treeshark2 has left 56 comments

treeshark2 comments on US Biker is Colombia "Black Leather jacket and do-rag?

No problems in Cartagena or Medellin But I have not paid a visit to Bogota. Have worn Harley clothes in the two other cities without problems. Harley boots, jeans, belt, t-shirts, earring, and hat in both places. Light Harley jacket in Medellin at night. No one paid any notice to me.
I would think Bogota would be the same. However I also take "Colombian" clothes so I can pass as a native if I wish.

treeshark2 comments on Motorcycle "Myth"

The Colombia Harley T-shirts from Bogota sometimes can be found on Ebay. I have paid anywhere from $6 to $35 for them on Ebay. Try a search using harley colombia and harley bogota. Might take a bit for one to come up for sale though. I have pretty much bought all of them that were offered for the last couple of years.

treeshark2 comments on Pre-Colombino tattoo designs

I did a search on google with "Pre Colombian designs" and came up up with sites.
would guess you had a book by Antonio Grass

try
http://www.intermundos.org/contact.htm and
http://www.intermundos.org/grass/antonio_grass.htm

Frogs / Lizards:
Mithological Animals
Precolombian Colombian Design
Investigation, design, texts and edited by Antonio Grass
Copyright Antonio Grass
Printed by Litografía Arco, 1979, Bogota, Colombia.
Faces:
The Faces of the Past
Pre-Hispanic Colombian Design
Research, drawings, texts, design and editing by Antonio Grass
Copyright and published by Antonio Grass, 1982.

also look at http://www.galerianamu.com/art/indigenous-pre-colombian/work_id_number.php

they had Pre-Colombian pottery reproduction of sello (stamp) for repeating intricate designs in body painting - small (w/out imprint)
They did not show the different designs but you can email them and they will send you images of what is currently available. Might find something there.

Happy hunting

treeshark2 comments on Teeth whitening Cartagena

Dentists in Cartagena ??? Any suggestions for a good dentist in Cartagena??

Have been using one In Bocogrande but can not remember name right now. He is a professor at the dental school. Thought I might try someone else this trip at least for a checkup, cleaning and some minor work.

treeshark2 comments on

Perhaps Defense of the Nest Phenomenon A woman is primarily designed for reproducing the species. Her instincts are hinged to this reproductive urge. A major necessity is security. The female has a desire for a strong male warrior to protect her and the baby from attack or molestation. The desire is so strong that the husband will find himself constantly tested. The female will prod , nag, and jab at him to see if he will stand his ground and put her in her place. If he fails to assert himself, she will feel insecure.This will provoke even more attempts to make him take charge. She wants the security that goes with her own submission. If she does not get it, she will become a screeching fishwife in her primal clutching for security. She must ever be reassured that the nest will be defended.
Good luck my friend

treeshark2 comments on Simple Things

A Dancing and Singing Chicken Go to your local Eckerd Drug Store and check out their stuffed animals that sing and dance when you push a button on them. I have been taking these down to Colombia for years and the chicas love them. The most popular is a chicken that dances and sings "lets do the chicken dance" Makes no difference how many I take, I never have enough. All the chicas want one from me. No one ever believes me on this until they have seen the reaction one of these will cause in Colombia. So just buy one and take it with you. You will wish that you had taken a suitcase full of them. :-)

treeshark2 comments on Need a hotel in Cartegena - everything booked!

Try Juan Ventura at itts at excite.com or Mery Salence at http://www.travelnet.cx/cartagena/

Have known Juan for years and he is a great guy. He will try to find you a place. do a search with his name and maybe you can find his phone number which I do not have.

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&client=pub-9654224688603390&cof=FORID%3A1%3BL%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fpoorbuthappy.com%2Fcolombia%2Fthemes%2Fpoorbuthappy%2Fimages%2Flogo.png%3BLH%3A50%3BLW%3A380%3BGL%3A1%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BT%3A%23000000%3BLC%3A%23000000%3BVLC%3A%239966ff%3BALC%3A%23000000%3BGALT%3A%230000CC%3BGFNT%3A%23999999%3BGIMP%3A%23999999%3BDIV%3A%23FF9900%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fpoorbuthappy.com%2Fcolombia%2F%3B&domains=poorbuthappy.com&q=juan+ventura&btnG=Search&sitesearch=poorbuthappy.com

Good luck

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

Getting married on hold now Sigh, we have had a bit of a disagreement so wedding is now on hold. As far as I can tell, I had all my paperwork done perfect. Not really that bad.

For prenup, yes did it myself. However was planning to have lawyer spice it up. First if marriage does not work out, no fault divorce. Either of us can ask for divorce and the other will not contest the divorce. Martial property to be split 50-50 except for first 3 years. Whoever asks for divorce first 3 years only gets 10%, other person 90%. That was really all. No divorce in my home state also.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

WTF with the lawyer Well, have been all week trying to see the damn lawyer. Keep getting the run a round from the chica who answers the phone at the lawyer´s office. Went to notaria cinco since that is the one utopiacowboy went to.
Guess it is time to sit back and try again with this. thinking about going back to the notaria and see what happens.
HOWEVER now having a problem with the pre-nup. Until we work that out, I am not ready to get married anyway. Well maybe next trip then. At least the novia knows I am serious since I have ALL the paperwork to get married now.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

Still not married Well it has been fun so far. not married but still fun. Went to Notaria 5 two weeks ago. Had everything but the transltions for my stuff. People at notaria suggested the college that is so good about teaching english. was supposed to take a week . ended up two weeks. Went back to notaria this morning and she looked at all the papers, said it looked perfect but wants me to talk to a lawyer first to make sure everything is correct???? Of course the lawyer will not be in until tomorrow. I leave in 16 days so will see what happens.

treeshark2 comments on Meeting Opportunity for PBH members in Southern Florida

Will try to visit you tonight If I am not too tired will come by tonight. I was up half the night trying to find my passport. I will wear my Harley hat so you will know who I am :-)

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

FINALLY GOT MY DIVORCE PAPERS Jeez, it took almost a month to get the certified divorce papers from the Commonwealth of Virginia. I leave tomorrow and will be in Medellin on Tuesday. Will go visit the Notaria on Wednesday and see what happens. I will try to update while I am there.

For rdj2003, yes I would get a pre-nup. I would get a pre-nup for any marriage. HOWEVER there is no such thing as an iron=clad pre-nup. I talked to one of the best divorce lawyers in Virginia. He said that there are so many legal problems with a pre-nup that you should not even bother with one. He also said that almost everyone who drew them up ended up in divorce court. He suggested that if you were fool enough to get married, just take your chances.

There is a 2 week wait after you get permission from the notaria to get married. I will talk with my novia then about it and we will have one done. In fact the novia and I will have a real long talk about what happens if things do not work out in the marriage. One copy in English and one in Spanish. No pre-nup, no marriage.

treeshark2 comments on Meeting Opportunity for PBH members in Southern Florida

Actually have about 24 hours in MIA I am flying on the 3PM flight from MIA to MDE..

Used to do it in one day but getting lazy in my old age.

For same day have to be on a 5:30 or 6 AM flight to start and hope that nothing is late or goes wrong. Miss that 1 PM checkin with Avianca and I fly all over the place anyway.

So I leave here at 10AM and I have PLENTY of time to make that 1PM checkin the next day.

treeshark2 comments on Marrying in Colombia, requirements

Waiting time ??? After the registration with the notaria there is a 2 week waiting time for the marriage. Wonder if that is also true in San Andres??

treeshark2 comments on Meeting Opportunity for PBH members in Southern Florida

Thanks Gomezman5 however However when I said Princess, I meant the Miami Princess Hotel which is at 4251 N.W. 11 St. I like it because here are 3 places I can walk to for food. However if Lionheart's place will be open March 6, might just stay else where.

treeshark2 comments on Colombian Culture - Women

Going for the Gold or Colombian Cukture After reading differnt posts by gringoinbogota, I have great respect for his views. So the Colombian chicas just seem great beacuse they are after the rich gringo and are faking you out. Hard to argue with that viewpoint from my experience.

However Colombian culture is different from American culture; and the Colombian chicas are products of their culture. Because of Cultural differences, there should also be differences in behavior. I have been in a night spot when a favorite Colombian song is played and the 70 year old grandmothers get up and start dancing. Not something I remember seeing in the USA lately.

Like Mariasman, I feel quite different when I am in Colombia; so perhaps "the mood of the country" has somethng to do with it too. When I return to Colombia I feel alive and free. When I return to the USA, I feel like I am returning to prison.

Suddenly I am in the mood for an Arepa pelúa.

treeshark2 comments on Meeting Opportunity for PBH members in Southern Florida

Maybe March 6th I should be in Miami on March 6th for 1 night before I fly on to Medellin.
What time do you close? How far from airport? I know nothing about Miami. Planning to stay at Princess that night.

treeshark2 comments on Getting Married In Colombia (UK and Col couple)

what city?? Have your novia talk to a notaria. I am planning to get married in Medellin in about 6 weeks so I will know a bunch more by then.
But it seems to me that all you need to take with you is passport, birth certificate with apostille and divorce papers with apostille.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

Woof Woof Woof

Soon as I get my divorce papers with the Apostille, I am ready to go. Bought the tickets for the trip to Medellin last night.

Sometimes I think that marriage to a Colombiana will suit me just right like utopiacowboy says.

Other times I think more like Hunter, WTF am I doing??

Will try to stay at Medellin Mansion for some of my time there so I can think about this.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

Stuff from notaria HELP ??? My novia sent me this by email.. I now have my birth certificate with apostille. Waiting to get my divorce papers with apostille.

But do not understand what is going on with the form that I am supposed to sign.


EXTRANJEROS: 11 TODOS LOS DOCUNENTOS DEBEN SER TRADUCIDOS AL IDIONA ESPAÑOL POR TRADUCTOR OFICIAL"



* CERTIFICADO DE NACIMIENTO CON SELLOS DEL APOSTILLE EN EL MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES O EN LA ENTIDAD CORRESPONDIENTE.



* FOTOCOPIA AUTENTICA DEL PASAPORTE.

* DECLARACION DE SOLTERIA O EN EL CASO DE QUE SER DIVORCIADO(A) LA SENTENCIA DEL DIVORCIO CON SELLOS DEL APOSTILLE EN EL MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES O EN LA ENTIDAD CORRESPONDIENTE.

* PUBLICACION DE EDICTO EN EL CONSULADO COLOMBIANO MAS CERCANO AL LUGAR DONDE VIVE POR UN TERMINO DE CINCO (5) DIAS HABILES. Para realizar la Publicación de Edicto de Matrimonio se deben presentar los documento antes exigidos y los siguientes datos del Extranjero ante la Notaria en Medellin:

.Nombre completo del Extranjero

.Numero de Pasaporte

.Lugar y fecha de nacimiento

.Dirección, teléfono y ocupación

Nombre de los padres

* DEBE ANEXAR UN PODER PARA QUE LA (EL) NOVIA (O) CON LOS DOCUMENTOS ANTES EXIGIDOS INICIE ANTE LA NOTARIA.LOS TRAMITES DEL MATRIMONIO, ESTE PODER TAMBIEN DEBE SER APOSTILLADO EN EL MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES O EN LA ENTIDAD CORRESPONDIENTE O AUTENTICADO EN CONSULADO COLOMBIANO EN EL PAIS DONDE VIVE. SI LA AUTENTICACION LA REALIZA ANTE EL CONSULADO DE COLOMBIA DEBE HACER LEGALIZAR LA FIRMA DEL CONSUL ANTE EL MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES

EN BOGOTA COLOMBIA.



MODELO DE PODER PARA INICIAR TRAMITES DEL MATRIMONIO.



SEÑORES

NOTARIA QUINTA DEL CIRCULO DE MEDELLIN

CIUDAD MEDELLIN



REF: PODER ESPECIAL.

.... , identificado con Pasaporte Número ,

manifiesto mediante el presente documento que otorgo Poder

Especial, Amplio y Suficiente a mi novia XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX mayor

de edad. identificada con Cédula de Ciudadanía Número'xxxxxxxx expedida en MEDELLIN , para que en mi representación inicie y

y adelante los tramites necesarios par llevar a cabo nuestro matrimonio civil. .

mi apoderada queda ampliamente facultada para firmar, recibir reclamar, desistir aclarar transigir, sustituir, reasumir, conciliar y demás facultades inherentes única y exclusivamente al presente poder­.

Para constancia de lo anterior firmo y autentico ante autoridad competente.

___________________________________

P. P Nro



LOS DOCUMENTOS SE DEBEN PRESENTAR ANTE EL DESPACHO DE LA HOTARIA CON POR LO MENOS ,DIEZ (lO) DíAS HÁBILES DE ANTERIORIDAD AL MATRIMONIO. LOS DOCUMENTOS DEL EXTRANJIRO TIENEN VALIDEZ DE TRES (3) ME SES.

treeshark2 comments on Needing help about getting married in colombia

well if you go to http://bogota.usembassy.gov/wwwsmare.shtml ,,,, you will find that it says
Roman Catholic Church Requirements

As noted above, in the event of a Roman Catholic Church marriage to a Colombian national, the U.S. citizen must comply with the following documentary requirements, in addition to the Colombian civil law requirements listed previously:

Baptismal Certificate: If the U.S. citizen was not born in Colombia, and is Roman Catholic, he/she must present a baptismal certificate obtained within the three months, prior to the wedding with an Apostille. The certified baptismal certificate, if issued in a language other than Spanish, must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

U.S. citizens who are not Roman Catholic must instead present their birth certificate. The certified birth certificate, if issued in a language other than Spanish, must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

Confirmation Certificate: U.S. citizens who are Catholic must present their certificate of confirmation. The certified confirmation certificate, if issued in a language other than Spanish, must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

U.S. citizens who are not Catholic must instead present certification of the religion to which they belong (and translation, if necessary) with an Apostille.

Certificado de soltería: U.S. citizens who are Catholic must present a written statement, sworn before a Roman Catholic priest and authenticated by a Church official, executed by two family members stating:
1. how many years they have known the U.S. citizen; and
2. that the U.S. citizen has never been married in the Catholic Church or, if previously married in the Catholic Church, the reason for the dissolution of the marriage.

If issued in a language other than Spanish, this statement must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

If the U.S. citizen who is Roman Catholic has been previously married in the Church, he/she must additionally present certification of the annulment of the marriage, certification of the civil law divorce, and/or certification of the death of the previous spouse. A person previously married by the Catholic Church and subsequently divorced from a still living spouse may not be remarried in the Catholic Church in Colombia without first obtaining an annulment from the Church.

U.S. citizens who are not Catholic must instead present a written statement, sworn before a Notary, executed by two family members stating:
1. how many years they have known the U.S. citizen; and
2. that the U.S. citizen has never married, either in the Catholic Church or under civil law.

All documents must be translated into Spanish and have an Apostille issued by the appropriate U.S. authorities.

Premarital Course: All U.S. citizens, regardless of religion, seeking to marry a Colombian national in the Roman Catholic Church, must attend a Church-sponsored premarital course, and present the course certificate along with the above documents.

Important: The Colombian national spouse must comply with his/her own documentary requirements.

All of the above-referenced documentation should be presented, Monday through Friday, between 9:00AM to 12:00M, at least one month prior to the anticipated wedding date at:

Arquidiócesis de Bogotá
Delegación Arzobispal
Matrimonios de Extranjeros
Curia Arzobispal
Carrera 7 # 10-20
Phone: (571) 350-5511

Along with the referenced documentation, the couple to be married must present themselves, and two witnesses of legal age (preferably family members), together with the identity documents of the couple and the witnesses.

The proposed marriage will be announced by the Roman Catholic Church and, if no information which may prevent the marriage is presented within one month after the announcement, the wedding date will be set.

Following the wedding ceremony, the Roman Catholic Church marriage certificate must be registered with a Colombian notary.


However if World Citizen just got married in a Catholic ceremony in Colombia, maybe she can give more details about her marriage, like which city, church, etc.

treeshark2 comments on Middle age gringos and corronchos gone wild in Barranquilla

If I am in Colombia in February, I will join in too. Is that "night spot" called Freddy's still open in BAQ ????

treeshark2 comments on Harley Davidson motorcycles in Colombia

For some reason there are NO Harley t shirts from Colombia for sale on ebay now. Wonder who bought them ??? :-)

treeshark2 comments on COLOMBIAN HARLEY RIDERS

I want to watch franko_44 eat his shirt.

try looking at http://www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/15288

treeshark2 comments on Normal for Colombian women to ask for gifts???

I think that you are being a bit unfair to Colombianas. Having a female try to shake you down for money is really world wide.
At work in the US, one of my techs was raising hell about her boyfriend one day. Turns out that her girlfriend had received a $5,000 ring from her boyfriend and now she wanted her boyfriend to give her a $8,000 ring or she was going to stop seeing him. They had been dating for TWO months!!!!!
In the Dominician Republic, I met a chica who was receing money from 23 (at that time) boyfriends from overseas.
If I go shopping in Colombia with a chica, I will never show any interest in anything that I see. In the past when I have, the chica almost always will buy it for me as a present. I have received more presents from Colombianas then from everyone else combined.
All Colombianas may not be perfect but as a group I think they are still the best in the world.
If a chica wants a present, go to a toy store and look for a stuffed animal. I like the Garfields that say Te amo mucho. If the chica does not like that then you have your red flag.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

here is copy of info from http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/15868

Colombian Civil Law Requirements

The following documentary requirements must be completed to satisfy the civil law regarding marriage in Colombia. Civil marriage is a contract which takes effect upon issuance of the deed of marriage (escritura pública de matrimonio civil), which is issued by a notary public. In order to process the deed of marriage the foreigner has to identify himself with his passport or a Colombian foreigner identification card. It is no longer necessary to have a marriage visa to marry in Colombia.

U.S. birth certificate: The U.S. citizen, if not born in Colombia, must obtain a certified copy of his/her birth certificate, issued within the three months prior to the wedding. The certified birth certificate, if issued in a language other than Spanish, must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

Certificado de soltería: The U.S. citizen must present a notarized, written statement, executed by a family member or close friend who has known him/her for more than ten years, stating that he/she has never been married. If issued in a language other than Spanish, this statement must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

Apostille: The Hague convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign documents dated October 5, 1961 entered into force for the United States on October 15, 1981. The Convention entered into force for Colombia on January 30, 2001. Documents originating in the United States require for recognition in Colombia an Apostille issued by competent U.S. authorities.

If either the U.S. citizen or his/her Colombian fiancé/e have previously been married in other than a Roman Catholic ceremony, a Certificate of Dissolution must be presented, properly authenticated, depending on whether it was issued in Colombia or abroad, as indicated above. If issued in a language other than Spanish, this statement must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and must have an Apostille.

When these documents have been prepared as indicated, they should be delivered to a Colombian notary for processing. The Colombian spouse should at this time provide an authenticated birth certificate issued within the month prior to the wedding, as well as an authenticated copy of his/her cédula.

For civil ceremonies, the notary will be able to offer instruction on petitioning a Colombian judge to perform the wedding service.

Please note that after the wedding, the U.S. citizen must provide the Colombian notary (who has processed the papers) confirmation that the municipality in the U.S. which earlier issued his/her birth certificate has been informed of the marriage. Additionally, the marriage certificate must be registered with the Colombian notary.

so raalrock what does the word "certified" mean???? To me it could mean either notarized or it could refer to the apostille. I guess have the novia ask the notario in Envigado what he means by certified.

Apostille is also a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalisation of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. A document which has been certified with a conformant apostille is accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention. It is comparable (but not identical) to an attestation by a notary public in common law systems.

see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille and

http://bogota.usembassy.gov/wwwfapos.pdf for more info/

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

http://bogota.usembassy.gov/wwwsmare.shtml gave me all the answers I needed. Will have to get my BC yet again. and the Apostilles. Then I suppose putting 200,000 CP with my paperwork would solve any other problems.

Indeed sad news in a way. But since cheating on your esposa seems to be the favorite Colombian hobby, things may not change that much anyway. This is not a soap opera love affair. She is my best friend. And this is the only way that I can get a visa for her to visit me in the states. If the US would issue tourist visas, would not do all this.

treeshark2 comments on Getting married in Medellin

I saw in another thread that the rules had changed 11 months ago but that the notarias seemed not to know this. However getting the novia to talk to them seems like the logical first step. Thanks utopiacowboy.

Sorry Hunter old boy but your hope has been dashed. Miss not having a colombiana here with me in the states.

treeshark2 comments on Harley Davidson motorcycles in Colombia

Medellin had some real nice Harleys Actually I thought the Harleys were much better looking then the chicas. There was a internet cafe net to the entrance of my hotel over by the stadium and I would see Harleys there all the time. Really great bikes.
I was there during the Medellin Bike Week. Did not find out about it until the end. So only went to the party at Mangos. Fantastic looking bikes there that night.
Wonder what a Medellin Bike Week t-shirt would go for on e-bay??

treeshark2 comments on Avion Bird Flu Pandemic

If you live in Colombia, keep calm Sorry that I am not very good writng. Have been doing mucho reading. Miguel's Stratfor article is very close.
However it is fair to say that the real truth of what is going on is not really coming out. Mainland China is "covering up" what is going on there. Perhaps between one or two hundred people have died. But at least the government is trying to contain the problem.
Indonesia. Wow.Health experts say the Indonesian epidemic started in commercial poultry farms, spread among the tens of millions of free-range chickens raised in back yards across the country and then finally infected people. But it started over two years ago. Indonesian officials covered up and then neglected a spreading bird flu epidemic for two years.
No one knows how many people have had the H5N1 bird flu. Governments have a very keen interest in keeping the numbers low. quarantine of a country would have very adverse effects on economies. There are problems with tests to determine if a person even has H5N1.
It does appear that both bird to human and human to human transmission is occuring. It seems that over a hundred people caught H5N1 from visiting a zoo in Indonesia.
But at this time I would not worry about H5N1. If I was a bird in Asia or a chicken farmer in Indonesia, I would worry like hell. Even though H5N1 has been raging in the Indonesia chicken population, it took over 2 years for large numbers of people to contact the flu. And truthfully the death toll has been very low.

treeshark2 comments on Avion Bird Flu Pandemic

Star Anise Decided to do bit of reading on various flu subjects. Decided to follow GringoDeLouis idea on ways to strengthen immune system.

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_anise

However I also found this from the article.
Although it is produced in most autotrophic organisms, star anise is the industrial source of shikimic acid, a primary ingredient used to create the anti-flu drug Tamiflu. Tamiflu is regarded as the most promising drug to mitigate the severity of bird flu (H5N1); however, reports indicate that some forms of the virus has already adapted to Tamiflu.

A shortage of star anise is one of the key reasons why there is a worldwide shortage of Tamiflu (as at 2005). Star anise is grown in four provinces in China and harvested between March and May. The shikimic acid is extracted from the seeds in a ten-stage manufacturing process which takes a year. 90% of the harvest is already used by the Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer Roche in making Tamiflu

By the way this type of problem occurs quite often in the production of medicines in the Pharmaceutical industry.

At least you now know what the problem with Tamiflu production really is. For the want of a nail a shoe is lost,,,,,,,,,,,,,

treeshark2 comments on Avion Bird Flu Pandemic

Correct dosage of Tamiflu for H5N1 Twice a day for 8 days. eight days not five so you need to buy two packs of Tamiflu.
Since medicine is an interest of mine; I have been watching this one since Hong Kong destroyed all their chickens a few years back. I had always thought that it was more a question of when rather then if; however I am no longer so sure of that.
Wikipedia has an excellent entry about it all. see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H5N1

this is from wikipedia and Miguel perhaps underplayed this aspect a bit. Excellent info and writng Miguel by the way.

Pig cases

In February 2004, avian influenza virus was detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains. In May 2005, the occurrence of Avian influenza in pigs in Indonesia was reported ("swine flu"). Along with the continuing pattern of virus circulation in poultry, the occurrence in swine raises the level of concern about the possible evolution of the virus into a strain capable of causing a global human influenza pandemic. Health experts say pigs can carry human influenza viruses, which can combine (i.e. exchange homologous genome sub-units by genetic reassortment.) with the avian virus, swap genes and mutate into a form which can pass easily among humans.

Personally I will try to keep up with reports about "swine flu" right now.

treeshark2 comments on Medellin for 4 days - what to wear?

Agree with Hunter what you prefer will work fine.
I would suggest that you take a light coat with you. Can get a bit cool at night and more so if you go up the mountains a bit.
I was with my Colombian novia and she kept me out of the bad areas of the city. With your NYC street smarts, you should be fine.
Since Hunter told me it would be OK, I just wore my Harley ropa most of the time. Harley bluejeans, belt, t-shirt, hat and boots. Real easy to tell that I was a gringo. I had almost no problems during 3 weeks.

treeshark2 comments on Things to do in MDE

Piedra Del Penol is great Went to the "rock" last trip. Beautiful place. Planning to go back and stay for a couple of days next trip.
I had no problems in Medellin, however if your lady friend tells you not to go some places, LISTEN to her. I wore my Harley gear the entire time. But there are areas that I would have been dead in 5 minutes.

treeshark2 comments on Which Colombian city has the nicest weather/most desirable climate?

Medellin for me Having stayed in Barranquilla and Medellin and visited the airport at Bogota, I like Medellin. Was hot during the day but I could walk for hours and would very rarely break a sweat. Night time you really need a light jacket or heavy shirt.

treeshark2 comments on Tell us your Love stories.. How did you meet your wife,husband,novia or novio ?

For SteohenB You might want to read a book. It is called "How to make anyone fall in love with you" by Leil Lowndes. You can always get it from amazon. Read pages 167 to 171.
I would guess that you and your buddy are victums of the inequitable relationship.

treeshark2 comments on VINACURE - A CLUB WORTH VISITING IN MEDELLIN

Too many clubs, not enough nights??? Seems like this is turning out like my hotel "problem". Too many great places. Have been looking up the places with a search on the site. I see that the Sabaneta area has the "La Majoria" restaurant. That is a place that even I have heard of and want to try.
Have decided to divorce my esposas so think I will start partying my first night in Medellin. "mangos or Mangoes" looks like a great start. Then perhaps Envigado area for thursday. La Majoria and Sabaneta area for friday and Vinacure for saturday so I can see the show.
Now I can think about the day time adventures.
Thanks Spigrimace.

treeshark2 comments on Shakira jumps the shark

Gringo Tiburon looking for new esposas Well Cplus2, you just ruined my year and marriage. Now I know those worthless esposas of mine have been making fun of me. I realise that I am over the hill, past my prime, and out of style; but they should not tease me about it.
Well I have just divorced them and will find me some new ones. Poor old over the hill, past my prime and out of style Tiburon is going to PARTY and celebrate his new freedom.
Move over Shaki and we will both jump the shark.

treeshark2 comments on Mens Magazine offends Colombia!!

Stuff and Maxim makes fun of everyone Americans make fun of everyone. it is part of the culture and part of our freedom of speach/ The late night shows have been having a field day with Michael Jackson trial. And during the elections everyone was slammed.
Sorry that some of you were upset and I will complain to the mag as my part to help you feel better, not that it will do any good. I have the mag in question and was suprised about their comment on the front. Have not even opened it since I am busy getting ready for Medellin and would rather see the chicas in person rather then some pictures.
I am looking forward to riding the metro in Medellin which I have heard is one of the best in the world. Also heard that drug money paid for it/

treeshark2 comments on Shakira jumps the shark

What do you mean What you mean when you say "has jumped the shark"" ???????????

I am just a dumb gringo Tiburon

treeshark2 comments on VINACURE - A CLUB WORTH VISITING IN MEDELLIN

Thanks rharley Guess I will tell the "guido" that I want to go to "Mangos" on friday and "Vinacure" on saturday. and thank you too ColombiaBoard

treeshark2 comments on VINACURE - A CLUB WORTH VISITING IN MEDELLIN

Thanks Sounds fascinating and a bit bizarre, just my sort of place. will check it out next week. Hope my "guido" has not heard of the place. Would be fun for the dumb gringo to know the place to party. :-)

treeshark2 comments on HOW DID YOU MEET HER OR HIM?????

By introduction Miquillalinda Your friends introduce you to their friends.
In Colombia I will take a couple of my amigas out to a club to go dancing. All night long; their sisters, cousins, and friends will stop by the table to be introduced to the gringo. And since I am the "new" gringo in town and there usually is not anything else new to talk about, by the end of the night everyone in the club will know who I am.

treeshark2 comments on Medellín - hotel advice

Si , I need a dance teacher. Figure that my "guido" and I will be out dancing friday and saturday nights. she will dance until the club throws us out. Would like to have some new moves before we go out.
If one of the teachers could work me in for some lessons on thursday the 16th or during the day on friday the 17th, that would be great.
I like to wear my Harley t-shirts during the day. Did not know if that would be OK in Medellin or would make me too much of a target. I want to visit all of the sights in Medellin. It was just too hot for me in Cartagena, I am really looking forward to Medellin.
Thanks again

treeshark2 comments on How to beg forgiveness of a Colombian girl?

Depends What did you do ?? Thats makes a big difference.

Were you running around with other chicas?? Then you say you did not think that she was really interested in you and now you realise that you were wrong. Blame it on the communication problems.

At least tell her that you are sorry and ask her to email you if she will forgive you. Then just leave her alone. If she has any interest in you, you will hear from her again. Might take 3 to 18 months. I seem to do much better when I make them come back to me, even if it was my fault.

treeshark2 comments on HOW DID YOU MEET HER OR HIM?????

It is not easy Someone once told me that the odds of a chica from Colombia marrying a gringo and winning a lottery in Colombia are about the same. Maybe not that bad but pretty close.
Most of the gringos I know actually met their esposas in Colombia. A few with intro services and one on the net.
Which city do you live in ?? Cali, Medellin, Cartagena and Barranquilla have intro services.
And Calipro is correct, In general guys that are really interested in marrying a latina go to Colombia.
Es veridad, mi amor, es veridad.

treeshark2 comments on Medellín - hotel advice

Si, es Tiburon Hola Senior Hunter
Si, Estoy Tiburon. Si, been a year mate. All hell broke loose the last time I saw you. Broke up with the blond but she has been emailing for the last year so have agreed to talk to her this trip in Medellin.
I fly in from MIA on june 15th and will stay for 22 days. Maybe I can get some dance instruction this trip.
Trying to find someplace that will have hot water for showers and cable TV for when I need to hear some english. And will not get upset if I have 3 or 4 amigas visit me.
Have been wondering what happened with you and that chica from the banco. the one you sent the flowers to.
Thanks for the info.
Figured I would stay in hotel at first and visit and talk to people at other places to see what I liked. Will checkout the playboy-penthouse. Might want to try their intro service since I am still looking for that "special" chica.
Had been wondering about temperature at night. Would I need some long sleeve shirts or just take a real light jacket with me??

treeshark2 comments on Medellín - hotel advice

Thanks to all from me too I am heading down to Medellin in 11 days and this info was just what I needed. First time there for me. I needed some hotel names until I can find an apartment to stay in too.
If anyone has any suggestions about apartments, that would be helpful too. The father of my "guide" for Medellin is a taxi driver so he may know some places to check out.
Again thanks for info

treeshark2 comments on Barranquilla Chica or Scam?

A few questions A few answers would help.
Exactly how did you start "talking" with this chica?
How old is the chica?

If you are confused about what is going on, this is an excellent place to ask questions. Even though you are asking help from strangers, the people here understand Colombia better then anyone you would know.

Jamie is right and I think that you need to talk to her. Even though she says she does not have a phone, I am SURE that one of her amigas does. Ask for the phone number of one of her friends and make a "date" to call the friend so you can talk to her. If she ignores your request or does not know an amiga that has a cell phone, FORGET her.

I would go to Colombia no matter what happens. I would suggest Cartagena since it is a fun place.

treeshark2 comments on Street Kids, to give money or not?

Thanks DWMTE You made me realise that I have been looking at the situation in the wrong way. I return to Colombia tomorrow and will try to do things a bit different this time.