Is there anyone who can give me some general constructive advice about the best way to end up happily married to a beautiful Colombiana. I am an Australian, and everything I find is targeted at the American man. Do Latin women even consider Australia as a desired destination? Any sort of response regarding any related issues would be much appreciated ... and any information about Australia! ... just ask.

muchas gracias
Martin

... in response to Re: Australian connection, posted by Lonnie on Apr 9, 2001

Your man Lonnie just killed any excuse you had in "NOT" going east to find & be found by love. Start doing your homework & get cracking...No worries, aye mate?

We're here to help.....Hoda

... in response to balls and curiosity!, posted by Martin T on Apr 11, 2001

G'Day Martin,

Just read a story on the migration of Colombians out of the country. Most are making their way to the U.S., but many have been casting sail to Australia. I don't know what city you're from, but it might be in your interest to find out what city these ex-pats are making home. Yes, there are some Yanks with apartments in Cali, that speak fluent spanish. No worries mate, their numbers will not have ANY influence on the number of ladies for you to meet. On the contrary, you can make the fact that you're from a country, many in Colombia know very little of.

The Colombian men are part of the equation that have a small, but significant number of woman seeking makes elseware. Be forewarned, just because the economic & political situation leaves much to be desired, coupled with the fact that you come from someplace else, doesn't guarantee you success. Don't underestimate these ladies in a good or bad way. By this I mean, if a man is a knuckle-head at home, he'll be a knuckle-head in Colombia. Many of these ladies are very intuitive at judging a man. The clear majority will not leave Colombia, just for the sake of leaving.

Peace.....Hoda

... in response to Sydney -  LA - Cali, posted by Martin T on Apr 12, 2001

A question...why would you go from Aus to the US to Colombia ?  Unless that is the only way you can get there you are going about 10,000mi out of the way. Seems Aus.-Peru/Chile -Colombia is a lot more direct isn't it ?

Houndog

... in response to a long way whichever way you look!, posted by Martin T on Apr 14, 2001

**I'm sure I can fly LA to Cali, right?**

Actually I don't believe you can. I think the flight south from LA stops in Mexico City and/or Panama City.  Then to Bogota, some chance of a plane change, then Cali.  Actually, it's not simple for us to get there either. From Miami is simple.  And getting to Bogota is getting easier with more cities having direct flights ......however other cities in Colombia usually require a change.  With Meddillin and Cartagena(daily direct flights from Miami, no change) the exceptions, I think.

Thats why I thought Chile/Peru might be more direct or maybe a shorter overall trip. Sometimes catching connecting flights can really be a hassle and occasionaly fall apart. Especialy flights leaving Colombia as they can be several hours behind schedule sometimes. My last trip home my flight was late leaving and I missed my connecting flight home.

Anyway...some food for thought.

Regards, Houndog

... in response to Australian connection, posted by Martin T on Apr 7, 2001

Thanks to everyone who responded to me, and thanks for your honesty and best wishes. There are some obvious obstacles for me, but I have learnt basic Spanish already, so that's a good start. It may surprise some of my American friends that there are Latin Americans here. It was the Aussi bricklayer nearby with the goddess wife from Medellin that first inspired me. Would you believe, he met her in London, and he hasn't even been to Colombia! Also, my brother-in-law is a Chilean, but when I asked him what he knew of Colombia, he shook his head with a worried look on his face, at least he is amused by my Spanish baby talk. Can anyone recommend any agencies that offer good value and service? or even advise me which ones to avoid? I have been curious about a couple for a short while now ... am I allowed to mention them by name? They are both in Cali and offer live-in accomodation. Any further particular advice is very welcome either by the message board or personally.
thanks in advance,
Martin

... in response to Australian connection, posted by Martin T on Apr 7, 2001

But if you are successful, the rewards can't be counted in Dollars or Pounds. Personally if I was you, I would write  to as many women, as you can handle. You have many miles to travel to travel back & forth, unlike myself. You'll need to educate the ladies you communicate with about life in your country. Send photo's and/or postcards of Australia. Introduce them to Australia.com if there is such a site. They can run it through an online translation site, to get a feel of the daily happenings.

Forgive me if I sound naive, do they have any clusters of spanish speaking people in your city? I ask this because, many of these will be studing english for the first time.
Getting adjusted to the english spoken here in the U.S. will be hard enough. Getting used to the accents of your countrymen will compound that difficulty. Oh excuse me, I've just be reminded by an English friend that we speak "American" not english! What can I say, he's an Arsenal fan.

Anyway mate you will need to check out your countries immigration laws regarding your future (think positive) Colombian lady. Is there an Australian Embassy in Colombia or in another country in this hemiphere that can/will assist you in getting your lady home. Feel free to post or ask privately. Check out the the gentlemen from Texas trip report. His journey took him, from Texas to the far east.
Not exacly around the corner.

Peace....Hoda

... in response to Australian connection, posted by Martin T on Apr 7, 2001

Hey Martin,

There are some good points made by the other guys. Your biggest problem is the distance and the cost for the flights to and from Colombia. In my opinion, you will need several trips to Colombia to meet someone and develop a relationship. Once you are sucessful and marry a beauty, you must plan for a trip home for her at least once a year.  If she is one of the good ones, her family is very important, not seeing the family will be a problem. Keep in mind for most of the women, when they get married it is the first time they have lived away from home, so the transition will be a challenge.

From the States it is relatively a cheap flight to and from Colombia.  Writing only letters and emails will also put you at a disadvantage to the guys who can show up regularly.

The price of lots of international phone won't be cheap either. There are lots of Yanks in Colombia these days, so it may be more difficult than you expect.

I live in Denver and there is quite large group of Colombians, so life will be a little easier during the first few years.

I 'm not trying to discourage you, but your are better off knowing the facts.

I also suggest that you find out how difficult it is to get your lady into Australia, both tourist visa and other visas.
The large problems in Colombia have alerted immigration folks, and they may make it very difficult for Aussies like it is for the Yanks.

good luck,
mike