We called the Legal Advisor early today and after being yet more confused we decided to head down to clear the issue once and for all.
When we arrived it was agreed that we would give her power of attorney to act on our behalf and sign the marriage papers as neither my gatita nor I will be in Bogota as of tomorrow.
Our wedding has now been posted as of today (pending no impediments) and the marriage will be finalised on the 26th May 2009. The Lawyer has agreed to send the marriage certificate to my gatita’s address who in turn will copy them and send them over via courier to me in Gibraltar so that I can deal with the Visa.
Thank God the issue has been solved, I was feeling the pressure this morning.
Anyways I called my parents so that they don’t worry and we headed into town for a bit of tourist shopping (didn’t get much this time around, only some things for the family).
Monday, May 18, 2009
Good times nearly end - 17th May 2009
We didn't do much except pack things and stayed in as the weather is quite bad today.
We decided to pack 2 days in advance as we have a busy day tomorrow with the legal advisor and we might not have enough time during the day to get everything sorted.
We decided to pack 2 days in advance as we have a busy day tomorrow with the legal advisor and we might not have enough time during the day to get everything sorted.
Salitre Majico Bogota (Theme Park) – 16th May 2009
The bad luck continued today. We were on our way to see her parents at there hotel, as we are going to visit Bogota’s theme park called Salitre Majico.
Have a guess at what happened?
Her father was waiting for her mum downstairs by a bench and two thugs sat beside him and mugged him!!!! They took all his money and his work mobile which he will now have to pay for. When we arrived there were police doing searches on pedestrians and circling the area but it was too late.
Anyways we sulk for a while on how wrongly things have gone this weekend but we put things aside and jump into a cab to take us to the theme park for some fun.
It was a theme park similar to Tivoli World in the South of Spain. We had a great time on all the rides such as bumper cars, House of Horrors, Karting, joy rides etc and simply had a great time. I’ve taken video and photos including ones from the Ferris Wheel covering a panoramic 360 view of the whole of Bogota.
Have a guess at what happened?
Her father was waiting for her mum downstairs by a bench and two thugs sat beside him and mugged him!!!! They took all his money and his work mobile which he will now have to pay for. When we arrived there were police doing searches on pedestrians and circling the area but it was too late.
Anyways we sulk for a while on how wrongly things have gone this weekend but we put things aside and jump into a cab to take us to the theme park for some fun.
It was a theme park similar to Tivoli World in the South of Spain. We had a great time on all the rides such as bumper cars, House of Horrors, Karting, joy rides etc and simply had a great time. I’ve taken video and photos including ones from the Ferris Wheel covering a panoramic 360 view of the whole of Bogota.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wedding rescheduled for 19th May 2009 - 15th May 2009
What was meant to be the happiest day for my gatita has turned out to be a complete nightmare due to the incompetence of the legal advisor! Its 3am in the morning and I have suddenly woken up thinking of what just happened today and needless to say that the anger is not letting me sleep much.
After her parents had travelled for over 10 hours by coach (also both lost a day of work unpaid) and my gatita and I going through all the proper motions, it turns out the legal advisor (as she hadn’t heard from us) did nothing to process our documents. I’ll keep it that short and simple.
We had all the paperwork sorted by the 23rd April 2009 including the last document (my gatita’s birth certificate) which her grandfather got for her and mailed to the apartment, also our wedding date was paid for and reserved for today at 4:30pm way back on the 14th April 2009 and this was done by the same legal advisor.
How were we meant to know the protocol when it was her who reviewed my documents & passport, which she took and showed the notary public and when she came back informed us that everything was in order and that all that was required was her birth certificate.
When we left the notary office on the 14th April I remember telling her, “well great news we see you on the day then yes”? "We will be here at around 4pm", and she replied “yes no problem”. Would it have hurt for her to give us a quick phone call when the day was approaching to inform us that she needed to have my gatita’s birth certificate so that she could process the documents before the wedding?
As it turns out she said it was not her obligation to do so. How were we to know what the protocol was, she is the legal advisor. The funny thing was that we called her yesterday to ask about the availability of a photographer and she said nothing about the certificate. I could have saved the time and effort of my gatita getting prepared at the salon with her mum and I could have saved the wedding jitters of spending over 3 hours by myself just waiting in the apartment for the time to pass by. What incompetence! The Advisor and her attitude was so arrogant, as if marriage is something one takes lightly and of no importance also as if we are meant to know the protocol eh!
Anyways that’s about it on how it went today I am not going to explain any further as I am so disappointed. At least we have been able to fix a new date which is the same day I leave for Gibraltar. It will be tight but it gives the legal advisor enough days to process the documents.
There is a bit more I could express but I have said enough and my gatita is calling me to bed so I will leave it here and let’s hope things turn out ok in the end. A few days back I reflected on the trip and overall thought how incredibly smoothly things had gone actually. I thought too soon. As they say "it's not over till the fat lady sings eh"!!!!
Oh, we did take the wedding photos as her parents have to return home on Sunday so this means they will miss the true wedding on the 19th May 2009 but it was the only chance for us to have photos taken with her parents present. Ciao for now….
After her parents had travelled for over 10 hours by coach (also both lost a day of work unpaid) and my gatita and I going through all the proper motions, it turns out the legal advisor (as she hadn’t heard from us) did nothing to process our documents. I’ll keep it that short and simple.
We had all the paperwork sorted by the 23rd April 2009 including the last document (my gatita’s birth certificate) which her grandfather got for her and mailed to the apartment, also our wedding date was paid for and reserved for today at 4:30pm way back on the 14th April 2009 and this was done by the same legal advisor.
How were we meant to know the protocol when it was her who reviewed my documents & passport, which she took and showed the notary public and when she came back informed us that everything was in order and that all that was required was her birth certificate.
When we left the notary office on the 14th April I remember telling her, “well great news we see you on the day then yes”? "We will be here at around 4pm", and she replied “yes no problem”. Would it have hurt for her to give us a quick phone call when the day was approaching to inform us that she needed to have my gatita’s birth certificate so that she could process the documents before the wedding?
As it turns out she said it was not her obligation to do so. How were we to know what the protocol was, she is the legal advisor. The funny thing was that we called her yesterday to ask about the availability of a photographer and she said nothing about the certificate. I could have saved the time and effort of my gatita getting prepared at the salon with her mum and I could have saved the wedding jitters of spending over 3 hours by myself just waiting in the apartment for the time to pass by. What incompetence! The Advisor and her attitude was so arrogant, as if marriage is something one takes lightly and of no importance also as if we are meant to know the protocol eh!
Anyways that’s about it on how it went today I am not going to explain any further as I am so disappointed. At least we have been able to fix a new date which is the same day I leave for Gibraltar. It will be tight but it gives the legal advisor enough days to process the documents.
There is a bit more I could express but I have said enough and my gatita is calling me to bed so I will leave it here and let’s hope things turn out ok in the end. A few days back I reflected on the trip and overall thought how incredibly smoothly things had gone actually. I thought too soon. As they say "it's not over till the fat lady sings eh"!!!!
Oh, we did take the wedding photos as her parents have to return home on Sunday so this means they will miss the true wedding on the 19th May 2009 but it was the only chance for us to have photos taken with her parents present. Ciao for now….
Friday, May 15, 2009
1 day and they are off - 14th May 2009
Last minute details were in order today before our wedding tomorrow. We bought new socks and underwear for me, called the Notary office to check that a photographer would be available and went to get a haircut and a pedicure/manicure for my gatita. She is getting her hair and makeup done tomorrow by professional salon stylists.
I left the hairdressers before my gatita so headed out to buy a pack of cigarettes and get some more money out of the bank (seeing I now can, I better have it cash in hand eh before something goes wrong again). After that I headed back to the apartment and waited for my gatita who took over two hours.
It was the first time in months I had been separated from my gatita. Considering we have been so many years apart it did feel weird to be without her actually.
For my gatita of course we have tried to uphold the tradition for brides with “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe.”
Old will be her white shoes, something new is the dress, something borrowed will be given to her by her mum and something blue will be a blue handkerchief. The silver sixpence in her shoe is a bit trickier but its meant to symbolize wealth & financial security so as a substitute I will follow the Scottish tradition instead and I will place a copper coin in my left shoe (just to be sure) jejeje.
Back at the apartment we had dinner and rested for about an hour and we are finishing off everything needed for tomorrow, such as ironing, the legal documents required etc etc. After tidying up I am just about to jump into bed to watch the film Borat and just relax and dose off for the big day tomorrow.
Wish me luck!!!!!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
At last my credit card works - 13th May 2009
Well I’ll be damned, my credit card now all of a sudden works again at ATM’s!!! Could it be the numerous phone calls I have made to my UK bank and the other set of ruthless emails sent to the Colombian ATM company called ATH. Whatever the case may be, what matters is that thy sorted it out and my card finally is working again. Of course they never admitted any problems on either side but I honestly don't care.
We had planned on going on a picnic today but I delayed it for after the wedding which is in a few days time because I get fried over here in minutes and very quickly become a human shrimp. Must be the altitude as temperatures in Bogota rarely exceed 20 degrees.
We didn’t do much today just a list of the final details for the wedding which we will take care of tomorrow.
One thing we did do was off course head out for dinner. We decided on a Thai restaurant and it turned out to be an excellent choice. We arrived late (nearly closing time) and were the only customers in the restaurant. Service impeccable as per usual in Colombia. The Chef came out to greet us once we decided what we were having and he started cooking for us practically a metre away. It was very romantic.
I called the waiter and asked for utensils as we had only been given chop sticks, the funny thing was that he came back to us with modified chop sticks. At the back they had placed a rubber band and that made our dinner very enjoyable and fun as we experimented with the chop sticks for dummies jejeje.
We had planned on going on a picnic today but I delayed it for after the wedding which is in a few days time because I get fried over here in minutes and very quickly become a human shrimp. Must be the altitude as temperatures in Bogota rarely exceed 20 degrees.
We didn’t do much today just a list of the final details for the wedding which we will take care of tomorrow.
One thing we did do was off course head out for dinner. We decided on a Thai restaurant and it turned out to be an excellent choice. We arrived late (nearly closing time) and were the only customers in the restaurant. Service impeccable as per usual in Colombia. The Chef came out to greet us once we decided what we were having and he started cooking for us practically a metre away. It was very romantic.
I called the waiter and asked for utensils as we had only been given chop sticks, the funny thing was that he came back to us with modified chop sticks. At the back they had placed a rubber band and that made our dinner very enjoyable and fun as we experimented with the chop sticks for dummies jejeje.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Electronic/Electrical Heaven - 12th May 2009
I forgot to mention that I observed something quite impressive yesterday when at the city centre. This was a whole street (both sides) just dedicated to electronics and electrical equipment. It was quite incredible! From cabinets full of remote controls to every type of sound system including walls full of electronic/electrical equipment such as cables, batteries, capacitors, resistors, circuit boards, switches. Shop after shop full of stuff. If you ever needed something electrical/electronic, I am positive you’d find it here. Oh and by the way by a street I mean at least 100 metres long.
It was also quite funny to see just one tiny clothes shop in the middle of all these electrical dedicated outlets.
Anyways back to today. We finally paid the Embassy the last visit to collect the certificate of no impediment. All this went smoothly and it only took about 20 minutes to pay and receive the certificate. I am now legally able to marry in Colombia hoo f*ing ray (it only took 42 days – thanks to current legislation in Gibraltar). The certificate itself is nothing to write home about, it’s just an A4 sheet on letter headed paper and a signature / stamp of approval.
The rest of the day I have spent trying to fix my laptop. I got a very weird virus after visiting a few Bogota hotel websites. Suddenly out of the blue my Internet Browser (Internet Explorer – so go figure), started opening gay porn websites I haven’t seen so many dicks on one page in my life jejeje. Anyways joking apart as the Trojan was a serious one. It kept crashing/restarting my PC every 15 monutes (apart from the usual annoying pop-ups every 30 seconds or so). Eventually after a few hours I got it sorted using a program called Malwarebytes’ Anit-Malware. The Trojan/Malware/Virus was System Security version 4.51.
It was also quite funny to see just one tiny clothes shop in the middle of all these electrical dedicated outlets.
Anyways back to today. We finally paid the Embassy the last visit to collect the certificate of no impediment. All this went smoothly and it only took about 20 minutes to pay and receive the certificate. I am now legally able to marry in Colombia hoo f*ing ray (it only took 42 days – thanks to current legislation in Gibraltar). The certificate itself is nothing to write home about, it’s just an A4 sheet on letter headed paper and a signature / stamp of approval.
The rest of the day I have spent trying to fix my laptop. I got a very weird virus after visiting a few Bogota hotel websites. Suddenly out of the blue my Internet Browser (Internet Explorer – so go figure), started opening gay porn websites I haven’t seen so many dicks on one page in my life jejeje. Anyways joking apart as the Trojan was a serious one. It kept crashing/restarting my PC every 15 monutes (apart from the usual annoying pop-ups every 30 seconds or so). Eventually after a few hours I got it sorted using a program called Malwarebytes’ Anit-Malware. The Trojan/Malware/Virus was System Security version 4.51.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Shoes, rings and aching bones - 11th May 2009
We had lunch at a new place were we only thought served refreshments and it turned out to be an excellent lunch.
With things pending for the wedding we finally get the rings sorted. We got them from the same place I bought the engagement ring as they provide a good service. Last time I even got offered sweets, biscuits, refreshments & coffee whilst I waited for the ring to be resized.
After that we head into the actual heart of Bogota - City Centre (close to Plaza Bolivar) for the shoes. A few hours later we finally succeed and we call it a day as every bone in my body hurts because of bowling yesterday. A cut on my thumb because of the bowling ball is also not helping but anyways. Apart from that it has been a productive day.
My gatita is taller than me about an inch with heels but what the heck I have always preferred women who are my height anyways as those who know me are aware.
With things pending for the wedding we finally get the rings sorted. We got them from the same place I bought the engagement ring as they provide a good service. Last time I even got offered sweets, biscuits, refreshments & coffee whilst I waited for the ring to be resized.
After that we head into the actual heart of Bogota - City Centre (close to Plaza Bolivar) for the shoes. A few hours later we finally succeed and we call it a day as every bone in my body hurts because of bowling yesterday. A cut on my thumb because of the bowling ball is also not helping but anyways. Apart from that it has been a productive day.
My gatita is taller than me about an inch with heels but what the heck I have always preferred women who are my height anyways as those who know me are aware.
Bowling - 10th May 2009
We had wanted to go bowling for a while now (one of the things in our to do list), so today we headed out to a shopping centre were we could play.
My gatita has never played before but let me tell you, it must have been beginners luck as she got a few spares and 3 strikes on our first game jejeje. I did well on the 2nd game and scored 167. Considering I haven’t played in over 2 years it was a good score. One of the reasons I stopped playing was because of darts as I kept hurting my forearm whilst playing.
After that we did some shopping and headed to the cinema which is in the same complex. We watched "la profesia del no nacido". A horror movie, not bad but I wouldn't recommend it. The only distinct difference it had was that it reflected exorcism but in the jewish faith which I thought was interesting.
My gatita has never played before but let me tell you, it must have been beginners luck as she got a few spares and 3 strikes on our first game jejeje. I did well on the 2nd game and scored 167. Considering I haven’t played in over 2 years it was a good score. One of the reasons I stopped playing was because of darts as I kept hurting my forearm whilst playing.
After that we did some shopping and headed to the cinema which is in the same complex. We watched "la profesia del no nacido". A horror movie, not bad but I wouldn't recommend it. The only distinct difference it had was that it reflected exorcism but in the jewish faith which I thought was interesting.
Monday, May 11, 2009
DHL crap - 9th May 2009
We went out for lunch today and its apparent that Colombia is not taking any chances with the Influenza virus. Even though there has only been one confirmed case, all restaurant staff or fast food outlets are taking precautions and are using gloves / masks which does make you feel safer.
Seeing I CAN use my credit card at shops as it doesn’t seem to be affiliated with the company ATH which is the one blocking my card at cash machines, we buy a few things for my gatita for the wedding and we are now all clear except the shoes.
After this, we headed back home and I finished off a recent article for the GDA concerning a competition played recently (College Cosmos Tournament). I also digitally added the Kronenbourg logo to the picture of the semi-finalists which is a good thing for the sponsor to see.
A second email was circulated to the press concerning the Med Cup team which will be heading for Italy in a few days time.
I've checked the courier letter I forwarded to the bank using DHL and it’s making so many unwarranted trips that it's unbelievable. So far, it’s been to Panama City, Miami then Wilmington USA, East Midlands UK, then Leipzig Germany. Unbelievable eh!!! So much money paid for what should be the fastest service and they have no clue that it should have been as quick as Bogota – Spain or UK – Gibraltar.
Lastly and not one for wanting to stay in especially on a Saturday we head out to a nearby Italian restaurant.
Seeing I CAN use my credit card at shops as it doesn’t seem to be affiliated with the company ATH which is the one blocking my card at cash machines, we buy a few things for my gatita for the wedding and we are now all clear except the shoes.
After this, we headed back home and I finished off a recent article for the GDA concerning a competition played recently (College Cosmos Tournament). I also digitally added the Kronenbourg logo to the picture of the semi-finalists which is a good thing for the sponsor to see.
A second email was circulated to the press concerning the Med Cup team which will be heading for Italy in a few days time.
I've checked the courier letter I forwarded to the bank using DHL and it’s making so many unwarranted trips that it's unbelievable. So far, it’s been to Panama City, Miami then Wilmington USA, East Midlands UK, then Leipzig Germany. Unbelievable eh!!! So much money paid for what should be the fastest service and they have no clue that it should have been as quick as Bogota – Spain or UK – Gibraltar.
Lastly and not one for wanting to stay in especially on a Saturday we head out to a nearby Italian restaurant.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Seafood - 8th May 2009
My gatita has a healthy appetite much like me which of course is a good thing. She has been bugging me (for lack of a better word) and has wanted to eat fish for a while now.
So today I promise her we will eat fish even if we don't find a place and I tell her that I will buy a fish at the supermarket and cook it myself if we don't fnd a suitable venue.
Luckily we found a one so she was left happy. It turned out to be rather expensive considering everything is cheap here (for Colombia it was expensive). Apart form that it was very good.
I nearly had one of my episodes and was feeling dizzy but I was able to control it with some sugar from my gatita's grape juice to boost me, so all good. I must take care and drink more water as suggested by my doctor.
In the evening we visited the cinema and watched the newly released Star Trek film. Up to now I've enjoyed all the movies watched.
So today I promise her we will eat fish even if we don't find a place and I tell her that I will buy a fish at the supermarket and cook it myself if we don't fnd a suitable venue.
Luckily we found a one so she was left happy. It turned out to be rather expensive considering everything is cheap here (for Colombia it was expensive). Apart form that it was very good.
I nearly had one of my episodes and was feeling dizzy but I was able to control it with some sugar from my gatita's grape juice to boost me, so all good. I must take care and drink more water as suggested by my doctor.
In the evening we visited the cinema and watched the newly released Star Trek film. Up to now I've enjoyed all the movies watched.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Cold Showers - 7 May 2009
We (well my gatita) got up really early as we were expecting engineers to come and fix the boiler.
Since yesterday we exhausted the hot water in the boiler as it broke down since a power cut two days ago.
My gatita prepared a full English breakfast stacked up in a sandwich which was a good morning surprise. After that I went straight back to bed for a quick after breakfast nap.
The house owner came by and she was not able to fix it so she called up the engineer and we were to expect them at 11am.
The simple pleasures in life (such as hot water) sometimes kick you in the butt eh! You take things for granted.
We both rested until bang at 11am and were caught off guard by the cleaner so it was a mad rush to find the pyjamas jejeje. A funny moment! She informed us that the boiler engineers would be arriving at 1pm instead due to techincal problems, so a nice hot shower had to wait till then.
Anyways after everything was sorted at around 2pm I cleaned up and we headed out for lunch and claimed the 2nd part of the money that Darren sent over.
It’s good we split the collection in 2 days as experience of sending some money over to my gatita has proven it’s the best move without being asked too many questions. There was an older lady trying to take out monies sent to her from USA and the western union agency refused to give her the money until she proved what it was for, who had sent it, when would she spend it. The old lady was not happy with the interogation but how was she to know that for large amounts Western Union collectors become extremely suspicious.
After that, we went to the shopping mall called Santa Fe, and we were able to find a nice dress for the wedding. I attempted using the card again and it went through. Not the first go as the attendant asked us if it was a current account credit card and that failed so she processed the card as a credit card account (visa) and it went through. This of course is very good news as I can pay for things (it seems) and keep my cash in hand to pay for things when a card is not accepted or fails.
Since yesterday we exhausted the hot water in the boiler as it broke down since a power cut two days ago.
My gatita prepared a full English breakfast stacked up in a sandwich which was a good morning surprise. After that I went straight back to bed for a quick after breakfast nap.
The house owner came by and she was not able to fix it so she called up the engineer and we were to expect them at 11am.
The simple pleasures in life (such as hot water) sometimes kick you in the butt eh! You take things for granted.
We both rested until bang at 11am and were caught off guard by the cleaner so it was a mad rush to find the pyjamas jejeje. A funny moment! She informed us that the boiler engineers would be arriving at 1pm instead due to techincal problems, so a nice hot shower had to wait till then.
Anyways after everything was sorted at around 2pm I cleaned up and we headed out for lunch and claimed the 2nd part of the money that Darren sent over.
It’s good we split the collection in 2 days as experience of sending some money over to my gatita has proven it’s the best move without being asked too many questions. There was an older lady trying to take out monies sent to her from USA and the western union agency refused to give her the money until she proved what it was for, who had sent it, when would she spend it. The old lady was not happy with the interogation but how was she to know that for large amounts Western Union collectors become extremely suspicious.
After that, we went to the shopping mall called Santa Fe, and we were able to find a nice dress for the wedding. I attempted using the card again and it went through. Not the first go as the attendant asked us if it was a current account credit card and that failed so she processed the card as a credit card account (visa) and it went through. This of course is very good news as I can pay for things (it seems) and keep my cash in hand to pay for things when a card is not accepted or fails.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Money, money, money – 6th May 2009
Finally we have money (Thanks to my parents & Darren) all we have to do is head out to go get it at a Western Union.
It’s raining cats and dogs (just like in Gibraltar) but that won’t stop necessity.
We confront the rain and head out for lunch first as its just a few steps from a Western Union.
Had a good meal whilst watching Barcelona v Chelsea. What a goal by Chelsea eh to get Barca in gear!!!
Anyways I decide we should cash the money and send the long awaited DHL. They tell me that the couriered documents will cost 128,500 pesos which is not cheap by any means but it should arrive early enough for the Treasurer to get things paid back in Gib before they depart for the Med Cup.
We decide to go back home to drop off some of the money in the safe and I use the opportunity of being in the apartment to that to watch the football EUFA Champions League semi-finals. What a comeback and shocking disappointment for Chelsea eh!!! In extra time. Reminded me of how Manchester United has won games in the past actually. It’s not over until it’s over as they say. It is the final that every support of both teams wanted and for TV audiences it’s the best final they could have ever hoped for in terms of viewing figures.
After the match we can go shopping again and I brave the chance of using my credit card and guess what, finally, a bit of luck and it goes through. It appears it’s only the ATM’s then that have my card blocked so everyday I am more certain it’s the company ATH which has done so, for some security reason. They haven’t gotten back to me as of yet!!!! My gatita prepared dinner today, a scrumptious lasagne and left over Chinese rice from yesterday. This time around we were able to top it up with some shrimps bought today.
After that I spoke to the Treasurer on MSN and read the recent article of the College Open which took place recently and was prepared by the secretary in my absence. I need to send an email to the secretary concerning the format of competitions. For a College Open a best of 11 final is simply too much. I agree that the way we have structured things this year will ensure the strongest team possible to represent Gibraltar but a best of 11 is excessive in my opinion. Most international competitions are between best of 5 & 7 throughout so we should be practising as we play, in my opinion of course.
It’s raining cats and dogs (just like in Gibraltar) but that won’t stop necessity.
We confront the rain and head out for lunch first as its just a few steps from a Western Union.
Had a good meal whilst watching Barcelona v Chelsea. What a goal by Chelsea eh to get Barca in gear!!!
Anyways I decide we should cash the money and send the long awaited DHL. They tell me that the couriered documents will cost 128,500 pesos which is not cheap by any means but it should arrive early enough for the Treasurer to get things paid back in Gib before they depart for the Med Cup.
We decide to go back home to drop off some of the money in the safe and I use the opportunity of being in the apartment to that to watch the football EUFA Champions League semi-finals. What a comeback and shocking disappointment for Chelsea eh!!! In extra time. Reminded me of how Manchester United has won games in the past actually. It’s not over until it’s over as they say. It is the final that every support of both teams wanted and for TV audiences it’s the best final they could have ever hoped for in terms of viewing figures.
After the match we can go shopping again and I brave the chance of using my credit card and guess what, finally, a bit of luck and it goes through. It appears it’s only the ATM’s then that have my card blocked so everyday I am more certain it’s the company ATH which has done so, for some security reason. They haven’t gotten back to me as of yet!!!! My gatita prepared dinner today, a scrumptious lasagne and left over Chinese rice from yesterday. This time around we were able to top it up with some shrimps bought today.
After that I spoke to the Treasurer on MSN and read the recent article of the College Open which took place recently and was prepared by the secretary in my absence. I need to send an email to the secretary concerning the format of competitions. For a College Open a best of 11 final is simply too much. I agree that the way we have structured things this year will ensure the strongest team possible to represent Gibraltar but a best of 11 is excessive in my opinion. Most international competitions are between best of 5 & 7 throughout so we should be practising as we play, in my opinion of course.
Tomorrow I have money yeeeheeee (I hope) - 5th May 2009
A last shot was given to the ATM issue, so we headed out to find a HSBC which is not linked to the main company ATH and hopefully be able to get some money out.
When we got there the ATM was out of service, figures eh! And that was after walking a few miles!!!!
Anyways like the past few days it was straight back to the apartment unfortunately. Although I want to get this issue sorted as we have several expenses that need to be paid for before the wedding eg. A wedding dress for my gatita, a hotel booking for her parents, payment of the no impediment certificate and a few other things.
I called Darren at his mum’s house just to check if he had received my email concerning the favour needed (Western Union) and as it turns out he was heading to my mums house. I called home and spoke to my dad/mum & Darren and agreed got my mum’s credit card details so I could transfer money over to her. Luckily this went smoothly so now I know that my mum will not go out of pocket when she hands the money to Darren which he will send over to me tomorrow through Western Union.
I have written an urgent email to ATH the company in charge of ATM cash machines in Colombia but they haven’t gotten back to me yet.
Yes I know its food again. I prepared 8 beef spare ribs in different sauces: garlic/salt, honey, pepper/salt and plain. That was accompanied by Chinese special fried rice with the works. We are poor right now as you know but the fridge is well stocked for the moment. The rice included chopped carrots, onions, peas, chicken, beef, ham, pork, one egg and a few pieces of chorizo (why not) as a replacement for shrimps (the only missing ingredient not in the fridge). Although I added some fish stock to give simulate the shrimp flavour.
My gatita gave me 20 out of 10 (she loves rice) Like all Colombians I might add.
I send a few emails just to finish off the day. One of which concerns a competition in Holland in October (electronic darts). That will be good as I am hoping to do well in that competition.
Tuesdays is a good night to stay in anyways as there are good movies at around 11pm and a few TV series which are very good too. Currently I have been watching a new series called Fringe which I enjoy and throughout the week I have spotted others which are worth watching such as The Mentalist & Eleventh Hour.
When we got there the ATM was out of service, figures eh! And that was after walking a few miles!!!!
Anyways like the past few days it was straight back to the apartment unfortunately. Although I want to get this issue sorted as we have several expenses that need to be paid for before the wedding eg. A wedding dress for my gatita, a hotel booking for her parents, payment of the no impediment certificate and a few other things.
I called Darren at his mum’s house just to check if he had received my email concerning the favour needed (Western Union) and as it turns out he was heading to my mums house. I called home and spoke to my dad/mum & Darren and agreed got my mum’s credit card details so I could transfer money over to her. Luckily this went smoothly so now I know that my mum will not go out of pocket when she hands the money to Darren which he will send over to me tomorrow through Western Union.
I have written an urgent email to ATH the company in charge of ATM cash machines in Colombia but they haven’t gotten back to me yet.
Yes I know its food again. I prepared 8 beef spare ribs in different sauces: garlic/salt, honey, pepper/salt and plain. That was accompanied by Chinese special fried rice with the works. We are poor right now as you know but the fridge is well stocked for the moment. The rice included chopped carrots, onions, peas, chicken, beef, ham, pork, one egg and a few pieces of chorizo (why not) as a replacement for shrimps (the only missing ingredient not in the fridge). Although I added some fish stock to give simulate the shrimp flavour.
My gatita gave me 20 out of 10 (she loves rice) Like all Colombians I might add.
I send a few emails just to finish off the day. One of which concerns a competition in Holland in October (electronic darts). That will be good as I am hoping to do well in that competition.
Tuesdays is a good night to stay in anyways as there are good movies at around 11pm and a few TV series which are very good too. Currently I have been watching a new series called Fringe which I enjoy and throughout the week I have spotted others which are worth watching such as The Mentalist & Eleventh Hour.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Still no dough - 4th May 2009
I finally got through to Barclays and explained my credit card problems. I was told that the card has not been blocked and everything was in order.
With this in mind we head out to try again. High hopes lasted 10 minutes as it failed again. So we headed back to the apartment.
All cash machines here regardless of the bank are affiliated to a company called ATH which stands for “A Toda Hora” (at every hour). It’s late in the evening but I send them an email explaining my situation and I the errors I am getting with the ATM receipts. Let’s see what they say.
I have no alternative but to get a friend involved, Darren in Gib. I send him an email which I am sure he is aware by means of the blog and I explain if he could visit my mum so that he gets the bank details so I can use my online banking to transfer money over to my mum and then she will take out the money and give to Darren so that he can send it over using Giro (Western Union).
It’s all rather boring but I am sure it will get sorted. Anyways something interesting I have noticed. Did you know that most liquid drinkable products are sold in plastic bags and not carton or hard plastic containers? Although there is bottled stuff mostly it’s cheaper to sell things in plastic bags and its mostly better for recycling.
With this in mind we head out to try again. High hopes lasted 10 minutes as it failed again. So we headed back to the apartment.
All cash machines here regardless of the bank are affiliated to a company called ATH which stands for “A Toda Hora” (at every hour). It’s late in the evening but I send them an email explaining my situation and I the errors I am getting with the ATM receipts. Let’s see what they say.
I have no alternative but to get a friend involved, Darren in Gib. I send him an email which I am sure he is aware by means of the blog and I explain if he could visit my mum so that he gets the bank details so I can use my online banking to transfer money over to my mum and then she will take out the money and give to Darren so that he can send it over using Giro (Western Union).
It’s all rather boring but I am sure it will get sorted. Anyways something interesting I have noticed. Did you know that most liquid drinkable products are sold in plastic bags and not carton or hard plastic containers? Although there is bottled stuff mostly it’s cheaper to sell things in plastic bags and its mostly better for recycling.
Still poor but happy - 3rd April 2009
After spending the whole day at home, I surprised my gatita by telling her if she wanted to go to the cinema.
I’ve been bitching about being poor with my credit card issue for the past few days.
She is a girly girl and cries practically about anything, her eyes just well up. When I told her that I was kidding about going to the cinema and why didn’t she understand I had no money (as she was happily bouncing with joy on the bed given the surprise and after such a crap day inside). I watched her face change from happiness to gloomy and she started welling up, of course this made me laugh and I told her it is true we would be going, that I was only joking. To make her happy again I added we would eat out, hotdogs, popcorn and whatever she wanted. It was a funny moment jejeje.
Anyways we watched X-Men, a rather good film, very entertaining.
I’ve been bitching about being poor with my credit card issue for the past few days.
She is a girly girl and cries practically about anything, her eyes just well up. When I told her that I was kidding about going to the cinema and why didn’t she understand I had no money (as she was happily bouncing with joy on the bed given the surprise and after such a crap day inside). I watched her face change from happiness to gloomy and she started welling up, of course this made me laugh and I told her it is true we would be going, that I was only joking. To make her happy again I added we would eat out, hotdogs, popcorn and whatever she wanted. It was a funny moment jejeje.
Anyways we watched X-Men, a rather good film, very entertaining.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Card Declined - 2nd May 2009
We had arranged to get my gatita a nice dress for the wedding. What a disappointment when I visited a few cash machines and my card was declined, read on…
After that fiasco we went back to the apartment and called up Barclays bank to see what has gone wrong. I made 2 phone calls, the 1st I got through to an attendant and was diverted to the correct department and waited for over an hour. With the second call I got through directly but after another hour on a queue I gave up and sent them an email hoping they get back to me asap.
I highlighted the importance of not having any money so let’s see how long they take to get back to me. Of course I’ll be on the phone 1st thing Monday to get things sorted.
I reckon the problem started about a week ago when I tried to purchase something and my card was declined for some reason. I told the attendant I would be straight back as I needed to go to an ATM to give her cash instead. At the first ATM my card was also declined so we walked down the street and finally my card was accepted so I took out some money but that was the last time I was allowed to take out any money. I reckon these failed attempts have blocked my card!
Ironically, I received an email from the Treasurer asking if I had couriered the documents over. I read it as I was writing the email to the bank and holding on the line. I won’t waste the money I have in hand until I get the bank issue sorted so my friend I’m afraid the GDA will have to wait a bit longer.
Luckily my gatita does have an account which I have been putting some money into, well something (it isn’t much) and she has been saving it for a rainy day. Its also an account we need so that at the time of applying for a VISA she can prove she can be self sufficient in the event things go pear shape she can stand on her own two feet for several months or at least to be able to purchase a ticket for a flight back to Colombia. Anyways she barely had accumulated £120 over the past 3 years but unfortunately we had to take that out of her account for this rainy day.
Seeing we are temporarily broke we decided to stay home and did some house planning. Don’t know if you guys know but I am buying a property which my brother has. It’s currently a shop but it has been arranged with land property services that it can be converted to a residential (and has been approved). I believe it’s an offer I can’t refuse. The house will become a 1 bedroom, the costs will be so low for me that I wont require a large starter mortgage, more like a loan and also as a first time buyer I will receive a substantial tax break. Anyways we measured the apartment to compare how big the kitchen, lounge and bedroom will be. It was good fun going over these things with my gatita.
On a lighter note check out the following videos taken at a bus stop, check how cool the advert is. I also took some videos of it at night although it’s not as clear as the daytime one but it does show the attractiveness of it. Can you imagine how long it would take in Gibraltar or Spain for such an advert to be vandalised or to have some graffiti over it. Anyways the links are below:
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-daytime.avi
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-night1.3gp
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-night2.3gp
After that fiasco we went back to the apartment and called up Barclays bank to see what has gone wrong. I made 2 phone calls, the 1st I got through to an attendant and was diverted to the correct department and waited for over an hour. With the second call I got through directly but after another hour on a queue I gave up and sent them an email hoping they get back to me asap.
I highlighted the importance of not having any money so let’s see how long they take to get back to me. Of course I’ll be on the phone 1st thing Monday to get things sorted.
I reckon the problem started about a week ago when I tried to purchase something and my card was declined for some reason. I told the attendant I would be straight back as I needed to go to an ATM to give her cash instead. At the first ATM my card was also declined so we walked down the street and finally my card was accepted so I took out some money but that was the last time I was allowed to take out any money. I reckon these failed attempts have blocked my card!
Ironically, I received an email from the Treasurer asking if I had couriered the documents over. I read it as I was writing the email to the bank and holding on the line. I won’t waste the money I have in hand until I get the bank issue sorted so my friend I’m afraid the GDA will have to wait a bit longer.
Luckily my gatita does have an account which I have been putting some money into, well something (it isn’t much) and she has been saving it for a rainy day. Its also an account we need so that at the time of applying for a VISA she can prove she can be self sufficient in the event things go pear shape she can stand on her own two feet for several months or at least to be able to purchase a ticket for a flight back to Colombia. Anyways she barely had accumulated £120 over the past 3 years but unfortunately we had to take that out of her account for this rainy day.
Seeing we are temporarily broke we decided to stay home and did some house planning. Don’t know if you guys know but I am buying a property which my brother has. It’s currently a shop but it has been arranged with land property services that it can be converted to a residential (and has been approved). I believe it’s an offer I can’t refuse. The house will become a 1 bedroom, the costs will be so low for me that I wont require a large starter mortgage, more like a loan and also as a first time buyer I will receive a substantial tax break. Anyways we measured the apartment to compare how big the kitchen, lounge and bedroom will be. It was good fun going over these things with my gatita.
On a lighter note check out the following videos taken at a bus stop, check how cool the advert is. I also took some videos of it at night although it’s not as clear as the daytime one but it does show the attractiveness of it. Can you imagine how long it would take in Gibraltar or Spain for such an advert to be vandalised or to have some graffiti over it. Anyways the links are below:
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-daytime.avi
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-night1.3gp
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/bus-stop-night2.3gp
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Labour Day - 1st May 2009
Can you believe a month has gone by since I stepped Colombia wow eh!!! My gatita is now starting to mention that only 18 days are left and she will be left alone again and getting all girly on me jejeje I reassure her and I am making the strong assumption that I will have to do so for the remaining days.
Labour Day and everything is closed as they should be. In Gib I know it’s different as Labour Day is celebrated as a long weekend.
We fooled around at home on the computer with my gatita’s mp3 player as its playing up and I sort of managed to fix it (at least she is not losing songs now).
DHL was closed so I will send the documents to Gibraltar tomorrow.
In case you are all wondering on the lack of scenic photos I might as well add that it’s difficult to snap shots over here without getting the police suspicious. Simply because of national security reasons and terrorist attacks it is avoided by locals and something tourists like myself are told to be careful about.
Have a great labour day for all those who work hard of course.
Labour Day and everything is closed as they should be. In Gib I know it’s different as Labour Day is celebrated as a long weekend.
We fooled around at home on the computer with my gatita’s mp3 player as its playing up and I sort of managed to fix it (at least she is not losing songs now).
DHL was closed so I will send the documents to Gibraltar tomorrow.
In case you are all wondering on the lack of scenic photos I might as well add that it’s difficult to snap shots over here without getting the police suspicious. Simply because of national security reasons and terrorist attacks it is avoided by locals and something tourists like myself are told to be careful about.
Have a great labour day for all those who work hard of course.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Criolla (word of the day) - 30th April 2009
I’ve decided there is no other option but to courier the documents over to Gibraltar as I have had enough of trying to fax it through.
For those that might be wondering if I am missing darts over here well the answer is sometimes. If you are however thinking I wouldn’t find a way of practising well think again.
I wasn’t going to bring a bristle dartboard over as its just too heavy and luckily I didn’t as I was bang on the weight limit. However I did bring a crappy but usable electronic dartboard. Its not the same but as I have been enjoying my electronic darts in Spain for the past few years it was a good alternative.
See the picture I took, ended up having to buy a hammer so that I could fix it at the perfect height jejejeje.
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/apartment-db.jpg
As you can see there are two sets of darts. I am practising every few odd days with my gatita showing her the ropes. She is not bad for a beginner but gets annoyed with me when I beat her jejeje. Its all good fun.
I found a new word which describes typical Colombian food “Criolla”. This is usually fried bananas, yellow potatoes, arrepa (and any other typical Colombian food).
Someone left an anonymous post saying I am obsessed with food. Well my friend you are correct. In no particular order, sex + love + food + darts = lots of happiness. See below and let me know if ou would not like it either jejejeje.
Several weeks back I spotted a Hooters restaurant here in Bogota (when doing one of our daily usual walkabouts). I missed going to one when I was in the North America (New jersey) on work experience many years ago. So we just might pay it a visit. Pending my gatita wants to of course. I did fool about with her and showed her a few clips on youtube about Hooters Bogota. The only one in Colombia. She said we could go as long as I didn't stare like an idiot and just made sure I concentrated on my plate. A bit of fun suppose jejeje.
For those that might be wondering if I am missing darts over here well the answer is sometimes. If you are however thinking I wouldn’t find a way of practising well think again.
I wasn’t going to bring a bristle dartboard over as its just too heavy and luckily I didn’t as I was bang on the weight limit. However I did bring a crappy but usable electronic dartboard. Its not the same but as I have been enjoying my electronic darts in Spain for the past few years it was a good alternative.
See the picture I took, ended up having to buy a hammer so that I could fix it at the perfect height jejejeje.
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/apartment-db.jpg
As you can see there are two sets of darts. I am practising every few odd days with my gatita showing her the ropes. She is not bad for a beginner but gets annoyed with me when I beat her jejeje. Its all good fun.
I found a new word which describes typical Colombian food “Criolla”. This is usually fried bananas, yellow potatoes, arrepa (and any other typical Colombian food).
Someone left an anonymous post saying I am obsessed with food. Well my friend you are correct. In no particular order, sex + love + food + darts = lots of happiness. See below and let me know if ou would not like it either jejejeje.
Several weeks back I spotted a Hooters restaurant here in Bogota (when doing one of our daily usual walkabouts). I missed going to one when I was in the North America (New jersey) on work experience many years ago. So we just might pay it a visit. Pending my gatita wants to of course. I did fool about with her and showed her a few clips on youtube about Hooters Bogota. The only one in Colombia. She said we could go as long as I didn't stare like an idiot and just made sure I concentrated on my plate. A bit of fun suppose jejeje.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Swine influenza - 29th April 2009
My sister informed last week about the swine flu which I have been watching on TV over here when it was at level 3. Now at level 5 we are taking precautions as anyone should. One thing is defrosting the little freezer we have so that we pay less unnecessary visits to the supermarket over here. Although there has been no confirmed cases in Colombia, we are pre-empting things.
However everything is looking OK over here compared to other countries especially USA and Mexico.
Despite the above precautions we had to go out to send an important fax for the GDA but after 5 attempts at different shops it’s proving to be impossible and a pain in the butt. Again I got told that the problem could be coming from Gibraltar but I very much doubt it.
I have several times tried to explain were Gibraltar is with the fax ordeal jejejeje.
Me: “Can you send international faxes?”
Attendant: “Yes but where is that?”
Me: “It’s in the South of Spain, a British Colony”.
Attendant: “Oh it’s Spanish then!!!!”
Me: “NOOOO señora it’s a British Colony”
Attendant: “Oh OK but you use the dialling code of Spain then!!!!”
Me: “NOOOO señora we are a different country, this is our international code”.
You get the gist jejeje
I have emailed the committee / bank and offered an alternative which is to send the documents by courier DHL. I did forward the documents by email beforehand for the bank to confirm correct before sending them over.
Before heading off to bed I unplugged the fridge to defrost it, ready to be cleaned out in the morning.
Good night and be safe.
However everything is looking OK over here compared to other countries especially USA and Mexico.
Despite the above precautions we had to go out to send an important fax for the GDA but after 5 attempts at different shops it’s proving to be impossible and a pain in the butt. Again I got told that the problem could be coming from Gibraltar but I very much doubt it.
I have several times tried to explain were Gibraltar is with the fax ordeal jejejeje.
Me: “Can you send international faxes?”
Attendant: “Yes but where is that?”
Me: “It’s in the South of Spain, a British Colony”.
Attendant: “Oh it’s Spanish then!!!!”
Me: “NOOOO señora it’s a British Colony”
Attendant: “Oh OK but you use the dialling code of Spain then!!!!”
Me: “NOOOO señora we are a different country, this is our international code”.
You get the gist jejeje
I have emailed the committee / bank and offered an alternative which is to send the documents by courier DHL. I did forward the documents by email beforehand for the bank to confirm correct before sending them over.
Before heading off to bed I unplugged the fridge to defrost it, ready to be cleaned out in the morning.
Good night and be safe.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Conventional Fax - 28th April 2009
We went out to lunch and visited Carulla supermarket for a few things.
Yesterday I received confirmation that my Internet Fax sent to the bank so that the Treasurer can take out monies is not acceptable according to the banking manager. I don’t quite understand why but there you go. For this reason we head out to find a place to print my letter of authority and photocopy my passport so that these documents can be faxed as requested using a conventional fax.
I want to be able to sort this out soon as a GDA member who books the flights for all our outings always puts money of his own and as I know how unfair it is to be waiting on the monies to be returned (as it happens to me), I want to be able to allow the Treasurer (via an authority letter) to take out monies from the bank so that everyone concerned can be paid. We visited two shops that could send faxes but none could get through to the Gib number. I will try again tomorrow.
For dinner we had Gambas Pil-Pil, lasaña and spare rice (left overs from yesterday). I dunno about my Gambas Pil-Pil as I have been preparing it for quite a while now and sometimes they come out under par and other times they are exceptionally good. It must be the prawns as the other basic ingredients are always the same.
Yesterday I received confirmation that my Internet Fax sent to the bank so that the Treasurer can take out monies is not acceptable according to the banking manager. I don’t quite understand why but there you go. For this reason we head out to find a place to print my letter of authority and photocopy my passport so that these documents can be faxed as requested using a conventional fax.
I want to be able to sort this out soon as a GDA member who books the flights for all our outings always puts money of his own and as I know how unfair it is to be waiting on the monies to be returned (as it happens to me), I want to be able to allow the Treasurer (via an authority letter) to take out monies from the bank so that everyone concerned can be paid. We visited two shops that could send faxes but none could get through to the Gib number. I will try again tomorrow.
For dinner we had Gambas Pil-Pil, lasaña and spare rice (left overs from yesterday). I dunno about my Gambas Pil-Pil as I have been preparing it for quite a while now and sometimes they come out under par and other times they are exceptionally good. It must be the prawns as the other basic ingredients are always the same.
Paella & jeans - 27th April 2009
My gatita luckily for me has the same tastes in food as I do. With this in mind and as we have a fridge full of seafood, the highlight of the day was for me (the cook) jejeje to prepare a paella for her.
Apart from the usual which is sleeping like a king and reporting back home to my mum so that she doesn't worry that’s about it for today.
I have been meaning to mention something of interest for a while now and this is that jeans here in Colombia are thinner. This is why when we were in Bucaramanga and despite the impressive heat; most people had jeans on!!!! (including me). What I didn't know at the time was that my European jeans are twice as thick. So no wonder they use jeans. If I’d known I would have worn shorts at the time.
Apart from the usual which is sleeping like a king and reporting back home to my mum so that she doesn't worry that’s about it for today.
I have been meaning to mention something of interest for a while now and this is that jeans here in Colombia are thinner. This is why when we were in Bucaramanga and despite the impressive heat; most people had jeans on!!!! (including me). What I didn't know at the time was that my European jeans are twice as thick. So no wonder they use jeans. If I’d known I would have worn shorts at the time.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I am not a bird - 26 April 2009
I asked my gatita to list what we got up to today and here are the notes. For those that can read Spanish it will make sense.
- Dormilón
- Desayuno rico
- Cocine horrible
- Comida, salimos a comer Italiano, spaghetti, lasaña, para beber cerveza y gaseosa. De entrada carne con cebolla dulce/frita (HORRIBLE), pan de ajo rico.
In the above listing there was a starter which was meant to be a new dish, so willing to try anything we gave it a go. It was meant to be a Thai styled starter and oh my god was it horrible. It conatined a plate of very thinly sliced meat (dunno which meat) with glazed onions (cold) and bird seeds lots and lots of bird seeds. I looked in the mirror when we got home to check I hadn’t grown any wings jejeje. Yuck, worst thing I’ve tasted in a long long time.
Well that’s it folks, a nice and peaceful Sunday. The majority of the day I simply slept and watched TV whilst my gatita paid more attention to an online game she plays called DOFUS which I am slowly starting to hate as it takes up too much of her time. But she realises this and once in a while I receive a few cuddles & kisses in bed and a cup of coffee. Just to keep me quiet of course but its mutual benefit so it’s OK.
- Dormilón
- Desayuno rico
- Cocine horrible
- Comida, salimos a comer Italiano, spaghetti, lasaña, para beber cerveza y gaseosa. De entrada carne con cebolla dulce/frita (HORRIBLE), pan de ajo rico.
In the above listing there was a starter which was meant to be a new dish, so willing to try anything we gave it a go. It was meant to be a Thai styled starter and oh my god was it horrible. It conatined a plate of very thinly sliced meat (dunno which meat) with glazed onions (cold) and bird seeds lots and lots of bird seeds. I looked in the mirror when we got home to check I hadn’t grown any wings jejeje. Yuck, worst thing I’ve tasted in a long long time.
Well that’s it folks, a nice and peaceful Sunday. The majority of the day I simply slept and watched TV whilst my gatita paid more attention to an online game she plays called DOFUS which I am slowly starting to hate as it takes up too much of her time. But she realises this and once in a while I receive a few cuddles & kisses in bed and a cup of coffee. Just to keep me quiet of course but its mutual benefit so it’s OK.
My student days times two - 25th April 2009
I had forgotten the times I used to be a student and I spent so much time at supermarkets. Believe you me I didn’t go without proper food as a student and I prepared good home food just like mummy taught me jejeje. The only difference was that then it we just me and now its for two. Just to prove my love for food I bought a half freezer as a student which for a single guy was slightly overboard jejeje but I needed it at the time and it only cost me £50.00 and worth every penny.
For this reason we headed to the Exito supermarket, much like the carrefoure we have in Spain (La Linea de la Concepcion). My gatita has an Exito points award card and she is building some interesting points jejeje. Hence why we try to go to that supermarket when we can.
In the evening we decided to have dinner at the cinema (hot dogs) but when we got there we were close to 2 hours early for the next screening of the film we decided to watch "Presagio" with Nicholas Cage. As we arrived so early we simply did some window shopping as the cinema is in a shopping mall and then we had a McDonalds as we were starving.
The film I can recommend, the cinema was packed and when we booked there were only 3 seats left. One thing I can recommend in Bogota is if the film start time is 9:20pm then you have no need to rush as the film will not start at least 30 minutes from that time. Expect lots of adverts.
The film started close to 10pm and finished at around midnight. On the way back we were caught up in a few traffic jams but this gave us the chance to see the nightlife and I can say that everything is so peaceful over here. No one is interested in causing havoc. This must be attributed to the overwhelming military presence and people over here simply do not want to get into trouble as the tolerance factor from the law is non negotiable. If you screw up you end up in prison full stop and that is an excellent deterrent.
For this reason we headed to the Exito supermarket, much like the carrefoure we have in Spain (La Linea de la Concepcion). My gatita has an Exito points award card and she is building some interesting points jejeje. Hence why we try to go to that supermarket when we can.
In the evening we decided to have dinner at the cinema (hot dogs) but when we got there we were close to 2 hours early for the next screening of the film we decided to watch "Presagio" with Nicholas Cage. As we arrived so early we simply did some window shopping as the cinema is in a shopping mall and then we had a McDonalds as we were starving.
The film I can recommend, the cinema was packed and when we booked there were only 3 seats left. One thing I can recommend in Bogota is if the film start time is 9:20pm then you have no need to rush as the film will not start at least 30 minutes from that time. Expect lots of adverts.
The film started close to 10pm and finished at around midnight. On the way back we were caught up in a few traffic jams but this gave us the chance to see the nightlife and I can say that everything is so peaceful over here. No one is interested in causing havoc. This must be attributed to the overwhelming military presence and people over here simply do not want to get into trouble as the tolerance factor from the law is non negotiable. If you screw up you end up in prison full stop and that is an excellent deterrent.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Stayed in - 24th April 2009
Today we decided to stay in and I slept and watched TV the majority of the day.
The morning started with breakfast done by my gatita which was sausages, bacon, mushrooms & egg with cocktail sauce on a sandwich (an English breakfast in a sandwich basically jejejeje).
After breakfast it was back to bed and I only got up for lunch which my gatita also prepared for me.
What a life eh!!!!!
For dinner we had the leftovers of the cheese sauce and 2 steak pieces which we couldn’t finish yesterday and we had a tuna rice salad to accompany.
Then back to bed for the evening and stayed up watching TV and relaxing.
As promised see links below to a few pictures taken. The first is the guy on the watchtower I mentioned supervising the supermarkets and shopping centre parking lots.
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/watchtower.jpg
This second link is the painting on the walls of construction sites instead of using paper plastic coated posters, which I found interesting.
http://www.gibraltardarts.com/constructionsitesigns.jpg
I took these with my mobile phone so that the quality is not exceptional but they are clear enough.
For security reasons taking pictures over here is an art and you have to be very confident and quick as otherwise they can call your attention if you are snapping away like crazy. It's a security issue so that you don't take too many pictures of any particular landmark in case you're a nutter and are thinking of planning anything dodgy jejeje.
Anyway back to bed!!!!!
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