helped immensely with my current girlfriend.

Depending on your own religious tastes... If you are looking for a religious girl then be sure to ask those kind of questions at some point. The types of women I have met and made friends with are the type that know a little about the bible and have gone to church as kids, but do not go to church regularly. This fits well with my own personal view so that works well.

The goal is find a good 'match' for you. If she goes to church regularly, it will strengthen and solidify a marriage if you go with her and follow her walk with God.

As for the maturity question... My personal view is that the maturity (in general) is much lower than here in the states. If you are 29 and able to make such a trip to Colombia I would say you are a very mature and responsible man. In knowing that I would definitely recommend that you stick close to your age, 26-30.

It is all about a good 'match' for you. If you like to go to dance clubs now and again and dance and have fun you should have no problems finding a good match. If you are a little more reserved and don't really want to be 'going out' every weekend then you may want to find a young lady that is less outgoing.

Good luck to you.

[Dan]

Hey guys! I am new to the forums here and I kept seeing people mention 'Jamie's' website. anyone have a link to it?

Is it an agency? A local spot? or maybe just a guy who can help introduce you to ladies?

I have been to several cities in Colombia, mostly in Barranquilla and Cartegena. I am unfortunately divorced from a Colombiana, but things can be the same no matter where you go in the world. My experience though has helped immensely with my current girlfriend.

Depending on your own religious tastes... If you are looking for a religious girl then be sure to ask those kind of questions at some point. The types of women I have met and made friends with are the type that know a little about the bible and have gone to church as kids, but do not go to church regularly. This fits well with my own personal view so that works well.

The goal is find a good 'match' for you. If she goes to church regularly, it will strengthen and solidify a marriage if you go with her and follow her walk with God.

As for the maturity question... My personal view is that the maturity (in general) is much lower than here in the states. If you are 29 and able to make such a trip to Colombia I would say you are a very mature and responsible man. In knowing that I would definitely recommend that you stick close to your age, 26-30.

It is all about a good 'match' for you. If you like to go to dance clubs now and again and dance and have fun you should have no problems finding a good match. If you are a little more reserved and don't really want to be 'going out' every weekend then you may want to find a young lady that is less outgoing.

Good luck to you.

Abel,

What is your relationship to - 'I Love Latins' ?

Also, what is your relationship to the ladies you list on the "Profiles" page of your website?

- Dan

[hennatoes]

All the Colombians I know are Adventist, but that's because I know them from church. Many of them go to church Wednesday evening too (I don't because of work) and go on a camping trip a couple of times a year. I also know a black from Venezuela who's as black as the blacks born here.

I agree you should try your best to speak Spanish. Many people from Colombia and other Latin countries don't speak English well even after being in the States for years. Colombian Spanish is pretty easy to understand, as far as accent goes, but some people speak too fast for my Salvadoran ears to catch. There are regionalisms (one I remember is "él se descalabró" for someone who, IIRR, fell off a bike and bumped his head), but I haven't heard anyone say "That's a Muisca word" as a Mexican or Salvadoran would say "That's an Aztec/Pipil word". (Aztec and Pipil are close relatives.)

[PachucoBro]

Abel,

What is your relationship to - 'I Love Latins' ?

Also, what is your relationship to the ladies you list on the "Profiles" page of your website?

- Dan

Heh, there is no commitment in our relationship...LOL  But I have known Sam for about 5 years and have seen first hand as an observer and as a paid customer what his tours are about and how they work. So, as of now he is the only tour agency that I have asked permission to work with promoting his services. i hope to expand that being that ILoveLatins only goes to Barranquilla, Colombia. I would like to team up with other agencies from other cities and countries in South America.

The ladies on my "Profiles Page" at this second are just random pics for Amigos.com Affiliate Program. Soon as I can program up a database interface Iwill be showing pics and profile information for the ladies who have signed up with the ILoveLatins Agency.

My site is essentially a informational website for the most part, though in the near future I hope to allow the ability to reserve and book tour vacations with select agencies. I only brought the site online a couple of weeks ago so I am in the process of creating articles and videos.

I am also going to be going back to Colombia in December (9th-19th) and will be taking more photos and video while I am there getting to know my girlfriend a little better. Wish me luck!

[Colgando]

Fellas and Ladies: This is Colgando aka iz_he_real! Ahora, mi vida esta colgando en un sueno de Colombia! Well, it has been 6 months since my introductory post, must say I have a 2nd life here on the forum, crazy, I have never been an internet dude, but this forum keeps my interest. It has been an eventful 6 months, ups and downs as life goes, I would make the same decision again to head south, so I know it is the right decision. Getting on the plane in a few days now, all ready to go, heading down to Jamie's place in BAQ, should be good times. Thanks again to everyone who posts information, it has all been helpful, well, maybe not everything is helpful, but everything is certainly an interesting read. I plan to post a trip report in April to share my experience. God speed to everyone in the trenches. See you all on the other side....yeaaaaaaahhhhh!   

[Woody]

Fellas and Ladies: This is Colgando aka iz_he_real! Ahora, mi vida esta colgando en un sueno de Colombia! Well, it has been 6 months since my introductory post, must say I have a 2nd life here on the forum, crazy, I have never been an internet dude, but this forum keeps my interest. It has been an eventful 6 months, ups and downs as life goes, I would make the same decision again to head south, so I know it is the right decision. Getting on the plane in a few days now, all ready to go, heading down to Jamie's place in BAQ, should be good times. Thanks again to everyone who posts information, it has all been helpful, well, maybe not everything is helpful, but everything is certainly an interesting read. I plan to post a trip report in April to share my experience. God speed to everyone in the trenches. See you all on the other side....yeaaaaaaahhhhh!   

Just a tip for ya:
Take notes during your downtime. I found my logging of events was much better when I took notes during the trip, not trying to recall things a few days later. You'll notice that my best notes were when I typed in the cab on my way home, or  riding the metro. Don't sacrifice your entertainment for it, but at least an event outline(5 mins of work) will do wonders for later recall.

[whitey]

Good advice from Woody.  My first trip, I kept a journal and tried to write in it during the day if I could, but at least before going to bed that night.  It's incredible how you forget the details, even after a short period of time.

My thoughts during my first few days in Colombia, and my first few days with Nazly, are something I really treasure now ... maybe one day I'll show her!

I don't know how it is with other guys, but my retention of conversations, thoughts ... everything ... is less when I'm functioning in a different language.  It takes a LOT of mental energy to try to keep up with a conversation, translate in your head, process everything you see and do that is usually competely different from your norm.  Even now with pretty decent Spanish, it embarrasses me that I sometimes forget what someone has told me about themselves in a previous conversation or even earlier in the same conversation ... sigh ...

[Colgando]

Thanks Whitey and Woody, good advice, I will do that, I do not ever want to forget the memories from this trip.

I have a fleeting memory, I am good with short-term memory, but not so great with long-term memory. I am always amazed by people with good long-term memory, they can remember everything, I feel a little mentally challenged around these folks sometimes  .

[euforia51]

Good advice from these guys. I wish I would have kept more of a journal for my first trip. I relied on a lot from memory and looking at the pics we were taking from along the way. Heck, I can barely remember all the details from a hour long documentary about foreign brides let alone the exponentially greater number from a 10 day trip ... and mostly conducted in Spanish. Good point whitey! But I think you're going to do fine, man... 

[utopiacowboy]

I remember when I was in Colombia my first time for an extended period, speaking Spanish 24x7. I would have such a headache at the end of the day - my only relief was watching Seinfeld reruns being shown on Colombian television with subtitles - thank God they were not dubbed. It was so nice to veg out and watch some English TV for a while.

[whitey]

I remember when I was in Colombia my first time for an extended period, speaking Spanish 24x7. I would have such a headache at the end of the day - my only relief was watching Seinfeld reruns being shown on Colombian television with subtitles - thank God they were not dubbed. It was so nice to veg out and watch some English TV for a while.

Yep, I know what you're saying, UC.

One of my big milestones along the way of learning Spanish was arriving in Fort Lauderdale for a layover after leaving Colombia, and instead of feeling RELIEVED that I didn't have to think and speak in Spanish anymore, actually feeling a little sad that I had to convert back over to English.