Colombian tourism cannot be separated from its real roots. Colombia and Colombians are ranked among the happiest people in the world (3rd happiest people worldwide). In spite of Colombia’s violence issues, the country seems to be in a constant estate of celebration. Colombian music is a big part of its culture. Music seems to bring everyone together in one strong sentiment of patriotisms and pride.

Colombian tourism focuses in an entire culture, beyond food and gorgeous views of the country and coastal side. Colombia enjoys several trends of folk music that energize the entire country. Salsa, Merengue, and Reggaeton are rhythms that are well know worldwide.

These musical trends are not original of Colombia, but they are favorites among young people. However, typical and regional folk music is a favorite of just about everyone who lives there. Among its different musical rhythms, Cumbias, Música Llanera, and Vallenatos are especially favored (the last one being a national trend).

Vallenatos (music from/of the Valley) has become a significant favorite of the Colombian culture in the last 15 years. The lyrics are deep and usually convey a message of love and/or deception. This music usually lends itself to slow dancing moves where people can both sing and dance along.

Traditional Vallenato is usually characterized by its instruments, which is a diverse mixture of musical instruments from different continents. Traditional Vallenato has La Guacharaca (musical percussion instrument usually made out of the cane-like trunk of a small palm tree) from South American, the drum (from Africa), and accordion (from Europe, of German origin).

Perhaps the most recognized item of Vallenato, which has spilled over the entire Colombian culture, is the use of the Sombrero Voltiado or Sombero Volteado (Colombian Spanish for hat with laps). Most Colombians wear this sombrero with a clear intention to show national identity.

If you visit Colombia and go to different night clubs, you will see what I am talking about. You will most likely see men and women singing several songs while wearing distinctive looking hats. The rhythms and dancing; however, can become addictive and one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting this beautiful country.

Music is a critical part to understand Colombian tourism and culture and its roots. Colombia is indeed a beautiful country with some shortcomings; however, the culture makes Colombia one of the best places to visit in South America. Not only you will be amazed with the diversity of people, food, fruit, and different climates, but you will be immersed in a musical adventure that will show you how Colombians have a good time.

Remember that to listen and see Vallenato first hand, you do not necessarily have to be in the “valley.” Vallenato has spread all over Colombia. If you would like to be in a place where Vallenato is more prevalent without being far from Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, consider traveling to http://www.VillaDeLosCaballeros.com/ in Mariquita Tolima, about 3 hours north of Bogotá, where the weather is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, and people enjoy this musical genre.

By: Hector Quiroga, J.D.

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colombian brides

What to know when seeking a Colombian Bride

Colombia is a poor country and has a rising reputation for relationship fraud. Of course there are plenty of good, beautiful and honest women seeking marriage with foreigners. There is also an active population of scammers, fraud schemes and old fashioned gold diggers. Some women seek financial gain and lifestyle upgrades, an escape from poverty. Others are actually seeking a loving relationship, marriage and something new and exciting. How to tell this difference is the big question.

If she asks for money, put the brakes on. Beware of family or medical “emergencies” where the woman needs cash and financial support fast. Know that sending money via Western Union is likely lost in the event that she’s a scammer. Understand that the scammers are professional criminals and are very difficult to distinguish between an honest and trustworthy woman.

Educated yourself by reading about scam and fraud methods. Knowing about the different scams will help you recognize any foul play. The schemes and fraud efforts vary in strategy, but all have one thing in common, money. Money is usually requested in the form of advance fee fraud, where the criminal needs help with school, medical, rent, family, visa, etc. You can read more about the fraud types at Wikipedia’s site for relationship fraud and advance fee fraud. This is a major step in prevention.

Once you understand the fraud types and warnings signs, consider a trip to Colombia. Get to know her and her country. See for yourself who you’re dealing with. This is a key step in not only preventing fraud, but also important in establishing a meaningful relationship. Take time to get to know her. A Colombian woman in a hurry to marry is a major red flag and warning sign.

Lastly, if all checks out, get a professional background check by a firm with a local presence in Bogota and Barranquilla. Wymoo offers confidential investigations and has years of experience dealing with potential brides and relationships in Colombia.

Best of luck, and do your homework!

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway

By: A. Hathaway

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If you are a “gringo” captivated by the beauty and vivacious nature of Latina women there are some things that you’ll need to learn to succeed with these beautiful, mysterious women. First, it isn’t necessary for you to be fluent with your “espanol”. As long as you can say a few words, such as “gracias”, “como estas?” and “eres muy guapa” (you are really cute) to her, then most latina women will find this very endearing and be intrigued with you.

Just by the fact that you have said something to her in her language, you don’t need to worry about coming up with a clever opening line to start a conversation. 9 times out of 10 she will ask you how you learned to speak Spanish (and only if you speak 2 or 3 words in reality, but she doesn’t know this yet). She will probably offer to teach you more Spanish if you ask. So the conversation has already begun, without the need to use a corny pick up line on her.

If you still need help with finding something to talk about, then ask her about her favorite food from her own country. Women love to talk about food, especially Latin American women. You might actually be sorry you asked, because she might go on and on about food from her country. That is when you should ask her the next question, which is obvious: if there are any good restaurants in town that serve food from her country, whether it be Mexican, Cuban, Colombian, etc. and ask if she wants to go there for dinner with you sometime. Very few latinas will turn you down if you approach them this way, unless you come on too strong or they already have a man.

On the date, it’s important for you to know that it’s not a good idea to come on too strong with a latina, with these women it’s better to take it slower than you would with a “gringa”. Latin women are very concerned with being respected and not being used, due to the “machista” attitude of many men in their own countries.

Use this to your advantage because as a “gringo” she will think you are more respectful and honorable. Take it slow with her at first, and believe me, you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams later.

You can learn many more free tips about dating latinas on my blog listed below. Good Luck!

By: Monica Garcia

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When you have just ended a long term relationship, the period after that is a difficult one. Most of the guys will be wondering what will happen? Will they ever get a new special woman in their life? I think it’s easy for men to become so comfortable and emotionally dependent in a relationship that they experience a lot of FEAR when ending that relationship.

Getting back to the “dating game” is not as hard as what you guys think. If you know how to go out anytime to meet women, you should not be afraid at all, because those set of skills are still deeply rooted in your brain.

When you know how to go out anytime and meet women, you will have the following benefits:

1) When you know that you can meet women anytime you want, it makes you stop acting so NEEDY and CLINGY in a relationship. Most needy and clingy behaviors are rooted in the FEAR that you will never be able to find another woman.

2) When it comes to ending a relationship, this skill makes things MUCH easier. Too many of you guys stay in relationships that are bad for you, and are afraid to END a relationship because of that deeply-rooted insecurity that comes from not knowing how to walk out the door anytime, anywhere and meet women.

When comes to dealing with competition from other guys when you are out of the “dating game” for a long time, there are actually 2 reasons to find the root of the problem.

1) INSECURITY. When you are insecure and do not trust yourself, you will always fear that someone else CAN snatch away your girlfriend/date. This is a bad thing because it then clouds your thinking, and creates an illusion that the woman you’re with is BETTER than she is, and that you’re WORSE than you are.

2) Jealousy. Jealousy is useless, and it can leads to stupid emotion like anger and anger may leads to violence. Women hate violence. If you resort to violence, I can bet that she will leave you immediately.

Therefore, you will need to feel confident about yourself first, so that it will not lead to jealousy. Women are attracted to guys who are confident, and if she wants to leave, you can’t stop her anyway. And if she really leaves, just look for a new woman! Why fear?

By: Crid Lee

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For men getting over a divorce is far more difficult than what women imagine. And the idea of dating again is much like preparing to face a firing squad after one has already been hung at the gallows.

Having gone through soul-sucking divorces and blood-letting breakups myself… only to discover the love life I most wanted… I felt it my duty to share some of the key information I picked up along the way. I want to let men in on the little bits of truth, which made all the difference in how I approached women.

The first thing I did was to stop looking for women anywhere near where I lived and started to strictly date, love and enjoy relationships with women from other countries.

Not just any countries either. I chose very specific countries for their culture, social development and excellent women. Here’s a list of the best 7 places on planet Earth where the most affectionate, loyal and humorous women are waiting for the right man.

1) Costa Rica: The country has dual coasts, one faced the Caribbean Ocean and the other faced the Pacific. The women are dear, honest, hot and savage. Yet they are wholesome and innocent all at the same time. You may make this your new home.

2) Brazil: This country is pure magic. The women here seem like fairytale fairies. You will think you are having a waking dream. You will go back over and over, just to see if you ever wake up.

3) Cuba: No words can describe this forbidden fruit. The last modern paradise running over with delicious mother watering treats. Cuba is the playground of the elite where untouched wonders come alive in your hands for the first time.

4) Colombia: The country is beyond enormous. The hyped news is only a half truth. It’s ladies are succulent beings drenched in feminine wiles. Hundreds of Americans visit Colombia everyday. Just like Chicago, there are parts you can visit and places you must avoid.

5) Dominican Republic: This tiny island is a king’s ransom of brilliant sun tanned mulatta queens. Time moves much slower here than in other places of the world. The values of yesterday are still alive here and these ladies pride themselves on pleasing their man.

6) Venezuela: Home to five Miss Universe Titles! It has legendary waterfalls and I’ve personally met Venezuelan mothers and daughters who were both so jaw dropping sexy and so lady like in everything they did, it would be impossible to easily pick one over the other on a date.

7) Argentina: From first hand knowledge, Argentina lives passion. If you enjoy European women with a Latin twist these blond knockouts are exactly what you seek. The food, wine and romance found in Argentina strips the bullshit out of life.

If you think you would like to of visit one of these countries and date some of the foreign beauties found residing in them, you can really jump to the front seat in the ultimate adventure ride by meeting women from your favorite destination over the Internet first.

Use free sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to meet ladies. By meeting the women now, you will literally have all the dates you want waiting for you ahead of your arrival.

The Big Trick

The big trick is to be you, no lies or pick up artist games are needed.

The rules to Internet success with international dating and winning over the heart, mind and body of the perfect foreign angel are simple.

1) Meet lots of women online. You are making friends over the Internet not getting married. Wait till you are face-to-face and have gone on a few dates before falling in love.

2) Never send any money for any reason to any person you meet online. Stop communicating with anyone who does ask you for cash. Men posing as women run most of the cons. And you can only become a victim if you don’t keep your money where it belongs… in your pocket.

3) Make sure you do actually get on a plane and visit with your new friends. This is without question the most mind-blowing part of the experience in dating foreign ladies. And it is a must if your goal is to find true love or discover the lover you have been looking for.

So when you are ready to finally hold a honey-delicious creamy vixen in your arms and make her yours… when you are finally ready to start dating again and realize what you have been missing all this time… do yourself a favor skip the local bar scene and give love beyond border a try.

The lover, friend and wife you have been searching for is only one mouse click away! May your adventure be sweet and your success sweeter!

By: Carlos M Duran

About the Author:

Nothing is worse than spending your time setting up (what you believe!) a perfect profile, and end up not getting the results you hoped for! Your inbox is filled with dud after dud!

Your online profile is all wrong, if you are not getting good results.

If you continue to receive emails from Singles you would never have any interest in, then my first question is; do you state clearly on your profile what the ideal person for you would be?

So many Singles tell me they want someone athletic but they continue to receive emails from Singles that are really thin, or really overweight.

My question to them is always; “does your profile clearly state you are looking for someone athletic?” The expression on their face is best described as someone watching paint dry!

I decide to check myself! No where in their profile do they state the type of “build” they are looking for! If you don’t state what you want, don’t be surprised at what you get!

Your online profile is all wrong if you continue to get lewd, obscene and vulgar remarks. When Singles tell me they are going to take their profile down because online dating just isn’t for them. I ask why and they share some of the obscene propositions they have received!

So, I trot right over to their profile and discover the problem! Their profile photos are almost X-Rated! There are
“booty” poses where they are photographed from the back while bending over…in a thong! First of all, I had no idea thongs came in that size! Second of all, the entire profile was just begging for vulgar, obscene, comments!

So, if you aren’t getting the responses you would like from your profile, have a close friend look at it. If they are a true friend they will tell you the truth!

Go fix that profile, and get back out there!

Whether you are new into the scene or still trying to find that special someone, dating after thirty is rough. The rules and guidelines seem to change every few months and it certainly isn’t like it was when you were young. Some of the new considerations when it comes to dating is the polygamous lifestyle, as well as sexual orientation, internet dating, who pays for what, and is sex excepted at the end of the night. With so much to consider, it seems at times that it would be better just to journey through life alone. I hope with the advice in this article, dating won’t seem so traumatic or impossible. It takes a little time to get back into the saddle, or to find the right groove, but anyone can do it with a little know how.

There are many ways to find dates, many of which most people don’t consider. Asking friends to set you up can be a networking ability. Since your friends have prior knowledge of the person you’re less likely to meet up with someone who is dreadful and completely against most of your moral standings. Besides, who is better to help find your soul mate (Or Mr./Mrs. Right Now if that’s what you’re looking for) than the people who know you best? Other methods of finding a mate are adopting hobbies for yourself, getting to know the people who also enjoy those hobbies and go from there.

Having something to talk about on a first date makes it much easier and knowing someone already shares an interest is a great stepping stone. Also there is the world of internet dating. I’m not saying that all internet dating sites are wonderful, but they do offer the ability to connect with a wide range of individuals without needing to be apart of the bar/club scene, which can sometimes be tedious for those of us over thirty. Also, it’s a great way to get a good, “big picture” view of someone through their profile without having to sit through a horrible first date. The success stories for internet couples is increasing every year, just remember to trust your gut and always be safe.

While most people believe in taking it easy when it comes to a first day, only having casual small talk and getting the basics out of the way, I feel it’s most important to lay the big issues on the line. There is no reason to get emotionally involved with someone before you even really understand whether you’re compatible. The first date is an excellent time to discuss what you expect from a relationship, your religious beliefs, your morals and where you see your future. Two people on a different path are going to have a near impossible time forming a life, even if there is love. There is more to a relationship than love and passion. A first date doesn’t have to be filled with heavy conversation, but it does have to give a good picture of the people who are on the date. There can be fun mixed in with this type of talk, and if you’re worried that such topics will make your date fall flat, just remember how it will feel after the fourth of fifth date.

Sex is something that is always on people’s minds. Whether it’s for or against. So it’s a good idea to know how you stand on this issue and don’t let anyone pressure you into something you don’t want. Just because one member of the date pays for the meal, or the movie, doesn’t mean the other is obligated to repay the favor with sex (on a side note, when it comes to who pays, it’s really simple. The person who asks, should pay. And if the asker wants to go dutch, they should make that known when asking. Communication is key).

It is a good idea to get yourself tested for STDs before dating and every six months if you are sexually active. Of course, practicing safe sex with condoms is a must. Just remember to go at the pace you’re comfortable with and let your partner know where you are. If you are fine with making out, but don’t want it to go any further. Tell your partner before getting into it, and if they are informed and still pressure you when the passion is high, leave. Don’t give them the wrong signal by staying after saying no. While it pains me we live in a world where people still feel that when someone says no, they’re still allowed to do what they want, it happens and you have to watch out for yourself.

By: Alex Rocklane

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Pre-Columbian America

It was the Andean Indian cultures of ancient Peru who produced the most accomplished weaving in pre-Columbian America. The technique of Tapestry weaving among these peoples dates back to the beginning of the Christian Era, and was well established by the 6th and 7th century. Tapestry was used to decorate garments and was often integral to the fabric itself. Surprisingly, due to the dry desert climate, a number of these weavings survived in Peruvian coastal burial sites. Examination of these relics reveals some of the most skilled and varied techniques of weaving ever present in any culture.

The study of Spanish chronicles and ancient Peruvian pottery inform us that the weaving was generally done by greatly skilled women. Such was their skill that some of the relics discovered have been found with 150 to 250 weft threads per square inch. Most of the tapestries are polychrome as the use of natural dyes made for a vast range of colors. Strong colours were favored over more subtle graded tones, especially in the Inca period. The designs were often of geometric patterns, or human and animal figures. Plant motifs were uncommon.

The viceroyalty of Peru, after the Spanish conquest, imported looms and the practice of tapestry weaving was continued throughout the colonial period. The Inca and mestizo people developed a surprising blend of Indian traditions and European Influences that is still witnessed today.

It is probable that climatic conditions in Central America and Mexico impeded the survival of tapestry relics so it is not certain whether these weaving techniques were present in other pre-Columbian cultures.

From Ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages

The Tapestries of the Native Egyptian Christians, (Copts) are of particular interest. Produced between the 3rd and 12th century they provided a link between the art of the Middle Ages in Western Europe and the art of the ancient world.

In the 4th century the practice and ritual of mummification was abandoned and the dead were buried in their daily clothes (tapestry trimmed) or wrapped in discarded tapestry wall hangings; as a result many fragments from the 5th to the 7th century have been discovered in the Egyptian burial sites of Antinoe, Saqqarah and Akhmim. Most of the early Coptic tapestries were woven with native designs often related to the Egyptian funerary cult of Osiris and included the wine amphora and the grape vine or ivy. Because of their relevance to revival in a life after death these motifs were considered appropriate. Other favourite subjects included the lions and the hares, hunter on horseback, mythological creatures, dancing figures and baskets of flowers and fruits. Christian figures and biblical stories are rare.

Tapestries were also used for the ornamental decoration of Christian Churches but few of these tapestries survive today.

Although a few silk weft tapestries have been preserved the majority of Coptic tapestries were woven with woolen wefts on linen warps. In the 7th and possibly 8th century embroidered borders or margins often supplemented the tapestries ornamentation. The earliest Coptic tapestries were done using the silhouette technique whereby a stunning effect was created by use of a single dark color for the design or motif against a lighter background color. Polychrome tapestries became increasingly common after the 5th century.

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By: Angela Dawson-Field

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women seeking men

Dates – you definitely seen them in movies, teased your best buddy as he finally got ready for his, or probably gone on imaginary infatuations with celebrities your age. So, you must be ready. But just in case, here’s a list of dating advice for men to keep in mind and take to heart before you come knock on your would-be dream date’s door.

How to make the first move?

• Be confident – You always have to have confidence yet not overboard. It’s not that women don’t like you; they probably just don’t know if you’d like them. Just as guys are notoriously afraid of rejection, women are too! So, take the fear factor away and approach the girl of your dreams. Just hurry a little, for they may be other bees pursuing your pretty flower.

• Be cool – If it’s terrifying to figure out why your pals suddenly started having their partners and you’re left with the same old you – no girlfriend, partner, no nothing, keep your cool! All you need is proper timing. Know the kind of girl you want and if you’ve spotted her and is finding a way to talk to her or introduce yourself, always remember to chill and don’t be too harsh on yourself. Take it easy and everything else will follow.

• Be casual – Invite her to hang out after school or after office hours on neutral grounds such as the school’s cafeteria or the office’s pantry instead of asking her right away if she’d like to go out on a dinner or watch a movie with you. Allow some time to be comfortable with each other’s company. You’ll never know, she’ll be exclaiming these words in time, “Hey, I love your company, hanging out together frequently might be a good idea” while she really means, “Let’s go out on a date”!

How to have a good and lasting conversation

• Be true to yourself – One dating advice for men are to bring up a topic that you think you and your date have in common. It can be a favorite movie you’ve seen, a good book you’ve read, the kind of sports you play or a popular band maybe. Good conversation topics are endless. You just have to know what clicks. Keep in mind, on dates, there’s nothing more awkward than coming up with a great topic just to sound intelligent and all-knowing, yet unable to follow up some more because it’s not something that interests you.

• Pay attention – Focus man! This is the time to give your full attention on her. When she speaks, assure her that you’re listening. When she focus her eyes on you, make certain that you do too. To keep a conversation going, listening is the key. Listen so you can respond and listen so you can throw in some lines to keep the conversation up and going. Don’t bombard your date with too many questions either. Remember, it’s a date conversation, not an interview.

• Just enjoy yourself – And, make certain that she’s having a grand time and that the feeling is mutual. This kind of dating advice for men will let you know instantly if she’s into you as well.