Back from Bogata

Fellow Gringos in crime, just thought I'd pass along some info concerning the Embassy experience and general observations about Bogata. My wife and I arrived Sun night Sept 9. After settling in we checked all of our docs again and made sure all the "t's" were crossed and "i's" dotted. We stayed with the sister of one of my wifes' friend, paid $15 a day which included master bedroom and bath. Very ecconomical and a savior to my pocket book. Only draw back is we had to deal with 2 kids and moms' nagging. We took some long walks. Mon sept 10 arrived at 12:30 for our 1pm appointment at the Embassy. Met 4 or 5 other couples also applying. My wife and I dressed in professional attire, ie: her breast weren't hangging out. I make this point because we saw one couple there and the girl litteraly looked like a hooker and her pal looked like a drunk, first impressions will make or break you at the Embassy. Take note and make sure you are dressed for the part. The first interview went very well and despite other's experiences' we were treated with courtesy and respect. I think alot of that had do do with our attitude. The only form I was lacking was the affidavit of support, the "new" I-864. I had printed the old form from the INS website and had it prepared and notarized but, not acceptable. No big deal, the embassy gave me the correct form and I filled it out and brought it back the next day and the embassy notarized it on the spot. Back to Mon. the first interview, after turning in all the paper work the embassy informed us that the earliest date possible for the 2nd interview wasn't until 27 sept. Nothing to do but wait. Took in some sights of Bogata, one was a tram ride to the top of the mountain, had a monestary on top and a great view of Bogata. Take a coat it gets chilly up there. Also went to the Presidental Palace and walked around some of the historic districts. Tue Sept 11. Watched in horror as 2 planes slammed into the World Trade Center towers. Now my wife is scared ****less about coming to the U.S. As bad as some say the danger is, nothing like this has ever happened in Colombia, some how I feel safer in Bogata! I'm also worried because I'm still serving in the NG and worried that I may soon have to leave my beautiful wife. My wife isn't happy with this possibility either. Well, my wife is getting tired of staying with her friends sister so, we walk around the area and look for a decent place to stay, by the way the place we were staying was practically across the street from the embassy, back to the search, we found 2 places that fit the bill. The first place was called Hostal Casa Franco, it was a beautiful place with immaculately cleaned rooms with private bath and included breakfeast all for the low price of $55,000 single room or $85,000 pesos for double, roughly $27 or $43 US per day. I highly recommend this place. It is run by 2 sisters and, both are very nice ladies and one of them speaks English very well. The address is : Calle 22d-Bis No.44-46 Bogata, Colombia. Telephone O11-571-269-8887. They also have an e-mail address: hostalcasafranco@hotmail.com. The other place we looked at was Casa de Embajada, not worth it. The place we finally settled on was, Cas de huespedes Dona Flor. Dona Flor is a very nice lady and has a very beautiful place. All rooms have private bath and it is also kept immaculate, my wife liked her alot, room prices are $45,000 single $70,000 pesos double. Address is : Carrera 44c No. 22a-16 Quinta Paredes, Bogata. Telephone No; 011-571-269-8694 or 7436. This is also a family run buisness. Unfortunately no e-mail but, definately worth giving her a call prior to arriving in Bogata. Both places are within wlaking distance to the embassy. Okay, 20 Sept and I have to leave for the war torn US, didn't have enough vacation to stay until the 27th. Kiss my bride goodbye and reassure her everything will be OK. Well the 27th finally arrives and Rosana arrives at the Embassy early, 6:30am, and dressed to impress. The interview went without a hitch and she has her visa approved by noon. She e-mails me the good news and I purchase a ticket on the big Freedom bird, by the way I had the ticket on hold and got RT from Bogata for $539 on american. She returns at 3pm and picks up her packet and visa for immigration and we are set for action. My sweetheart will be here Sat the 29th and our new life begins. I hope this helps and wish all the best in their search for true love and happiness. I will keep you posted now and then as our relationship grows and the ups and downs of the Cali woman. Caho Amigo y buenas suerte.

Roundhouse,
Well if you ever get out of bed and read this, CONGRATULATIONS !!!
The input for dress code is very appriciated. Good luck !
Mikeb

[Jim]

Roundhouse,

Congratulations. Soon she will get here sand you will get to learn about the permanent residency forms (I-485) and getting a Social Security card.

Every part of this process is confusing, expensive and you receive contradictory information.

But it's all worth it. Best of luck.

Jim