Joke

A little old lady went into the Bank of America one day carrying a bag of money. She insists that she must speak with the President of the bank to open a savings account because she has a lot of money.

They finally get her into the president’s office and he asks her how much she would like to deposit. She says she has $165,000 and then dumps it out of the bag onto his desk. The president was surprised and of course curious as to how she came by all this cash, so he asks her. The old lady says, "I make bets."

The president replies, "Bets? What kind of bets?" and she says, "For example, I'll bet you $25,000 that your balls are square."

"Ha!" says the president, "That's a stupid bet, you can never win that kind of bet."

The old lady says, "So, would you like to take my bet?"

"Sure," says the president, "I'll bet $25,000 that my balls are not square!"

The little old lady says, "OK, but since there is a lot of money involved is it OK with you if I bring my lawyer with me tomorrow at 10:00 AM to witness?"

"Sure," says the president.

That night the president got very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of a mirror checking his balls, turning from side to side, again and again, thoroughly checking them out until he was sure that there is no way his balls are square and that he will win the bet.

The next morning at 10 AM the little old lady appears with her lawyer at the president's office. She introduces the lawyer to the president and repeats the bet, that $25,000 says the president's balls are square. The president agrees with the bet again and the old lady asks him to drop his pants so they can see. The president does this.

The little old lady looks closely at his balls and then asks if she can feel them.

"Well, OK" says the president, “$25,000 is a lot of money, so I guess you should be absolutely sure."

Then he notices that the lawyer is quietly banging his head against the wall and he asks the old lady, "What is wrong with your lawyer?"

She replies, "Nothing, except I bet him $100,000 that by 10 AM today I'd have The Bank of America's president's balls in my hands!"

Saturday, August 31st, 2013

I went to bed at 11pm, got up twice during the night and finally woke up at 7:10.  Jurassic Park in 3D is playing at 7:20 at El Tesoro.  I wonder if Beatriz would like to go sometime next week. 

Breakfast was a bowl of cereal.

I spent about 30 minutes on a Rosetta Stone lesson where they are using new words in sentences.

Walking past Exito I saw what may have been the first female taxi driver I’ve seen here in Medellin.

I stopped at the Veterinarian’s office and asked about how to put the leash on Angel.  It turns out I’ve been doing it correctly it’s just that he has to be a little bigger before it fits correctly. 

I let Angel run free for a while in the pet area of LM both before and after lunch.

I ordered the Hamburger Combo #3 from Gordog’s and starting reading No Easy Day the latest book I downloaded to my Nook.  It’s the first hand account of the killing of Usama Bin Laden.  Angel was resting comfortably in his pet carrier in the chair beside me.  A man approached and introduced himself, in English, as William.  He’s a physician here in Medellin who works for Saludcoop (my insurance company) in the headquarters I’ve seen on Avenida 80.  He’s separated from his wife and 2 teenage daughters and he’s recently moved to El Poblado to be near them.  The apartment he used to have is in the white building just across the street (east) of LM.  He quoted me a price of 800-900 mil for a studio in that building.  He’s seen me studying chess here before.  He told me most doctors have to know a little English because most of the medical research is written in English but maybe they don’t speak it so well.  He confirmed that if I needed medical services I could just go to the TotalSalud building I’ve seen across Avenida 80 from Exito.

I cut through Viva Mall and they had a little petting zoo set up with a burro, llama, goats, pigs, and sheep.  Men were selling little packages of carrots for the kids to feed the animals.

Beatriz came over about 5:30 and wanted to take a walk to the mall.  I took her in through the front entrance and I think she was surprised when I turned right instead of left toward Exito and the food court.  She enjoyed feeding the animals with a bag of carrots we bought for 2mil although the llama and burro weren’t interested.  After that we went across the street and let Angel run around for a little while.  There was some kind of special doings going on as there were some extra booths setup at which Beatriz bought a little cupcake and there was live music.  I thought the cupcake was for her which is why I had a small ice cream cone after I finished my food but it turns out she was saving it for her daughter.  We each had a FrisBurrito from Frisby and we shared a large Pepsi and she also had a corn on the cob for a total of 21,300.  We let Angel play in the pet area again afterwards and we bought a little scarf for him from a lady sitting on the steps selling pet toys and clothes.

Back at the apartment I shared a joke with her (it’s a classic) and before she left we made plans to meet Monday night at 6:30 to see Jurassic Park 3D at El Tesoro at 7:20.

I was hours late remembering to take my medicine so we'll see how I sleep tonight.
 

Friday, August 30th, 2013

I don’t seem to have as much stamina for some (ahem) activities as I used to.  I’m sure my age has something to do with it but I’m also at an elevation of 5,000 feet – almost as high as Denver’s 5,280 (1 mile) feet – so that could have something to do with it too.

I went to bed at 11pm, got up once during the night (2:10am) and finally woke up at 7:20.

I looked at my checking account and most of my September deposits have already been made.  Yeah!

After my workout and shower I arrived at Viva Mall just after 8:30.  Walking in the main entrance I was surprised to see a man, standing at the ready, with a shotgun in front of the first store (Tennis).  Behind him the store appears to still be closed and I could see an employee arranging clothes.  After I turned the corner, I understood what was going on.  There is a spot with 3 ATM machines, called Cajero, that were being refilled with money.  BTW, “Cajero” translated to English is “cashier”.

I headed downstairs and was successful in taking out a little money from the DaviVienda ATM but the ATH ATM wouldn’t even accept my card.  I wonder what that’s about.  I went across the street and used my iPad to send a quick email to Reina that I was successful in getting some money for today.  I had the Express breakfast for 4,900 pesos at Bunuelo Express.  There was a nice looking middle aged woman sitting at the next table (petite with black hair) having breakfast with her mother. 

Back at the apartment Rosetta Stone is once again giving me a whole new set of words. 

I was at LM by about 11:15 and Reina met me shortly after 11:30 with Angel who of course was excited to see me.  For lunch I had SanJote’s chicken breast that comes with a small salad and a few potatoes and my usual mango juice for a total of 15,500 ($8.16).  Reina had soup, and a couple of burritos with chicken and mushrooms, and mango juice for again a total of 15,500.

I gave Reina money for her taxi and sent her on her way.

I took Angel back to my apartment and he’s happy to be sitting on my lap as I type.  Reina remembered to bring Angel’s leash this time but she doesn’t know how to put it on – her sister does.  I hope to run into Mary, the dog lady, so I can ask her for help.

From about 4pm to 7pm I sat at the corner store with Jhon and later Bob.  Bob was celebrating getting his Cedula.  The dog lady came by but had no idea how to put the leash on Angel either.  Tomorrow I’ll probably stop at the Veterinarians’ office and see if they can show me how to put the leash on Angel.

Back at the apartment I made some popcorn and watched Shark Tank followed by 20/20.

Security Message: Update on Ongoing Demonstrations & Road Closures

U.S. Embassy Bogota
Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Update on Ongoing Demonstrations & Road Closures
August 29, 2013

Due to ongoing demonstrations and roadblocks, the U.S. Embassy strongly advises against overland travel outside of major cities in Colombia. U.S. government officials and their families are currently prohibited from travelling overland from Bogota to other parts of the country (air travel policy to/from Bogota has not changed).  U.S. government officials and their families are also currently prohibited from travelling overland between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Road closures have particularly impacted overland travel in Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Putumayo, Cauca, Huila, Nariño, and Risaralda. Ongoing demonstrations have closed major and minor roads and caused shortages of consumer goods in some cities in these areas.

A large demonstration planned for Bogota on August 29, is expected to impact public transportation and cause traffic delays and disruptions. Local authorities have closed public schools on August 29, and most private schools have followed suit.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. Citizens to monitor our demonstration notices at http://bogota.usembassy.gov/demonstrations.html as well as local media for developments. As always, we advise U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

Up-to-date Colombia-wide information regarding road closures is available by dialing #767 or visiting: http://www.policia.gov.co/portal/page/portal/UNIDADES_POLICIALES/Direcciones_tipo_Operativas/Direccion_Seguridad_Ciudadana/Servicios_programas/Estado_Vias.
Please review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Colombia, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Colombia at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-407-4747 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-202-501-4444 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988?mt=8 to have travel information at your fingertips.

You can contact the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, via e-mail at acsbogota@state.gov or by telephone at (571) 275-2000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (571) 275-2000 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. The U.S. Embassy is located at Carrera 45, # 24B-27, Bogota, D.C., Colombia and is open to the public by appointment on Monday through Thursday from 09:00 to 11:30. You can schedule a non-emergency appointment by visiting http://bogota.usembassy.gov/service.html.
The Embassy operates a Consular Agency in Baranquilla, Colombia which also provides assistance to U.S. citizens. The Baranquilla Consular Agency is located at Calle 77B No. 57-141, suite 511. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.

Medellin Women: Rules of the Game

April 11, 2011 By David Lee 210 Comments

The following is a guest post by Marcello Arrambide.

My current around the world trip has led me to the booming city of Medellin, Colombia.

I have been living in Medellin now for a full week and while there is always a game when it comes to men and women, the dynamic is much different in Medellin (and all of Colombia).

First, let me start off by saying that the Medellin women are not pretty, they are gorgeous.

After you read this post I would encourage you to see the pics of Colombian Models (tempting isn’t it?).

If you ask most men and women (even Colombians), they will gladly say that the most beautiful women come from Medellin and Cali.

When I first arrived in Medellin, my neck was sore from looking left and right at all the beautiful women on the streets.

By the time the day was over, I didn’t bother looking at most of the women because I knew there would be more on the next street.

Beauty is not hard to find in Colombia, but what about everything else?

Disclaimer: This is not all women in Colombia but my impression of most of them in the first week that I have been here.

Battle Between Women

On more than one occasion I have noticed that there is a fierce competition between Medellin women.

As soon as two women meet each other they resentfully check each other out, starting with the shoes of course.  They ask each other questions to which they don’t care what the answer is and put up with each other when they have to.

Colombian culture is based heavily on appearance which is why it is one of the plastic surgery capitals of the world; nose jobs, liposuction, boob jobs, and yes, even butt jobs. Hard Buns anyone?

Don’t Be Shy

In most parts of the world women are very shy.  They do not make the first move and always expect the men to do the first approach.

There are always exceptions, the only places I have been where the women are very forward and aggressive (they approach first) are in New York City and Europe.

Medellin women are not forward, but they let you know very clearly what they want.

If you are out at a bar or club they will go out of their way to make eye contact and keep doing so until you approach them.

Once you approach they have a way of endearing themselves to you very quickly.

They often use words and phrases that make the manliest of men want to turn a Colombian into a housewife (kidding... kind of).

They not only charm you with their words, they also are extremely affectionate.

Women are very approachable so there is no need to let your insecurity control you. If you like a woman, go up and talk to her, there’s a 90% chance she’ll like your company.

First Dates & Gender Roles

The debate is out there whether you should kiss on the first date or not.  In Colombia, every woman that I have asked says that kisses on the first date don’t usually happen.

What they don’t mention is that if you have white skin, light eyes, and are considered as Gringo as a Ford F-150, then you will kiss on the first date.  If you didn’t know, Gringo is King in Colombia.

Colombian women are very old fashioned.

They are not going to be interested in you if you consider a first date to include romantic music in the back seat of your car.  They expect to be taken out and shown a good time.

This could include a dinner, lunch, and even a Paisa’s (paisa = person from Medellin) favorite, salsa dancing.

Disclaimer: They don’t strive to be Beyonce “independent women” status in Medellin, women are very old fashioned and expect you to pay.  Yes that includes their taxi ride home.

Calls & Texts

Most people in Colombia have prepaid cell phones.

They load their phones with credit to use text messages and make phone calls.

What you don’t know is that no one ever has any credit.

Don’t get excited when you get a girl’s phone number because there is no sexting (text sex).

When you send a woman a text, she won’t respond…that costs money.

If she calls you, she will hang up right away because that costs money.

The best way to interact is via old fashioned phone calls, or my personal favorite, MSN Messenger (and increasingly, Facebook or Skype).

Good luck guys

Style

The climate in Medellin is almost the same throughout the entire year. Medellin is located near the 

Equator, and also is in a valley which contributes to the constant Spring-like climate.

Women are usually dressed in jeans whenever they go out.  Sandals are also a no-no unless you want to be considered a tourist in Medellin.

[Editor's Note: check out A Woman's Guide to the Medellin Look for more commentary on ladies fashion here.]

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen! Rules of the game presented to you by a person who has only been here a week!  If you don’t believe any of the things in this article I would encourage you to visit Medellin.

My first week has been nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on the bustling city once my time is up.

Source: http://medellinliving.com/women-in-medellin-rules-of-the-game/

Thursday, August 29th, 2013

Beatriz called me last night to tell me she wasn’t going to be able to come over but she would be here tonight. 

I went to bed at 11pm, woke up at 4:40 and finally got up at 5:20.  I think I will need a nap this afternoon the only problem is I don’t have time for one.

The street was a little wet this morning so we must have had a little rain overnight.

While trying to find a cell phone number for Philly Steaks I found an interesting article entitled Medellin Women: Rules of the Game.  I’ll post it for you as a separate posting.  Again, it’s just one man’s opinion.  (Sorry, but the pictures of all the beautiful ladies didn't come out!)

I was at LM before 10am but Augusto never showed up.  I left at noon and had a hot dog, chips, and Pepsi at Dogger’s for 9,300.  For dessert I had a small vanilla cone dipped in chocolate from Mimo’s for 3,700.  It was pretty messy especially since I took it outside in the sun and heat.  I probably should have just gotten a vanilla cone from Burger King for 1,600 pesos.

I walked to Dario’s apartment building and we played one serious game of 30 minutes each.  He deviated from his usual opening a little bit but I was up a pawn until I got into time trouble and lost again in the endgame.  We then played a fast 10 minute game and I won that one.  I then played a couple of games with a beginner without difficulty.

One expat’s comment today: “Medellin is paradise for at least 50,000 gringos. Tell all your Gringo friends back in the US that Escobar is still alive so they all don't come here and raise all the prices!”

I tried calling Philly Steaks but I think I just got voicemail.  I decided to go anyway and they were open.  This time I had the Philly Steak Special which includes lettuce and tomato.  The total, including a Coke, came to about 17mil.  It was even tastier than the last time.  I took the other half home and gave it to Jhon who met me at the corner store.  Bob joined us a few minutes later.  He got his Pensionado Visa and should be getting his Cedula very soon.

I stayed about 90 minutes and then headed home.  Beatriz came by about 7:30 and we walked over to Exito.  I was unable to get money from an ATM.  I tried both of them and I’m not sure why it didn’t work but the man in front of me at one of them couldn’t get it to work either.  Maybe they were just out of money.  I was able to charge items to my debit card though.

The Chicago bears lost to the Cleveland Browns 18-16 in the 4^th and final preseason game.

Today I received another security message from the US Embassy.  I’ll also put it as a separate posting.

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

I went to bed at 10:15, woke up at 4am and found it difficult to get back to sleep, at 5am I got a cramp in my left calf that luckily I worked out in about 10 seconds, finally fell asleep about 5:45 and woke up at 7:30.

I decided to skip this morning’s workout.

Years ago I became a lifetime member of the USCF (United States Chess Federation) which includes their free monthly magazine, Chess Life.  I emailed them last night asking if they could deliver Chess Life to me here.  I got an answer from them this morning.  They just require my full name, date of birth, new address, and previous address.  Sweet!  I replied to them with the requested information and they said they would start with sending me the September issue.  I wonder how long that will take to get here?

One RS lesson took at least 30 minutes to complete.  They were all new words, even for some things I already now.  I know sunglasses as gafas but they want anteojos de sol and I know umbrella as sombrilla but they want paraguas.

Lunch was the large portion of shish kebab and a mango juice at SanJote for 12mil.

The cute girl from Frisby was at a table with a young man that is probably her boyfriend.  He had a bible in front of him and she appeared to be taking notes. 

A little while later she motioned for her boyfriend to come play me.  I won pretty easily.  His name is Leonardo.  Just as we were finishing, another man named Augusto asked to play.  I won 3 games against him but he was a little bit more of a challenge.  He wants to play again tomorrow so we agreed on 10am.  After that I’ll have something quick to eat and then head to Dario’s.

I met Jhon at his office and we spent about an hour at the corner store.  When I told Jhon about the cramp I got in my calf he told me I need to walk at least 2km a day.  I checked and that’s about 1.2 miles.  I told Jhon about the book and he said he might be able to go downtown with me next week to try to find my book.

Dinner was just a bowl of granola with a couple of strawberries.

Beatriz should be coming over tonight to give me a manicure.

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

Last night it started raining again at 10pm.  I went to bed at 11pm got up once during the night and finally woke up at 7pm feeling pretty refreshed.

Breakfast was a bowl of cereal with yesterday’s leftover milk.

Last night I finished the 929 page book Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945.  It really ended on page 770; the rest of the book is Acknowledgments, References, Bibliography, and an Index.  Today I downloaded Bobby Fischer: The Career and Complete games of the American World Chess Champion.

Besides the chess book I’ve been waiting 10 weeks for, on June 8th I ordered the Third Edition of Chess Tactics for the Tournament Player from Amazon with an approximate shipping date of September 8^th.  Today I received an email it has been shipped by IPARCEL with an estimated delivery date of Wednesday, October 2^nd.  They also gave me a tracking number.

 

The book I’ve been waiting 10 weeks for was shipped on June 16^th by Standard International Shipping with a delivery estimate of July 23^rd again by IPARCEL.  I double checked my address and it is correct.  I entered my tracking number in the i-parcel website and received the message “Invalid tracking number or this tracking number is not using a trackable service”.  It also says “Please contact us at trackmyparcel@i-parcel.com if you require additional assistance” so I sent them an email.  I hope they can do something to check on my order.

This evening I had a timely answer to my email: “Thanks for contacting i-parcel as 

our customer service team takes great pride in being able to satisfy our customers. You have selected Standard service for the delivery of your parcel and STD parcels are not trackable.  Please see more information from Amazon on STD shipment tracking here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_cn?ie=UTF8&nodeId=468530
We can tell you that we received your parcel in our facility on 6/17/2013 and it 

landed in CO on 6/23/13. Ultimately your shipment will be delivered by 4/72. 

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any further information to you as to the status 

of your parcel and suggest that if you do not receive your parcel within the 

transit time quoted on Amazons site that you contact Amazon Customer Service for 

further assistance.”

4/72 is the shipping company I visited downtown in Parque Berrio on June 16^th to mail my postcards.  I wonder if I went there if they would have any information about my order.  But first I’m going to check and see what I can learn from Amazon.

Beatriz met me at Laureles mall just before 12:30 and for lunch we each had the pork ribs and a coke from Gordog’s for a total of about 24mil ($12.63).

I was looking for someone to clean my apartment once a week for 20mil.  Beatriz told me I could have someone twice a month from 7am to 4pm for 35mil each visit.  That basically amounts to the same money per month but I don’t know what I could have them do for 9 hours each time.

Beatriz took the Santra Belen 315 bus from south of LM back to work.

I read some of my new Nook book and then went to the corner store where Bob was sitting alone at a table.

I bought him another beer and a juice for myself and we talked for a couple hours.  At one point Jhon came by but he had already told me he wouldn’t be able to stay.

I left just before 6pm with a bag of milk and had a waffle at home.

Now I’m watching Extreme Weight Loss on USTVNOW.

U.S. Embassy Security Message

U.S. Embassy Bogota

Security Message for U.S. Citizens - Ongoing Protests & Road Closures

August 26, 2013

Due to ongoing demonstrations and roadblocks currently affecting highway traffic, the U.S. Embassy strongly advises against overland travel outside of major cities in Colombia. Road closures have particularly impacted overland travel in Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Putumayo, Cauca, Huila, Nariño, and Risaralda.



 These demonstrations have caused traffic delays and shortages of some consumer goods in a few smaller heavily-impacted cities. There have also been several violent incidents associated with the demonstrations, including reports of aColombian National Police officer shot while attempting to clear a road in Zipaquira and three vehicles and one toll booth set on fire on the road between Bogota and Tunja. 

Up-to-date Colombia-wide information regarding road closures is available by dialing #767 or visiting:

 http://www.policia.gov.co/portal/page/portal/UNIDADES_POLICIALES/Direcciones_tipo_Operativas/Direccion_Seguridad_Ciudadana/Servicios_programas/Estado_Vias.

Please review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

As always, we advise U.S. Citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and 

escalate into violence.  You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large 

gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler

Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes 

it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don't have Internet access, 

enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, 

including the Travel Warning for Colombia, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information 

 for Colombia at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html.  For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.  Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App at 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988?mt=8 to have travel information at your fingertips.

You can contact the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, via e-mail at acsbogota@state.gov  or by telephone at (571) 275-2000.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Carrera 45, # 24B-27, Bogota, D.C., Colombia and is open to the public by appointment on Monday through Thursday from 09:00 to 11:30.  You can schedule a non-emergency appointment by visiting this website. 

The Embassy operates a Consular Agency in Baranquilla, Colombia which also provides assistance to U.S. citizens. The Baranquilla Consular Agency is located Calle 77B No. 57-141, suite 511.  Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.  No appointment is necessary.

Monday, August 26th, 2013

Last night it started raining at 9pm but I have no idea what time during the night it stopped.

I went to bed at 10:10 last night, got up 3 times during the night, and finally got up at 6:30.  (I was delayed taking my medication last night because of the after dinner conversations I had.)

I forgot to plug in my iPad last night so this morning I was down to only a 14% charge remaining which was just enough for me to do my morning activities – read the Chicago Sun-Times, check the weather report, and read the Chicago Bears articles.

It was 10 weeks ago today I ordered Chess Strategy for the Tournament Player - on Monday, June 17^th. 

I got an email from Eddie.  He should be back in Medellin on Monday September 2^nd but he leaves to go back to the states on Wednesday the 4^th so he only has Tuesday morning the 3^rd for us to get together.  I told him I’m flexible so I can probably meet whenever and wherever he wants.  He wants to meet at 10am at the same Exito in Envigado we met at the first time on June 14^th.  It should be no problem.

There’s a small one story house across the street which had a for sale sign on it for a few months now.  I have seen a few different people going in and out lately (prospective buyers?) and today I saw a man doing a little painting outside.  There is an overhang about 8 feet high with a soffit (sp?) above it and he had to figure out how to get up to it.  He only had a 2-step stepladder; there’s a stone “railing” coming out from the building at one end about 2 ½ feet high but it’s only about 6” wide and the stepladder is about what, 1-2 feet wide?  He found a long but narrow board that he balanced on the “railing” then balanced 2 of the four legs of the stepladder on it and put it against the wall.  He was able to carefully raise himself up to the soffit to do his painting job.  It was interesting watching him solve this problem.

I skipped breakfast this morning.  It could because I feel I might be gaining weight or maybe today I’m just too lazy to walk to the store.

I completed a couple of RS lessons with scores of 93% and 100%.  Both were reviews of earlier lessons – its called repetition. 

I took a nap from 9:10 to 10:10am.  

Here’s an example from the next lesson.  Spanish: Me cepillo los dientes con un cepillo de dientes.  English: I brush the teeth with a brush for teeth.  It sounds kind of funny to an English speaker.

I scored 100% and 94%, respectively on the next two lessons, Listening and Review, so it was a good day for me.  I think next month I’ll do 5 lessons a day.

Some man is walking up the street saying something in Spanish and carrying 3 garden hoses.  I looked up “hoses” and in Spanish its “mangueras” which sounds exactly like what he was saying.  At least HIS pronunciation was good.  Lol.

Beatriz called me just before I left for lunch.  She wants to meet for lunch tomorrow at 12:30 at Laureles mall.  She said she will have 1 hour.  That fits into what I thought that she has lunch break from noon to 2pm so she has 30 minutes left to walk each way.

I met with Jhon briefly and we made a lunch date for Friday.

Lunch was the Chicken Combo #2 at Frisby.  Soon after I finished Dario showed up.  We played a 30 minute game and as we went from the middle game to the endgame I had the advantage but once again I was in time trouble, didn’t make the right moves and lost.  We then played a couple of 15 minutes games which I don’t record so to me they don’t count but I won them both.

I met Jhon at his office about 4:30 and we went to the store for a drink.  I bought a juice for each of us for 2mil ($1) and we relaxed and talked for almost 2 hours.

I reminded Jhon I was interested in finding someone to come to my apartment every week and clean it for something like 20mil.  He said he would talk to Olga because she knew something about that business.  Later I saw Olga walking across the street and I signaled her to come over and Jhon talked to her.  She said she would need to check on it.

Bob joined us just before we were going to leave.  I told him the problem I’m having getting good haircuts here and he told me when he gets a haircut he only allows them to use a #5 attachment and then he is good for 2 months.  Maybe I should only allow them to use a #6 or #7.  I bought a bag of milk before leaving.

At home I had a bowl of cereal and one of my apples and took my medicine on time.

Tonight I watched Shark Tank, Get out Alive with Bear Grylls and Under the Dome.

8:45pm and it rained for 5 minutes.

Today I got an email from the US Embassy.  I think this might have been the problem Eddie ran into when he said he couldn’t catch a bus back from Ecuador because of the strikes.  I’ll put it up as a separate posting.

Sunday, August 25th, 2013

Last night, at 5:15pm it was not only getting darker it was getting cooler.

For dinner I had a bowl of cereal and one of the apples.  The label on it says Dole and Chile.

I got another notice of the impending failure of the battery (it turns out there is only one AA) so I changed it.

I don’t know where those dogs across the street have been for the last week or so, but they are back to their continuous barking.

I decided to wear a long sleeved shirt for a change and I put on a dark pair of pants but all I have is light colored deck shoes to go with them.

Beatriz was supposed to be here at 7:30 so at 7:40 I went downstairs to wait for her outside.  I called her and left a message, I think, on her recorder.  I don’t speak the language, remember.  After about 5 minutes I started slowly walking down towards her house.  After sitting outside for only a minute she came out.  Her hair looked nice.  (Before, it was two toned not counting the gray showing at the base by her head so I had given her something like 25mil to have it done.)  We caught a taxi at Avenida 80 and in 30 minutes we were at El Tesoro which is located high up in the hills on the southeast side of town.  It cost about 15mil ($7.89) and there weren’t any traffic jams on the route the driver chose.  

Next we had to find the movie theatre.  We walked towards a large Cinemark sign but when we got there it was just a bar where we could see the sign outside.  After finally finding a security guard that we could ask for directions we took an escalator and then a short walk to another side of the mall to the theater.  There were 3 different lines, 1 main one with switch backs and 2 narrower ones on each side.  Of course we got into the wrong one, on one of the sides and a few minutes later Beatriz talked to someone and we moved to the main one.  It was maybe a 15 minute wait to get our tickets.  They cost 16mil each, 9mil more, total, than Los Molinos.   Now it’s 8:30 and there weren’t any lines at the concession counter.  I guess Beatriz didn’t have any dinner because she had a hot dog and a small Pepsi for 10,700 ($5.63). 

Still having some time to kill we walked around the mall a little bit.  There is sort of a walkway separating two different parts of the mall that is rather open and has a beautiful view down to the city lights of Medellin.  

With about 20 minutes left before the scheduled movie start we bought our popcorn and soda.  We noticed their large popcorn was smaller than a medium popcorn at Los Molinos and I think overall everything was more expensive.  We got a large popcorn for a change and I think it all cost a little over 10mil.  

There were a few coming attractions, but thankfully we were spared the usual short about Colombian arts & crafts.  The nearly 2 hour movie, Red 2, was pretty entertaining with a lot of action, some humor with an absurd plot and special effects.  Best were all the stars: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary Louise-Parker, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

I went to bed at 12:30, got up twice during the night and finally woke up at almost 8am.

Breakfast was a small bowl of cereal with leftover milk.

I spent the morning at LM studying my chess book.  Lunch was a FrisBurrito, cole slaw and a medium Pepsi for 14,400 ($7.58).  The cute girl that works there questioned why I was always eating hamburgers from Gordog’s when Frisby sold them.  But what Frisby sells is a chicken sandwich not a hamburger.  

It started getting crowded at 1:30 so I packed up and left.  I stopped at the corner store and had a cookies & cream Polet ice cream bar for 3mil ($1.58) and just relaxed for a while and listened to their piped in music.  I left about 2:30, went home, changed clothes and went back with my Nook.  I had a coke and a juice while reading my World War II book.  I’m on about page 600 of 900 pages.  As I’m sitting there I’m trying to decide: do I want to buy milk and just have a bowl of cereal back at the apartment or should I go to LM and have a bowl of beans with a glass of juice.  About 5pm I finally decided to do the latter.

I had the Frijoles (beans) and a mango juice from El Comedor de Chava.  After placing my order I sat down at the first available table and found I was sitting next to a couple playing chess on one of those wooden portable sets with the strange shapes.  I checked it out every once in a while and they seemed to be pretty equal.  After I finished eating I stood over them watching them finish a game.

The man then asked me, in perfect English, if I would like to play.  His name is Jimmy and he worked in Boston for 15 years.  I had black and I made a mistake and he trapped my queen but a little later he made a mistake and I checkmated him.  I then played white against his wife and was able to play my favorite opening but she broke through to my king and I had to resign.

I told Jimmy I am here almost every afternoon, usually at the other end of the floor but I usually leave at 1:30 on Sundays because of the crowd.  I’m sure I will see them again.

As I was leaving I ran into the guy from Frisby who speaks English.  He’s 20 years old and his name is Daniel.  We talked for about 15 minutes until the cute girl showed up.  Her name is Maryann and she is 19 years old.  She said she would like me to teach her English.  I told her I could teach her chess, but not English, but I have a friend who could.  It was almost 6:30 and Daniel’s break was over and he had to get back to work so we said goodbye and I headed back to the apartment.  By then it was quite cool and felt like it could rain although the sky was a little dark they didn’t look like rain clouds.

A week from today is the 1^st of September – pay day for me!

Chess Clubs of Medellin

The following is a list of some of the chess clubs in Medellin:


Club de Ajedrez Carlos Cuartas
Dirección: Calle 50 No 71-147
Teléfono: 312 2435663+

Club de Ajedrez Caballo E6
Dirección: TV 39B 79A 34
Teléfono: 4138436 - 4934504

Club de Ajedrez Paul Keres
Dirección: CRA 50 59 06
Teléfono: 2520326 - 2195009

Club de Ajedrez Los Titanes
Dirección: CLL 10 37-13
Teléfono: 3326556

Club de Ajedrez Corporación El Rey
Dirección: CRA 82C 32A-13
Teléfono: 2380278

Source: Jhon William & www.ClubCarlosCuartas.com/2012/Clubes-de-Ajedrez-en-Medellin.html