Colombia Round Two: La Costa!

[Jeff S]

Now you know a fourth. One that knows that Norteño, Banda, Cumbia, and all of the rest of that nonsense pales in comparison to cumparsita, appassionata. and of course, libertango and the the other real latin music. So there's dancing and there's DANCING.

[Woody]

Quick Update:
I was without internet for a few days, that is now fixed. Comcel 3G is good at night, but gets pretty slow (128kbps slow) during the day.

The past week has pretty much been a blur. It has all been time with Dani. We have either been hanging out with her mother and/or sister, hanging out alone and just talking, or "hanging out" alone. Yesterday she wasn't feeling too well, so I came over and we just talked for nine hours. We really haven't seen much of the city, hell, we still haven't made it to the beach. Not too worried about that though.

So yeah, considering how out conversations go, the way we are together, the way we make each other feel, how we can laugh with and at each other.......I am not letting her get away.

Our outlook on life, how we want to live, the things we want to do, the places we want to see, our timetable. It is like we were made for each other. I planned this trip not expecting to find anyone, then I found her.

I guess some pics are in order:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27738&id=100000199957409&l=a02e1a5d67

The only disadvantage is that my Spanish is not really improving much. But, I keep saying things in Spanish to have her correct me, so that is helpful. Her English is already really good. Every day I teach her new idioms and expressions, mostly when I use them and realize that she probably didn't understand. Her usage of articles is also improving. I think that by the time this two month trip is over she will have a GREATLY improved grasp of English.

In our normal, jovial manner she insisted that I DO her English homework for her when school starts in August. I informed her that I would assist her by being a dictionary, thesaurus, and cultural reference; however, I will not do her homework for her. The yes and now went back and forth with explanations sprinkled in, all light and fun conversation. I made it clear to her that if I did her homework for her then how would that be helping her learn English? So she finally agreed that I will assist her, not do the work for her.

[whitey]

Hey Woody:

Thanks for the update and the pictures.  You and Dani look really great together.  She's got the typical costena look, a pretty, open face, bright warm smile, and seems very affectionate.  I'm guessing she probably hasn't let go of your hand since you met.   

Congrats my friend!

The past week has pretty much been a blur. It has all been time with Dani. We have either been hanging out with her mother and/or sister, hanging out alone and just talking, or "hanging out" alone. Yesterday she wasn't feeling too well, so I came over and we just talked for nine hours. We really haven't seen much of the city, hell, we still haven't made it to the beach. Not too worried about that though.

There's something about Cartagena that does this to Nazly and I too ... must be the sultry heat and humidity.  Some days it seems like we spend almost all our time in the room ... errr ... talking.

This was a big contrast to Medellin where we were out of the room exploring the city and surrounding area from about 10:30am to 11:00pm every day.

The only disadvantage is that my Spanish is not really improving much. But, I keep saying things in Spanish to have her correct me, so that is helpful. 

Learning Spanish was (is!) a very rewarding but frustrating process.  When I'm in Colombia don't spend more than a few minutes speaking in English, so virtually our entire relationship is in Spanish.  My first 2 trips were pretty frustrating ... less so with Nazly than with wanting to be able to speak with her friends and family.  The dictionary was an ever present companion, but we've gotten to the point now where it's rarely used.

The Spanish spoken on the coast is very difficult to understand, and it still drives me crazy that I can't understand most of what her parents, taxi drivers, etc. say to me.  I can talk to them, though, but I think they get a little frustrated too with having to constantly repeat themselves.

The frustration isn't a bad thing, though ... it's what will drive you and I to study and improve.  I often say to Nazly, the frustration is like the irritating grain of sand in the oyster that over time creates a beautiful pearl.

You're lucky that Dani speaks English so well, as you have both a common language to start your relationship with, and she'll be better able to teach you Spanish if she knows the English equivalent.
But, try not to let it be too much of a crutch and speak as much Spanish as you can together.

Now that Nazly and I are getting married and she'll be moving here, we've got to move from 99.9% Spanish to at least 50% English soon.

All the best ...

[Woody]

Hey Woody:

Thanks for the update and the pictures.  You and Dani look really great together.  She's got the typical costena look, a pretty, open face, bright warm smile, and seems very affectionate.  I'm guessing she probably hasn't let go of your hand since you met.  


The Spanish spoken on the coast is very difficult to understand, and it still drives me crazy that I can't understand most of what her parents, taxi drivers, etc. say to me.  I can talk to them, though, but I think they get a little frustrated too with having to constantly repeat themselves.

You are right about that. She showers me with affection....and the way she looks at me.....wow, so sweet, so tender, so loving. I never really understood passion until I met her. The way we talk to each other, hell the text messages we send each other, I won't share that here. Let us just say that I can express to her how I feel and she does the same to me. Absolute trust and devotion.

Every day I am more and more sure that she is the one. Like I said, I will not marry her this trip, but I have every intention of proposing before I leave.

For the most part I don't find Costeños more difficult to understand. Well, the taxi driver last night was impossible, but he had that low raspy voice and barely moved his lips when he spoke. Maybe it is that my Spanish comprehension has improved.

[vallenatoman]

You are right about that. She showers me with affection....and the way she looks at me.....wow, so sweet, so tender, so loving. I never really understood passion until I met her. The way we talk to each other, hell the text messages we send each other, I won't share that here. Let us just say that I can express to her how I feel and she does the same to me. Absolute trust and devotion.

Every day I am more and more sure that she is the one. Like I said, I will not marry her this trip, but I have every intention of proposing before I leave.

For the most part I don't find Costeños more difficult to understand. Well, the taxi driver last night was impossible, but he had that low raspy voice and barely moved his lips when he spoke. Maybe it is that my Spanish comprehension has improved.

Hi woody

wow great pics!
You look like a good couple!!!!

Whats funny is...i know its wierd but i have always had this wierd thing where i can tell someones character decently well by their facial expressions and eyes and watching some tv show called "Lie to me" kinda proved their is some art and science behind it but anyway she seems like a sincere person from her eyes and facial expressions.

I think you found a good one!

[fathertime]

Thanks for sharing your photos Woody!

I can see by the photos that your woman is very likely genuinely interested in you.  Take  all the time you can to let things play out and see if you want to spend the rest of your life with this gal.  If after 60 or so days together, you still want to follow through with it all, then why not take your chances.  She appears to be a sweet cute gal. As far as you are concerned, we still don't know for sure if you have all your teeth.  as you never open your mouth when it is photo time!

Fathertime!

[Dan Las Vegas]

Great photos woody!!!!

Sounds like things are going wonderful for you!!!  Good luck and I hope it all works out for you. Keep posting your trip reports, they are great reading!

Dan LV

[whitey]

You are right about that. She showers me with affection....and the way she looks at me.....wow, so sweet, so tender, so loving. I never really understood passion until I met her. The way we talk to each other, hell the text messages we send each other, I won't share that here. Let us just say that I can express to her how I feel and she does the same to me. Absolute trust and devotion.

I know exactly what you mean, and you've done a good job of describing it.  It's hard to explain to my friends in Canada what it's like to be with a Latin woman.  In fact, I really don't even bother any more ... there's just no reference points.  It's really something you have to experience before you can believe it.

For the most part I don't find Costeños more difficult to understand. Well, the taxi driver last night was impossible, but he had that low raspy voice and barely moved his lips when he spoke. Maybe it is that my Spanish comprehension has improved.

More power to ya ... you're doing better than me ... hahaha!

[Woody]

Just a heads up, it is a fricking monsoon in CTG right now.

Dani's barrio lost power this afternoon, we went and saw a movie, I just woke up at 2AM because of all the thunder and lightning. Power just went out for what looks like all of Bocagrande, yay.

[bcc_1_2]

Muy interesante, I figured you'd be chasing model types (who rock climb on weekends ) for a few more years. Pictures do tell a lot. I never wanted to be the posterboy (couple) for American/Honduran relationships, but I suppose posting isn't really such a big deal for our generation of faciespacers.

[whitey]

Just a heads up, it is a fricking monsoon in CTG right now.

Dani's barrio lost power this afternoon, we went and saw a movie, I just woke up at 2AM because of all the thunder and lightning. Power just went out for what looks like all of Bocagrande, yay.

I'm confused, is Dani from Cartagena but lives in Barranquilla?

Watch out for those arroyos, buddy - they can sweep even a guy as big as you away!   

I'd be interested to hear what you though of Hotel Tres Banderas if you have some time to post a quick review.  I've walked past it and glanced in ... seems pretty nice.  It's about the same price as the hotel we usually stay at (Los Balcones de Badillo), but seems to have more gringos so I've been avoiding it.

[Gato4Astrid]

Great pics Woody  ..... looking forward for more ... 

[Researcher]

     Hey Woody, sounds like you may have found the one, congrats! The pics are great but I don't think pictures can tell the whole story.You guys sound compatable,have the same goals and enjoy each other's company.Those are very important things IMO. Just don't move too fast.If she is "the one" now, she will still be "the one" 6 months from now.The experience had when I met my wife sounds very similiar to yours,long conversations and daily contact.We still can't stay away from each other too long.When I met her I was dating other women but soon stopped because I was thinking of her even when I was with other women.

   Good Luck and keep the reports coming.


   Researcher

[Woody]

I'm confused, is Dani from Cartagena but lives in Barranquilla?

Watch out for those arroyos, buddy - they can sweep even a guy as big as you away!  

I'd be interested to hear what you though of Hotel Tres Banderas if you have some time to post a quick review.  I've walked past it and glanced in ... seems pretty nice.  It's about the same price as the hotel we usually stay at (Los Balcones de Badillo), but seems to have more gringos so I've been avoiding it.

Dani is from Cartagena, but lives in BAQ most of the time with her dad while she goes to school. It is really her sister's barrio.


Hotel 3 Banderas is a great place, but it has some shortcomings.
1. No hot water in the sinks. Sucks for shaving. I dislike being forced to shave in the shower if I want a hot shave.
2. Mini-fridge, but it is completely packed with convenience priced hotel sodas and beer.
3. Stove, but I didn't see any cooking utensils.
4. Run-of-the-mill continental breakfast, at least for the two days I was there. I would have appreciated having fruit set out or eggs ready to go. My first day I was brought a platter with some fruit(I was the only one in there) and took two bites of the cereal, my second day it was packed so I grabbed a glass of juice and a slice of bread and called it breakfast.

Now the good things:
Friendly, helpful staff.
Superb air-conditioning+ceiling fan, you will not have any issues sleeping under the BLANKETS.
Massive stand-up shower and a decent hot-water tank.
Decent wifi.

I was paying $170k/night.


Honestly, if not for the lack of a full kitchen, I would be staying there instead of the current apartment I occupy for $150mil/night.

The ONLY redeeming quality of my apartment is the kitchen. So many little things wrong that it starts to annoy you. But, it has a full kitchen.

[Woody]

Just don't move too fast.If she is "the one" now, she will still be "the one" 6 months from now.

Well, we already moved at pretty much lightspeed, but a wedding is at least one year away.

She is serious now though, relationship status changed on facebook. Before today, there were only two people that knew her and knew about me. Now all her friends know.

[Woody]

As far as you are concerned, we still don't know for sure if you have all your teeth. 

Today, I made sure to show my teeth for at least one picture, just for you.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=461893&l=abb56783fc&id=100000199957409




Here is the rest of today's pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28100&id=100000199957409&l=8c496b55b6

[Bricks]

Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post all of this. Pretty awesome.

[Researcher]

   Woody, I think you mentioned once that you were considering living outside the US(I could be mistaken on that) but that seems to be a better option than bringing a lady to the US.I know I would try living in Colombia if I had the opportunity.


 Researcher

[Woody]

   Woody, I think you mentioned once that you were considering living outside the US(I could be mistaken on that) but that seems to be a better option than bringing a lady to the US.I know I would try living in Colombia if I had the opportunity.


 Researcher

It works out well too, she has absolutely no desire to live in the US. Visit, sure. Live, no. She has a plan, I have a plan. Our timelines and locations work well together.

[Jeff S]

Hey Woody - great trip report and pictures. Thank you.

And your sweetie is sure a cutie...

Best wishes for you both and for your plan.

[robert angel]

Woody,

Re:

>>It works out well too, she has absolutely no desire to live in the US. Visit, sure. Live, no. She has a plan, I have a plan. Our timelines and locations work well together.<<


Great--I didn't want too ask that one! Not that I try and spout about being the greatest nation in every way on earth, but I think most women who find themselves looking for or with an American mate have a strong interest in moving to the land of Brad and Angelina. Glad that's not the case here, because I know that wasn't what you're  looking for.

Go, go Power Ranger!

[Jeff S]

You would think that, but there are probably more wives of our members who would rather stay in their home country than get a ticket to the US, at least most that I've run across and met. It's only the critics without any actual experience who are convinced that all the poor women in the world are willing to drop to their backs for anyone with a fat wallet and K1 visa ap in their back pocket.

[fathertime]

Today, I made sure to show my teeth for at least one picture, just for you.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=461893&l=abb56783fc&id=100000199957409




Here is the rest of today's pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28100&id=100000199957409&l=8c496b55b6

Thanks for sharing the additional photos woody. Thanks for the confirmation that you don't have a mouthful of wooden teeth!

She is an awful cute gal that really appears to like you and all your sweatiness, which sure is a great start! 

Fathertime!

[robert angel]

Yea Jeff,
The more I think --which isn't too often--(it hurts my head) the more I See your point:

>>You would think that, but there are probably more wives of our members who would rather stay in their home country than get a ticket to the US, at least most that I've run across and met. It's only the critics without any actual experience who are convinced that all the poor women in the world are willing to drop to their backs for anyone with a fat wallet and K1 visa ap in their back pocket. <<

My wife would LOVE to move back home in a heartbeat--and even bring me with her, surprisingly! What keeps her here is that she can make enough money here and then some, to pay to  put four siblings thru good private schools, send computers, nice clothes, pay medical expenses and more back home--something she couldn't do, even as an engineer with a big multinational company back home.

Her two best friends would absolutely prefer to do the same, but again, with the money they make here, they can buy land over there (mostly Bohol) and pay for school and tuition. My--how that land is appreciating in value so very quickly too!

I also remember that it seemed that more Filipinas from Cebu in particular were 'fussy' about wanting kano mates only under the condition that they'd move to Cebu. Cebu has a rep for having a lot of pretty women and some who you might say are 'overly proud'.

I spoil my wife a bit, but she really doesn't ask for much herself. I do think that we'd have to cut back on her love of shoe buying if we moved to the Philippines though--that's her worst vice, I guess.

My wife's parents and I would imagine a lot of other Filipinos as well, would like to come here for a visit, see Disney World, Wal-Mart and a few other places, and once they realize it's NOTHING like it seems to be on TV and in the movies, get on the next plane home, with bags of goodies in tow for the family back home.

[whitey]

Thanks for the hotel review and the pics, Woody.

El Castillo de San Filipe ... gets a little warm up there, eh? 


The idea of most Colombian women wanting a ticket out to the USA is largely a myth. If they could marry a nice, stable guy with a decent income (Colombian or extranjero), I'll bet 90% would opt to stay in Colombia.