For foreign nationals and expatriates with children you’ll have some of the following concerns in addition to a few others of your own in these critical areas. Here in part three, we continue to consider critical problems of Colombian society including the educational system, consumer protection laws, crime, minorities and the impact of unemployment that reaches as high as 80% – and no, that’s not a misprint. Read on …

11. The education system promotes vagabond attitudes.

There currently exists a policy in public schools NOT to “fail” learners. You can miss classes (Did YOU ever play “Hookey”?). You can fail even an endless string of “makeup” exams. You can neglect study, class participation, homework or virtually productive activity in class and the learner will still “pass” to the next grade level at the end of the school year. Now in many schools, there is no homework. Slothful, slow, uncaring and unmotivated learners pass from one grade to the next with practically no effort at all knowing that they almost can’t fail. This means that barring all else the learners don’t get their rude “wake-up” call until they enter the university level or the workforce and find out, that in life, you can fail. The quality of Colombian education can vary widely depending on location, cost and administration from primary through the university level.

12. There is little or NO consumer protection.

Talk about a bone to pick, this one’s a biggie for me. Never before has the phrase “Caveat emptor” – “Let the buyer beware” been more appropriate. From buying a house or condo, to a car, major appliances, furniture or goods and services (maids, plumbers, electricians, contractors) of all types, there is practically no recourse for an unwary consumer. Sellers disappear moments after a major sale, consumer cases rarely make it to a court docket and enforcement of contracts or legal agreements can be laughable. Workers, when hired for in-house jobs in any occupation, trade or service must be constantly be “watched” to avoid theft, taking excessive “breaks” or simply “goofing off” on the job. There is no “overall system” for certifying workers or professionals, so finding competent service personnel can be a bit of a challenge most of the time.

13. Cities and regions of the country inhabited primarily by minorities are highly under-developed.

The first few times I went into black-populated regions of the Pacific coast, I nearly cried at the absolutely primitive conditions people live in – this is the 21st century, I reminded myself. Men have landed on the moon, orbited the earth for weeks at time, plumbed the ocean’s frigid depths and constructed buildings that stand up through the clouds. Yet people are obliged to live without even the most basic of amenities. No running water or toilets. No electricity. Forget even the hint of a telephone. Unpaved streets and roads where there are even roads at all. Constant flooding. No sewage facilities. Flies and mosquitoes infest everything bringing the predictable diseases with them. Nutritionally poor diets consisting of but a few fruits, vegetables and whatever they can hunt. In 2001 though, Colombia crowned Vanessa Alexandra Mendoza Bustos, originally from one of Colombia’s poorest most undeveloped regions – the Choco, its first black Miss Colombia. Even a more recent black Miss Colombia finalist also stated that she had “never seen a car until she was nearly 20 years old”!

14. Unemployment is often at sky-high rates and is continually rising.

The stark contrast of the “Haves” and the “Have Nots” has almost never been more pronounced than it is here. The city of Cartagena, the so-called “crown jewel” of Colombia is but one example. While millions of dollars are spent to fund the pageantry of the Miss Colombia Beauty Pageant, just a few blocks away local residents endure flooding, open sewers, rotting buildings and other basic amenities – even while the pageant is in progress. The unemployment rate among blacks in the area is reputed to be in excess of 80%. Is it any wonder that crime is a major problem there and in other locales as well? But this of course, is not the face of Cartagena that gets publicized outside of Colombia.

15. Violent crimes are considered passé.

It used to be that violent, heinous crimes shocked, staled and amazed even the staunchest of us. Not here, not anymore. When Luis Alfredo Garavito, one of Colombia’s most notorious convicted serial child murderers (who has confessed to more than 200 child murders over a five year period) was released from prison, not once, but TWICE, families and residents were finally up in arms. Each time he was released, more children died. He almost got released again a couple of years ago, but fortunately, hasn’t been so far. Violent murders on the streets of Cali, Bogota and Medellin, Colombia’s three largest cities, hardly rate the TV or tabloid news anymore with only the most bizarre, tragic or heinous of these ever being reported. How would you feel if you’d personally witnessed 11 violent murders in the streets as I have over the past twelve years?

In part four, the issues of crime, coffee and beautiful women are among those on tap. See you then.

By: Larry M. Lynch

About the Author:

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Fine emerald jewelry is a gift that really says to a woman “I value you.” As emeralds are among the most expensive gem stones, quality emerald earrings and bracelets can cost thousands of dollars. Some examples of fine emerald jewelry are even more expensive than designs with diamonds. However as the emerald is symbolically a wealth attracting stone perhaps you will get your investment back!

The name emerald comes from an ancient Greek language that translates to mean “green gemstone.” In most cultures it is considered to be a holy stone. It is one of the gemstones found in the Bible’s Breastplate of Aaron. They were worn by the ancient Incas and Aztecs in the South Americas and mined enthusiastically by Egyptian Royal Families in 1500 BC. These mines, which were near the Red Sea in Eygpt were known as the “Cleopatra mines” as the Egyptian queen was fond of wearing emerald earrings and bracelets. The Cleopatra mines were depleted of their precious emeralds by 3000 B.C.

In the ancient world, it wasn’t just the Egyptians who were fascinated by fine emerald jewelry. The Indian culture also prized the gems for their ability to heal and enhance one’s good luck. One of the largest museum quality emeralds in the world is the ten centimeter tall “Mogul Emerald” which weigh 217,80 carats. It is inscribed with flowers and ancient texts and dates from 1695. Its worth is 2.2 million U.S. dollars.

There are also many other precious emerald artifacts in the world. In Instabul, the Topkapi Palace contains incredible examples of fine emerald jewelry as well as pens and daggers encrusted with the gems. Another famous emerald artifact is the Emerald Cup, which used to belong to Emperor Jehangir in the New York Museum of Natural History. The Bank of Bogota hoards one of the largest emerald in the world in its treasury; a beauty that weights 1796 carats.

Fine emerald jewelry also comes with a great deal of positive symbolism. In pagan cultures, green not red is considered to be the color of love and beauty. In ancient Rome the emerald was associated with Venus, the goddess of love. The Catholic Church regards green as a natural liturgical color and green is the holy color of the Islamic faith. The color green is also universally regarded as a color of birth, growth and success.

Finding an excellent piece of fine emerald jewelry can be difficult. This is because high quality stones can be extremely rare. Most emeralds in the market do contain some flaws and inclusions. In fact flawless emeralds are so rare that even very expensive and high quality emeralds might contain a few inclusions. The worth of an emerald also depends on how green it is. Therefore if the gem stone is a lively vibrant green but contains a few flaws, known as “jardin” to jewelers it may be worth more than a paler, yellower emerald gemstone that is perfect.

There is something about fine emerald jewelry that also conveys respect and wisdom. Perhaps it is because these gemstones are so old. The oldest emeralds in the world are found in Zimbabwe and are estimated to be 2600 millions years ago. The emeralds growing in Pakistan mines are estimated to be nine million years old.

Officially the emerald belongs to the beryl family. Other exotic beryl family members include morganite, aquamarine and heliodor. Constitutionally emeralds are made up of aluminum, beryllium and silicates. It is traces of chromium and vanadium that are responsible for the green color. Aluminum, beryllium and silicates are rarely found in the same place as chromium or vanadium unless there has been a big earthquake or a similar shift in the earth’s crust to force the elements to merge and produce green colored beryls. Many emeralds contain small bubbles of gas or inclusions that are testimony to their violent geological origins. The more jardin (cracks and fissures) that emeralds contain, the older it is. These fissures, bubbles and other inclusions only really lower the value of an emerald if they affect its color or spoil its transparency.

When it comes to fine emerald jewelry, Columbia is the biggest supplier of high quality stones. The country has about 150 known deposits of this precious mineral but not all of them are being mined. The best-known operating mines are in Muzo and Chivor. These two mines are seemingly bottom pits of the gems as they were when the Incas first excavated them in the pre-Columbian era. In terms of producing quality stones, the Cocuez mine is also an important source of finer emeralds.

Columbian emeralds are considered to be especially fine because they do not have any kind of blue tint or flash. The Columbian mines are also known for Trapiche emeralds, which like the star sapphire have six rays emanating from its center when the jewel is cut into a half domed shape.

The stones that are used to create fine emerald jewellery are also found in many other countries including Pakistan, Madagascar, Zambia, Russia and Afghanistan. The finest gems come from Zimbawe and Brazil. Zambia produces large jewels of a darker green than the Columbian emeralds and Zimbabwe emeralds come from a special mine called the Sandawana Mine which produces tiny yet beautiful yellowish green gemstones.

When buying fine emerald jewelry you should be aware that as it is such a valuable gemstone there are a lot of fakes out there. These include stones that have been dyed, heat-treated or that are even created in the lab. The best way to avoid making any tragic mistakes when you invest in fine emerald jewelry is to make sure that you are buying them from a fine jeweler that can provide you a certificate that confirms the stone’s authenticity. Another suggestion is to buy a larger emerald rather than a smaller one, as sometimes the smaller ones do not refract enough to light to truly reveal its brilliant green heart.

By: Enid Edginton

About the Author:

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Every man dreams of a special lady to spend the rest of his life with. However, most men go no further than dreaming about that special one because they have no time to look for her. What most men do not realize is that in order to find the one you want, you do not have to look very hard, you just have to know where to look.

Latin women are some of the most sensual and loving women in the world and many important artists have praised their beauty in poems or songs. Latin women are every man’s dream because they represent sensuality, passion, love, thrill, but they are also raised to aspire to having a family, of being good wives and mothers above all. Latin women are optimistic, docile and carrying and these are just some of the main reasons why men all over the world adore Latin women. Unfortunately for them, many men who dream of Latin women live hundreds of thousands of miles away from Latin America; they are even oceans apart. A trip to this beautiful part of the world would probably end up with a romance story, but time always seems to get in the way of love.

However, a Latin women dating agency can give you your Latin love story. If time or work doesn’t allow you find your Latin woman, then Latin women dating agency will. With just a few clicks, you can end up marrying your Latin dream woman. Finding the one you want to have a family with means opening your heart and spending long hours with all the women you meet, until you have found the right one. However, if you dream of Latin women and you live in the other part of the world, then Latin women dating agency is your best alternative. Of course, it would be nice to go visit Latin America and fall in love, but what if there is a better alternative? You can first talk to the girl that attracts you the most and if you feel a connection between you, then you can visit Latin America with the one you love and, why not, even get married.

Latin women dating agency can save you from meeting all the wrong women before you finally find the right one. You look at pictures of Latin women and you choose the one or the ones that you like the most. You talk to them and if there is a vibe between you, then things can even lead to marriage. There is no pressure, no broken hearts and no regrets. You can start your relationship by talking on the phone and then, if you start to connect with your Latin woman, you can even visit her. Latin women dating agency not only gives you the possibility to choose from some of the most beautiful Latin women, but it also offers you translation services, if needed, and even a travel consultant in case you want to meet your Latin woman.

Latin women dating agency represents one of your biggest changes of finding love and settling down. In a time when making money and having a good job have taken the place of love, the Internet is probably one of the easiest and safest ways of finding your half. And then you will have it all.

For more resources about Latin Women or even about Latin women dating agency please review this webpage http://www.latinromantic.com

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So, are there any dating tips that can help you hook up during your travels? Well, if you have spent any time traveling in Spanish-speaking countries, you know how difficult dating and flirting can be when you don’t know the language.

But while hooking up in a country where you don’t know the language can be difficult, it’s not impossible. Here are a few dating tips you should keep in mind.

Do Some Prep Work

As soon as you learn you are traveling to a Latin country, you should start preparing. There are plenty of things you can do in order to avoid being lumped in with the “clueless tourists.”

First, learn about the country itself, it’s history, culture and customs.

Next, learn about the pop culture.

What kind of music is popular in the country you plan on visiting? Try to get your hands on copies of the hot singles. Listen to them at home and while driving in your car. Learn what the words mean, and sing along.

What television shows and movies are hot there right now? Try to see them (on DVD, on cable, or online). Watch with the subtitles on so you know what’s going on.

Now, during your travels, you will have something interesting to talk with people about.

Learn Some Sexy and Romantic Spanish Phrases

Imagine you are in a Spanish speaking country, and have gone out to a night club. You see someone attractive across the room, and get up the nerve to approach them.

What are you going to say?

Opening with a flirty Spanish phrase would be a great ice breaker.

Begin memorizing some funny and romantic Spanish phrases. Make sure you are pronouncing them right. And practice saying them over and over again until they just roll off of your tongue.

Make Friends Who Can Help You Navigate the Dating Scene

Once you arrive, try to make friends who are either natives of that country, or who know the language and are familiar with the social scene.

Let your new friend know you are interested in hitting the local hot spots. Or they might even suggest it first.

A friend who can help you navigate an unfamiliar dating scene will give you a big advantage.

Just because you don’t speak the language fluently doesn’t mean you can’t have a romantic social life while in a Latin country. These simple tips will provide you with some common ground to make it funner and easier to date during your travels.

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When the publishers of the Lonely Planet travel guides issued their annual list of the best travel destinations for this year there were a few surprises. Gone were some of the over-priced, over-crowded tourist traps of previous years. There are some new entries to peak the curiosity and provide ever-expanding new vistas and experiences for the crowd-weary world traveler. Here’s a partial list in reverse order.

9. Germany
An old favorite that still can pull its weight with the tourism crowd and one of only two European entries that made the list, Germany has much to offer. More than just Oktoberfest, beer and sausages, travelers can delight in specialties from each of the country’s regions.

8. Colombia
A stunning surprise entry on the list for the first time, Colombia may be know for its drug-trafficking and civil war violence, but it’s also the world’s leading producer of fine emeralds. It’s the world’s second leading producer of coffee after Brazil, but the quality of the rich, mild coffee produced here is second to none. One of South America’s most beautiful countries, scenic delights range from still-active volcanoes like the smoldering Galeras to the bubbling mud spews of Totumo near Colombia’s Atlantic coast.

7. India
Mythical, mysterious, enchanting and a hundred more adjectives besides, how could this wondrous place not be on anyone’s wish list of travel destinations? A large percentage, up to 75%, of the population living in large cities speaks at least passable English. I’m surprised it’s only number eight. But it is on the list and deservedly so. Food, festivals, culture and history pour into the streets at every turn

6. Canada
June, July and August are peak tourism months for the USA’s giant Northern neighbor. English is the language of all Canada’s provinces with French being the language of choice in the province of Quebec. There are marvelous winter festivals in Quebec City and francophone Montreal to delight the senses for willing to brave the frigid minus forty and below temperatures. There’s plenty to keep you warm though.

5. Antarctica
Not only know as “that frozen continent at the bottom of the world”, Antarctica is now featured in a number of commercials and travel ads. But with temperatures ranging from degrees F to degrees F, “What’s the attraction?” you might ask. More than you might imagine. There’s not exactly a shortage of wildlife despite daytime temps in the minus teens on a “warm” day. Marine life is also abundant as are formations of ice and snow on the glaciers that the continent feeds. Wanna play with the penguins, anyone? The experience of being there itself is a unique, one-of-a-kind adventure that draws many. Stormy Cape Horn and the beauty of wind swept Patagonia are also near. Scientific expeditions from a number of countries are nearly always in progress. At times the place is not unlike Grand Central Station. Antarctica is certainly not for everyone, but it does have its charms.

4. Mexico
Long a favorite destination of North Americans from the USA and Canada, what’s not to like about this country famous for hot chili peppers and even hotter senoritas? From the beach to bullfights, you can find nearly any form of diversion you like. Skiing in Mexico? You betcha. Mt. Orizaba, North America’s second highest peak is south of the border.

3. Nicaragua
With a stable economy and rock-bottom real estate bargains, this country has caught the eye of investors and ex-pats looking for scenic locales and tranquility. Once torn by civil strife, conditions have reversed and improved to the point it’s now a tourism destination for in the know and savvy on Central American affairs.

2. China
With one billion, three hundred million inhabitants, the world’s most populous country has awakened from its “sleeping giant” image to thrust its presence onto the world scene with a vengeance. Authentic Chinese food, not that “cloned” stuff you get at the chain franchises, awaits you in a variety and abundance that must be experienced to be believed. The Chinese eat and drink things that will absolutely amaze and astound you – and they make it look good too. From the world renowned Great Wall, the only man-made structure visible from outer space, to vast stretches of seemingly as yet unexplored country, even the Chinese are still turning up discoveries and treasures in their own midst.

1. Argentina
It takes two to Tango as they say. If you want to try your hand at Argentina’s national pastime, here’s definitely the place. For meat lovers this is paradise as the beef here is among the best in the world and certainly the best in South America. The beef here is not only great, but there’s plenty of it and it’s cheap by U.S. and European standards. Gauchos, as Argentine cowboys are called, still abound on the grassy pampas and plains that comprise most of the country. There are tours, “tenderfoot” home stays at ranches and plenty of open spaces for a roundup of experiences that’ll leave you wanting more. Be sure to wash down all that succulent tender roast beef with locally produced wines that are surprisingly good at even more surprisingly affordable prices.

So there you have it, the top ten travel destinations for 2006. Where would you like to go this year? Forget the “old favorites” temporarily. Step out; try something new and different for a change. Fish for Piranha in the Amazon region of Colombia, or Bull sharks off its Pacific coast. Explore China’s historical, cultural and epicurean delights. Oomph, Pah, Pah your way through Germany’s scores of different sausages and hundreds of varieties of malted brews. Carve an original ice sculpture in Quebec City, laughing at the record cold temperatures all the way. Fish or canoe one of Canada’s unspoiled lakes with water so pure you can drink it. Whichever direction the wind blows you, you’re bound to enjoy experiences and sights to last a lifetime.

By: Larry M. Lynch

About the Author:

Like any other society, Latin culture is one that is embedded with traditions, values and celebrations. Of all the different attributes that are associated with Latinos, there is no question that passion and romance are considered to be two of the most intriguing.

If you are of Latin descent and are interested in seeking a relationship with another Latin man or woman, there are many ways you can go about creating the perfect romantic dating experience, that both you and your date should be able to enjoy with no strings attached.

The following are a few ideas of how you can create romance on your dates:

Dinner – Dinner is always a perfect dating choice, because you can make it as casual or romantic as you would like it to be. It all depends on where you go, and the way you act during the meal. If you are interested in being romantic at dinner, listen intently to what your date has to say, take his or her hand from across the table, look them in the eyes and be honest when you express yourself. However, you should keep in mind that romance can be interpreted as an invitation to sex, or even make the other person feel uncomfortable if they are interested in taking it slow. Therefore, be a tasteful romantic and know when to draw the line. For although you want to capture your dates interest, you dont want to make them feel uncomfortable in the process.

Dancing – Dancing is a great way for you to have fun, while still getting to know and remaining close to your date. Going to a club, or attending Latin dancing is how you can keep the romance freely escalating without having any further expectations hanging in the air.

Walking – You would be surprised to discover the power behind a nice leisurely walk. There is something truly magical about making nature apart of your date. Although not everyone is fortunate enough to have a beach close to them, there is sure to be parks, waterfronts and old fashioned neighbourhoods awaiting your footsteps. Holding hands and talking on an evening stroll, watching the sunset in silence, and gazing up at the stars, are just some of the ways you can use simple beauty to add to the romantic atmosphere of your date.

Due to the fact that traditions are an important part of Latin culture, dating someone of your same ethnic background is usually a plus when it comes to family relations, especially if you are interested in perusing a serious relationship with your dating partner.

Nevertheless, despite your dating intentions, there are many ways you can make your dating experience a beautiful time that you can truly enjoy who knows where a little romance can take you.

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