Hi everyone.  I would like to introduce myself.  I have been reading this board consistantly for the past month, but have had much trouble signing up (apparentely my ISP uses web-based mail).  Anyways, I am going to Colombia in March.  I am looking for a Colombian girl that I could see myself with for my life.  I am apparently the youngest person on this board (19).  I was wondering if I should search in a particular city, do the girls look badly towards younger gringos?  Many aspects of my life are much more serious then the average 18 year old.  I manage a Cingular store, as well as attend Georgia Institute of Technology (seeking Aerospace Engineering Degree).  I was close to marriage in the past, but we had insurrmountable differences (she was a bitch).  Anyways, I am not desperate, I am able to get American girls just fine, but to be honest, they are not the type that I like.  Many girls close to my age are very stuck up and have stereotypical American views.  I have been talking to a girl from Manizales that I met on amigos.com and I am very interested in her.  I am planning on flying to Medellin, and taking a taxi to Manizales for at least 4 days.  Does anyone have tips on Manizales? What should I expect to spend for the best hotel there?  Also, I am considering spending time at Colombian Sweethearts in Medellin.  My total trip will be for 9 days.  Anyways, any advice on the aforementioned issues would be much appreciated.  Oh yes, I do speak a little Spanish, and am actively trying to improve it.
Thanks everyone,
Brandon

... in response to Hi Everyone!! Some Questions Too!, posted by Brandon2253 on Dec 29, 2004

Brandon
I wont try to tell you what to do. I say do what you want  and make it happen. Just listen and learn first.

I am engaged to a 19 year old girl from Peru (I am 37)

I started writing somethings to tell you that you need to consider but I stopped. I dont want to preach but please do find a buddy from this board and do some listening and learning before you jump into this with both feet.

Also remember the girls side of this.
Here you might be a dorky guy or not but down there you will be considered "a good catch". So as hard (or easy) as it is for you to believe - you might be a hot prospect and could break a few hearts if you are not commited and READY to do this.

Do your homework and best of luck!

TE AMO PERU!!!

jim

... in response to Hi Everyone!! Some Questions Too!, posted by Brandon2253 on Dec 29, 2004

Welcome! Manizales is at least 6 hours by land from Medellin. I would strongly advise you to fly from Medellin to Manizales instead. There are at least 3 daily direct flights on Aces between Medellin and Manizales. Not only do I think it will be cheaper to fly, but there is a safety concern. During the holidays, roads are militarized and somewhat safer. However, in March the situation is more precarious. Still insist on driving to Manizales? Then take a comfortable bus for $8 instead of a taxi. I think your risk will be the same whether you go by taxi or bus.

Look up Manizales' soccer team named Caldas Once. I believe they won an international soccer championship recently. They are highly ranked and respected throughout Colombia. Tragically, their coach was recently shot and paralyzed for life.

I've also traveled six hours from Salvador, Bahia to a remote little town to meet someone I met on the internet. My advice is to not plan on staying four days, instead play it by ear. Therefore, don't book your return flight in advance. Depending on how things go, you may want to extend your stay or leave within hours of meeting this woman in Manizales.

I'd also suggest you go to a bookstore and look into Manizales in Lonely Planet or Footprint's Colombia Handbook. Both will provide useful information.

... in response to Welcome! About Manizales..., posted by Seeker on Dec 30, 2004

What is the cheapest way to fly to Manizales from Medellin?

... in response to Re: Re: Welcome! About Manizales..., posted by mudd on Dec 30, 2004

Good point.  Which of the safe carriers is the cheapest?

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Welcome! About Manizales..., posted by Seeker on Dec 30, 2004

what is the ACES website?

... in response to Hi Everyone!! Some Questions Too!, posted by Brandon2253 on Dec 29, 2004


Brandon you sound a lot like me... ironically I used to be 19 myself :-)  Seriously though, people have always said that I was mature beyond my years, and my educational background is electrical engineering.  I even considered Georgia Tech since they have a very good engineering program.

Also like you, I tend to focus very well on one woman, and I appreciate a woman who can focus on me.  This is one of the reasons I am considering Latinas.

I did get married at 19.  I married my high school sweetheart, and we were recently divorced after 17 years of marriage.  If I had it to do over again, I would have done more preparation (with the same sweetheart) prior to getting married... if my ex-wife and I could have addressed the proper issues in advance, I would do it again... age is a minor factor, if 2 people are both preparing properly AS A TEAM to have a successful marriage.

A successful marriage, like making money, designing a car, winning a football game, requires a game plan or blueprint... i.e. check out MarriageBuilders.com, which is a blueprint for marital success... this information would have either made my marriage a success, or directed my ex and I to other people that would have led to a better chance for succes.

I have always said that a lot of people who get divorced doesn't mean they weren't right for each other, it often just means they didn't prepare properly as a couple.  It's kind of like eating a cake before its fully baked.  Its going to be kind of gooey in the middle...

I also plan to be going to Colombia around March/April, and I am currently targeting Barranquilla (BAQ).

Good Luck Dude!

... in response to Hi Everyone!! Some Questions Too!, posted by Brandon2253 on Dec 29, 2004

Stop and enjoy life. age 19 is to young to get married. I see it everyday, kids having kids and they have no idea what to do when a medical emergency arises. also,complete your college education.  do you have any idea of the costs of raising a child (including college edcuation) these days.  you are letting your hormones rules and are not thinking with your head

beattledog