The "dark side"

[FenixRises]

... in response to Re: Wayne, did you have to pay for your ..., posted by Wayne on Feb 26, 2002

Hi Wayne,
I have heard that the need for a marriage visa depends upon the Colombian notary. Some want the marriage visa some don't.
From what I understand, to be strickly legal a marriage visa is required. The equivalence going the other way is the K-1 fiance visa.
It just shows that the wheels of bureacracy grind in wierd directions.
Fred

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Wayne, did you have to pay for your ..., posted by Wayne on Feb 26, 2002

Wayne you spent three weeks on San Andres?! What on earth did you do? I heard it's very boring after about four days. I guess you could go scuba diving every day but...?

[Wayne]

... in response to Three weeks in San Andres?, posted by Cali vet on Feb 27, 2002

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to stay with my wife while we waited for the second interview.  Because we went to the Embassy after a holiday, we didn't get the 2nd interview for over 3 weeks.  This was a real shock considering I own my own business, and me being gone that long was putting too much pressure on my staff.  Also, I had been gone for a month to Colombia 2 weeks prior when I met my wife.  So basically 2 months away from my business was scary to say the least.

We knew we were going to have to sit around in Bogota, Cali or some other place for a few weeks waiting  so we decided to just head on over to San Andreas to sit around.  You're paying a nightly fee for your hotel and for food anyway no matter where you are, so you may as well be in a beautiful place.

I have hear San Andreas described as kind of desolate on this board.  I didn't see it that way at all.  There are many hotels, live music every night, many water sports and hiking.  Since I own a watersport related business, I am right at home in this environment, and it is just like my normal life.  We would go windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, or rent a scooter to ride around during the day, and at night we would go listen to live music and walk on the beach in the moon light.  With 80 degree temp and nice breezes at night, it is an experience you will have to try to understand.

This time together with my Colombian wife before we came to the states was very important, and we will never forget it.  We really got to know each other well, and by the time we got off the plane together in the states, life was well...just kind of a normal married couple.  

If you have the time, I would reccomend staying with your wife and heading off to some vacation spot for your honeymoon.

Wayne

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Three weeks in San Andres?, posted by Wayne on Feb 27, 2002

OK, thanks for the explanation. I ask because I plan to take my novia somewhere in April. I'd like to take her to both coasts during her vacation and I love the jungle trails and beach at Bahia Solano but I'm recognized there and that might not sit well with her. So we'll go to Parque Tayrona and I guess to San Andres. I found Negril and Cancun very boring that's why I've been sort of avoiding San Andres. Each to his own. However I've never been and she hasn't either so it fits the bill.

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Re: Three weeks in San Andres? Ugh....., posted by Cali vet on Feb 27, 2002


Did I miss that post? Please tell me when & where to find it. C'mon CV, give it up...

[Cali vet]

... in response to Hold up!!!! Did you say, Novia?, posted by Hoda on Feb 27, 2002

Hey Hoda,

Well yes I admit it I have a novia from Cali but the relationship is pretty new and we're not comprometidos yet so...step by step and cruzamos los dedos. Thanks for asking.

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Hold up!!!! Did you say, Novia? Well..., posted by Cali vet on Feb 27, 2002


agradable y fácil.....

[Cali vet]

... in response to Bueno......, posted by Hoda on Feb 27, 2002

Si senor and it sounds like you're on the home stretch. May it go smooth and easy.

[Edge]

... in response to Re: Hold up!!!! Did you say, Novia? Well..., posted by Cali vet on Feb 27, 2002

Nosostros esperamos que vas a tener buena suerte con tú novia.

[Cali vet]

... in response to !Felicidades!!, posted by Edge on Feb 27, 2002

Muchas gracias Edge, de la suerte eso espero tambien. Tan amable amigo.

[Wayne]

... in response to Re: Re: Three weeks in San Andres? Ugh....., posted by Cali vet on Feb 27, 2002

If you go to the Sunrise Hotel in San Andreas, you won't be dissapointed.  It is deluxe.  If you are not into water sports, you probably are going to be bored.  Go to the Casa Blanca for evening live music.  The staff is friendly.
I would like to try Providencia next time.  There are some very beautiful hotels there, and it is less crowded.

Have fun,
Wayne

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Three weeks in San Andres? U..., posted by Wayne on Feb 27, 2002

Thanks Wayne, I'm really glad you reminded me about Providencia. That is definately where I'll go. I much prefer cabanas even hamacas to luxury hotels. From what I've just been reading it sounds like there is lots of natural environment to explore inland and although beaches are limited the coral reefs are more abundent than at San Andres. And there is inter-island air service.

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Wayne, did you have to pay for your ..., posted by Wayne on Feb 26, 2002


Part of the stress of you see here in regards to documentation, shows how different it can be for each couple. It's hard/stressful trying to play by the rules, when they are different for each guy. Consider yourself blessed, that you didn't have to go through, what others have had too. I've decided not to raise a stink with my local consulate. If they ask, I'll pay. I just want my lady here without anything delaying her approval & arrival. The hardest thing for me right now, is the use of my vacation time. Do I use my allotment for the year, hoping they issue the visa during this time. Or do I return home & wait for the second interview, then come back. Without a doubt, it's a question of time and/or money. A couple of friends have recommended, that I get the civil ceremony out of the way first, then do the formal ceremony later & hope the processing will be completed within a 18 day period.

I know, that I don't have to be there for the second interview or when she flies here from Colombia. But I want to be there with her. I want to see the expression on her face, once the US embassy stamps her passport. I want to see the expression on her face, when the jet touches american soil. I want to be there, when the first "Wow" or "Dayyum" comes out her mouth. I want to be there, as she exchanges hugs & kisses with her family at the airport. These & other little things, will be once in a lifetime experiences that can't be repeated. Besides, she'll probably need help with her luggage...lol

Thanks again...Hoda

p.s. Guys, this is "HARD" part of your quest, once you've found & been found by love.

[HappyInBrazil]

... in response to Thanks Wayne..., posted by Hoda on Feb 27, 2002

I agree with you.  I think there is a definate "phase" that people are not mentioning so much.  The time between you meet someone you want to spend the rest of your life with and you are together again permanently.  I know this was something I did not recognize would be so difficult.  It seems like a stange time, with waiting for your life together to begin.  It is also something that people need to consider when beginning this process.  I know from lurking on the Asian board there are people separated for up to a year, maybe a year and a half!

[FenixRises]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Fred, one question., posted by Wayne on Feb 26, 2002

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