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Which agencies are reputable? There's so much distortion of the truth out there it's hard to tell the legit from the phony. How about a couple of names of egencies for Colombian intros. only?

... in response to which agencies?, posted by tommi on Apr 18, 2001

Tommi,

Cali is the most popular distination in Colombia, but there are other good locations as well. I've decided to go to Norm's agency, Ms Gringitos in July (in Cali). He has a very good rep. I've also heard a lot of good things about Latin Love (aka the Cystal Palace). I've sure there are others.

Tim Nelson.

... in response to Re: which agencies?, posted by Starman on Apr 18, 2001

Hi Guys,

I have used "YourfriendinCali", and I'm sad to read know one believes there are good agencies. Give them a call and find out the truth for yourself.

The service was first class, and I'm pleased to have a wonderful lady for the past 3 months, their secertary is also very nice and very beautiful.

Edwin Johnson

... in response to Re: which agencies?, posted by Starman on Apr 18, 2001

Anyone know anything about this agency? Their site sounds convincing...but, I haven't seen the name or heard anything about them till now.

Thanks for making me feel welcome guys.

... in response to "Your Friend in Cali" agency, posted by tommi on Apr 18, 2001

This is Daryl Gleason. I’ve written on this board, as well as LWL and Two Gringos, a few times in the past in order to try to provide helpful information, but I’ve been away from them for several months. You can probably find me in the archives here. Houndog and I have conversed here before, and we’ve never even locked horns! J For anyone who remembers me, I had met a special lady at Myron’s agency last June, had enrolled her in English classes in Cali, and was working on bringing her to the US on a fiancée visa. She and I were doing very well to start with, and I traveled to Cali to visit her again in September and maintained regular contact with her by phone at least twice a week. But sometime in October, something happened with her that affected our relationship, and I never could get her to tell me what it was. In the hope that things would be better when she came to be with me in the US, I ignored several warning flags, and when she did arrive, we lasted all of two weeks before I sent her home. I then did an emotional nosedive and was unable to function much at all for about two months. After doing as much healing as I could, I made the fairly drastic decision to leave everything behind, move to Cali, and start over. So, as of very recently, I am now living in Cali and plan to stay here indefinitely.

After I arrived, I offered to set up the “Your Friend in Cali” web site for Myron, who was a great friend through everything that happened, so what you see on the site is a result of our collaboration. In the interest of brevity, I may frequently use “us” or “we” when referring to the agency, but please understand that the agency is Myron’s, and I’m just helping out with some of the computer work.

I can assure you all that “Your Friend in Cali” is and has been a legitimate agency for two years, and it is most certainly not our intent to lie, deceive, or scam anyone. What Edwin and Anthony have said is all true (though I wouldn’t have used the “mother” analogy J). From some of the other things that have been said here, it is apparent that the wording of certain things on the web page was misunderstood, so I’ll do my best to clear that up below. I’ve also changed the wording on the web site in an attempt to make things clearer. Hopefully there won’t be many misunderstandings with what I’m saying here, but if there are, I’ll do my best to clear them up too.

And let me say in advance that I am not here to promote this agency. I am only here to address the questions and statements made by others. I still don’t regularly follow the forums, as I just don’t have the time. But if anyone has any legitimate points, issues, or questions, I’ll do my best to respond. And I’ll leave my new email address so that you can write to me personally if you wish.

First, about the “American owner/operator” thing: because I’ve essentially been out of circulation for a few months, and Myron has never followed the forums, we didn’t know about Norm’s agency. As far as we knew, we truly were the only agency with an American owner/operator living at the agency. Now that we know otherwise, I’ve changed this statement.

Next, let me address the question about hotels. Which hotel we use at any given time may depend on a number of factors, including the season, availability, safety, and so on. But we use only hotels that have swimming pools, air conditioning, where the management (and ideally the front desk staff as well) speaks English, and that are safe and secure. There aren’t many hotels with all of those features in Cali. We also like to keep all of the men who attend our parties together for logistical reasons. What you may sacrifice in flexibility, you gain in safety, security, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and freedom from potential logistical problems. Is there any agency that actually publishes the list of which hotels they may use?

We have *not* been in business for 10 years! What we had originally said was that we had been “in and around” this business for 10 years. The agency has been operating for two years, but Myron himself has personally stayed with and used many other agencies in the previous years. He has extensive experience and knows the majority of the other agency owners here in Cali personally. This is one of the reasons that, when he started the agency, he chose to operate completely differently from any other agency, all with the goal of truly helping people. In fact, men who belong to other agencies frequently come to him for help with their ladies, for example, teaching English classes or visa assistance, because their agencies don’t provide these services. But in any event, since this was apparently not clear, I’ve changed the wording on this.

As for where the agency is located, the address is posted at the bottom of every page on the web site, as are the phone numbers and email address. The office is in the agency. The number of people who work here is small and varies depending on when translators are needed. It’s a small, personal agency, which is one of the reasons why we limit the number of men to 5-7, so that we can give them the service they need. There has generally been one set of parties every month, though if four or more friends want to come, and we’re given enough advance notice, we can schedule parties to accommodate them nearly any time.

As for the price, yes, we absolutely do have the best price, period. I don’t understand why this isn’t obvious to everyone, though it’s true that you do need to do a little homework to verify it for yourself. It’s not my desire to criticize how other agencies choose to do business. But when looking at their prices, it’s important to be aware that you need to add in the cost of rooms (included in our price), translators (in some cases, but which are *always free* with us at the agency and lower than anyone else outside of the agency), transportation to the airport and to and from the hotel (which we cover), and any other hidden costs they may have which vary from agency to agency (we have none). Most importantly, though, keep in mind that this is a one-time fee for a true *matrimonial* agency, not just an introduction agency. The service doesn’t stop when you return home. You are taken care of with the same level of service until you are happily married. Again, I don’t want to criticize those agencies that choose to serve just as introduction agencies, but in our experience (Myron’s as well as mine, in this case), the actual marriage ratio through such agencies is very small. They may seem very cost-effective, but you get what you pay for. I spent several thousands of dollars on TLC tours, men’s personal listings, and introduction agencies over the last 2½ years without success. But when I came to Myron’s agency, I met a special lady immediately. That things didn’t work out between us is not in any way Myron’s fault, and I’ll be trying again very soon. My up-front fee is already covered, so even if I weren’t living here, my actual expenses would be comparatively small – in fact, better than any introduction agency I’ve seen. Plus, I have access to Myron’s services every step of the way throughout the entirety of any new relationships I may have, which alone is worth the price, in my opinion and my experience.

Any men who happen to be at the agency at meal time are welcome to eat at the agency. I only mentioned on the web site that there were additional expenses for meals because I was thinking that usually men would be out with ladies at restaurants and would need to bring some spending money for that. So I’ve removed the words that were confusing. But other than Norm’s agency, I don’t know of any other agency that covers your meals except for breakfasts at those who serve as Bed & Breakfasts.

Of course we don’t have books or galleries. We explained the reasons for that on the web site. Again, even if all of the ladies in the galleries did happen to be available, which in practice never happens, the success ratio for using these methods just isn’t very high. We post a few photos to give you an idea of the ladies that we have. All of the agencies in Cali have beautiful ladies, and we’re certainly no exception. But which is a more efficient use of your time and money, to choose them from photos and meet them one at a time (if they show up), or to meet 100 different ladies on the first two days of a seven-day stay?

And yes, absolutely, we screen both the ladies *and* the men. This isn’t done in an attempt to find matches for each other or make sure that we have only the “best”. The former takes care of itself at the parties, and the latter would be silly to strive for. Rather, it is to weed out those who are not serious about finding mates. We don’t want to bother either the men or the ladies with people who are not sincere. It’s not bothersome to us at all, it’s common sense, because we truly care about everyone we help. At this agency, you are more important than your money is. We’re not in any way saying or implying that other agencies only have “green card sharks” or hookers. But I doubt that there is a single agency (and that includes us) that would presume to claim that they are 100% certain that *none* of their ladies are “green card sharks” or hookers. There is simply no way to be 100% sure. What we *are* saying is that we make a concerted effort to weed these ladies out before they are even allowed to join, and other agencies don’t. Simply that. It’s a lot better to do this before the men meet the ladies than afterwards! Though we do also “pull out” any ladies, or men, who we find to be behaving in an insincere manner.

As the web page says, all translation services are free at the agency. If you want to take one of our translators with you on a date with a lady, you can generally expect to pay about half of what it would cost to hire a translator yourself or at other agencies. Prices do fluctuate, but hopefully this is specific enough for this forum.

We’re certainly willing to make changes to the web site if things are unclear; we’ve made some already based on comments here. We’re certainly not calling anyone “crooks”. There is just no other agency that offers what we do or has our track record of success. We offer references for those who want to check up on us. I volunteered to serve as one myself last year (for no compensation, of course), but now that I’m working with Myron in some things, I’ll probably have to back out of that role. I’ll continue to tell the truth, same as always, but on some subjects, I won’t be able to offer an opinion that you all would consider unbiased. I can, however, act in a semi-official capacity in discussions involving this agency when that is needed, if time permits.

Since I am not able to follow this forum regularly, please do feel free to send me email if you have any particular issues or questions that I can help with. Check my profile for the address.

Sincerely,

Daryl

... in response to Re: "Your Friend in Cali" agen..., posted by Daryl on Apr 23, 2001

Hello Daryl Gleason

   I have just read your post. I have A few questions- first what kind of visa do you have that allows you to stay in Colombia indefinitely and how do you get it. Second , as I understand it, you met a girl the first time you went to a party at this agency. You actually went through the K-1 process while Myron was keeping track of her for you and sent the girl home after two weeks.
    You are the wordsmith that wrote this website! You do understand that by making a representation you have to support your claims. Seeing you are the marketing man, you should understand my previous posts. WHO, WHAT , WHEN , WHERE WHY and HOW were the questions. WHAT is it you do not understand about direct questions. You have still not explained WHY $1500 dollars a week is cheaper than $500 at LL or $245 at Normans. Both provide breakfast and lunch and Norman provides dinner. Both provide unlimited free translations at the agency and I might add that they both describe WHERE it is you will sleep, eat, and meet the ladies. Your response “The address is on the bottom of the web page” is not sufficient. Why do you feel free transportation is an issue. You can cross the whole city for $3.00 in a taxi. As for hotels why can’t you name a few you have used in the past rather than say “ Are there other agencies that publish a list of the hotels they may use? “  As to staff we are all aware that all staff act as translators. But how many people are there normally, one girl in Myron’s living room?  As to English classes is there a classroom WHERE the ladies come or are they referred to a private tutor or maybe ELS. Is this cost included in your fee’s. By the way, both other agencies transmit E-mails both ways and keep profiles of the men for free. You charge $25.00. Latin Love allows free use of the pool and exercise facility to the ladies. You claim that 95% of your clients become engaged. HOW many men is that? Did you include yourself? and HOW many got married
     HOW many seven-day tours have been held? You screen all the women TRUE?   Is that before a party. You don’t place an ad in the paper? You interview 300 girls and place 100 on a guest list and inform the fifty who are allowed to come for each day. Because you said you only accept 30%.
    By the way your statement that “other parties are not conducive to meeting ladies you would consider marrying” is not conducive to making friends with those who have met nice ladies at such parties. Do you pay for the transportation of the country girls or is busing your way of saying they have to take the bus from these other towns.
     Look! I find your post as vague and evasive as the site you take credit for. You cannot avoid giving answers to people when you are asking them to join at three times the price for a stay at the Crystal Palace and NO, “½ the price of translators at other agencies” is not an answer. I don’t care if you are only doing this as a friend and Myron is a saint.    

Just answer the questions honestly if you have just began the trips, say so ,-if you work out of the house,- say so,- if the guests stay at the Aristi,- say so.  But say some thing. You sound like Clinton under oath, verbosity does not answer the questions, the truth does.  After reading the former posts you continue on with the same style. This means to me that you are painting the truth and your service should be avoided.

... in response to "Your Friend in Cali" agency, posted by tommi on Apr 18, 2001

Tommi,
You have not heard of this agency because they only go by recommendation, the owner lives in Cali and is only doing a website due to clients requesting it to show their friends.
He may keep the site he may not, I have been to many other agencies and lost a lot of money doing that. I now know this is the best agency going, I have no affliaction with them,nor do I have an agency, I am just a regular guys who likes to get a good servive.
Tommi you need to read the webpage again and think about what you read, you may of not read everything correctly to be on this chat forum.

Take care

Anthony

... in response to "Your Friend in Cali" agency, posted by tommi on Apr 18, 2001

http://www.suamigoencali.com/FromTheOwner.htm

maybe you want to check on llm site

... in response to Re: "Your Friend in Cali" agen..., posted by casinobill on Apr 18, 2001

Casino Bill,
Thanks for the info you posted in reply to my inquiry. Other than the owner of the agency, no one else answered my posting. Seems a little odd. I read the web site for their agency and had the same questions you did. Which hotels, etc?

You guys out there who take the time to answer new commers like myself are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your wisdom and input.

... in response to Re: "Your Friend in Cali" agen..., posted by casinobill on Apr 18, 2001

Hello Casino bill

Just looked at your website it says you have been in the business for 10 years. then I guess every one must know about you. It seems that everyone is moving to cali to open an agency. Its becoming a cottage industry just place a few ads in El Pias and promise the latinas you will find them a man and then sell their photos for five dollars a piece, she even has to pay for the photos or open a web site and ask men to send money, rent a hall at a hotel, book rooms and receive a commission, have a couple parties and place another ad in the paper to invite the girls.   Hey you don't even have to stay in Colombia. I have a few questions, first where is your agency ? do you have an office. If so how many people work there ? How many trips have you sponsered to Cali. How can you claim that your service at $1500.00 for seven days is equal to latin love  which is a palace and has a one week special for $500.00 or MS Gringitos for $35.00 a day including all meals and free translators. And I notice you dont have books to look at or gallerys on your site how bothersome it must be to weed out the special women and the special men so that you match only the best with each other.What is this great hotel you will place the clients in ?  You will provide transportation from the hotel to where? You dont cover the minor incidentals like food, drinks, and what is this cheap price for translators.  I think you need to flesh out your web site and be specific about who, what when, where, and why. Otherwise some of us may think you are a scammer trying to get in the trade with marketing and a small budget.  I hope you are for real because it is my belief that american owners need to be there for their clients and you say you are living there. I may be mistaken but how many american men did you say were living in Cali JIM C

... in response to Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali" ..., posted by jim c on Apr 19, 2001

Jim C,

All I was doing was answering the persons question from info I found elsewhere....I know nothing about them!!!!!!!!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali&qu..., posted by casinobill on Apr 22, 2001

Hey bill
 profuse apologies, the information said owner on the address info. Not your fault but the agency sounds bogus to some of us . again sorry for the misconception JIM C

... in response to Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali" ..., posted by jim c on Apr 19, 2001

Jim C,

Listen, before you jump down someone throats, gather some facts in a gentleman fashion and ask other people about this agency. I have used this agency
and am very happy, he does not have loads of photos, why if you are serious you would go to Cali for that specail lady, why should he show every Tom, Dick & Harry all these photos so that they can be stolen and used on bad websites. I can tell you some stories about some agencies who have girls who are hookers, visa looking girls, money looking girls. This agency is the only one who will kick these girls out if they found out they are like that. Other agencies do not vet their girls just take your money. This agency will keep you informed of your lady week by week, and will be honest and tell you what they know of anything good or bad. What agency will care for you like your mother does. I do not have to come on here and defend thsis agency, but if they are excellent they it needs to be said.

Take Care
Arty

... in response to Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali&qu..., posted by Anthony on Apr 20, 2001

Arty,
    I try to stay out of these "best agency" arguments because of course I am biased. But I have to jump in on this one because I was asked what I knew about this agency and, knowing nothing, I went to their website. It is full of lies. They have the best prices by far? They are the only agency with an owner living there? And what hotel is this wonderful 4 star accomodation? I'm guessing the Aristy in El Centro, but of course I'm only guessing because it isn't named in their website. All the other agencies are made up of hookers and green card sharks? And now you're telling everyone that no agencies pull the bad girls. We pull them for no-shows, I can promise we pull them if we learn they are trying to play multiple Gringos or other scams. And I know for certain that Bud always had a book for off-limits women and one's that were pulled. His website pretty much says I'm the best, everyone else is a crook, and trust me...... I'm your friend..... send me your money....... I don't need to show you anything up front..... I'm your friend...... send me your money.... trust me. LOL

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cal..., posted by Norm on Apr 21, 2001

hey norman

    Thanks for the backup, did you like my posts to anthony. I just cannot stand these scammers who are robbing innocent guys who are alone in colombia and have no one to inform them of what the cost should be.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali&qu..., posted by Anthony on Apr 20, 2001

Because you MORON..thats what the customers want, expect and demand....Yea right...Who are we going to believe....YOU...or our LYING EYES..!!!

Get Real

Houndog

... in response to Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali&qu..., posted by Anthony on Apr 20, 2001

Hey Anthony or Arty

I am confused because you used both names in your post. As I read your post I have an impression that you are not a native english speaker.I am not jumping down anyones throat. I am familiar with some of the agencies in Cali and maintain an Apartment in Cuidad Jardin. I count the owners of both the agencies I mentioned as friends. Seeing that you have used this service in Cali why didn't you or don't you enlighten us as to who what when where or why. You sure didn't use any plausible responses to inform us about this agency only a fear that someone would steal the photo of an unidentified latina for their own comercial use ( a little useless without her address and telephone number )Please tell me about these other agencies that have hookers , visa looking girls and money looking girls. I won't tell. I want to avoid them. I would rather go to an agency that takes care of me like my mother! Seriously, if you are for real tell us about this agency if the owner will not bother to fill us in. We know he doesn't have to, he can sit and hope the internet will make him rich off the guys who don't know where to ask. I am trying to be a gentleman but your post is as vague as the web site and doesn't explain anything about the agency . Only that you are tilting at windmills or possibly not who you say you are. If I am wrong or appear to be distrustful of your post, I apologize. If not I am about to call the dog

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cal..., posted by jim c on Apr 20, 2001

Totaly Bogus...another get rich quick scheme..make money the old fashioned way...Trick people out of it....

You were right Jim in your first immpression...oink..oink..

And we don't register and give a real em addy's because we are asraid big bad boogy monsters will spam us...bla...bla...bla...LOL...

Houndog

... in response to Re: Re: "Your Friend in Cali" ..., posted by jim c on Apr 19, 2001

Oops...major f--- up! I meant to thank jim c. What an idiot, I know. Sorry

... in response to "Your Friend in Cali" agency, posted by tommi on Apr 19, 2001

Tommi,

I am in my office with my friend with who I went to Cali with and are amazed at this is such a great forum.
We are both trying to read all the news abou Cali, it is nice to know that other people have an interest in Cali woman as we do.

Anthony

... in response to Re: "Your Friend in Cali" agen..., posted by Anthony on Apr 20, 2001

Thankls for your response. It's obviously getting harder to really know what or who to believe on the net anymore. I only want to visit Cali and stay at 2 agencies. I prefer to stay with the two I've heard more positive input about. So far that seems to be Norm's (MSGringitos), LatinBest.com, and latinlove.net.

So far I've only settled on Norm's. Which of the other two would you suggest? I know everyone's opinion is different so I'll go byt general consensus.

By the way...are you located on the West Coast?

         

... in response to anthony???, posted by tommi on Apr 20, 2001

Hey tommi unusual spelling for your name. why dont you send me an E mail with your E address to Barristerh@aol.com and I will be happy to help you out if you are serious. My apartment is within blocks of both agencies and I am familiar with all the people involved. I dont think after reading the posts on this so called agency we need to discuss these guys. Particularly seeing the bogus response of Antony Arty. Most guys are on this list to learn and help some to play qames or scam others just read the posts and decide for yourself.