Portena

JSM says on Jan 3, 2008, 09:55:

Hey. I did the trek maybe a few weeks ago. You can book through Miramar with Turcol BUT: They lie about how many people are going. They have tons of experience b/c they have been doing it for years but the guy told us there were 7 people on the trek. We ultimately didn't go with him but while we were on the trek we did meet up with them and there were 28 people in the group. WAY TOO MANY!

There is now another group that goes called Sierra Tours. You can book through Casa Familiar right down the street from Miramar. They are the same price as the other group so you're not losing there. They give you a packing list but you should know more: It rains, bring a poncho. The bugs are intense so bring a repellent you trust. It was insanely muddy so be prepared. The guides all wear wellington boots. Not totally necessary but it gives you an idea. Everyday your feet will get wet (lots of river-creek crossing), so maybe water sock type shoes would help? It gets chilly at night, bring warm pants and sweater to sleep in for cold and to protect you from bugs (oh and socks, I forgot those)
Its a difficult hike. Even if you love adventure and hiking just know it is hard. I went with my BF who eats this stuff for breakfast and he thought it had its moments of really hard. If you know ahead of time (at least with Sierra Tours) that the guides say 'we leave at 8' and you won't leave till 8:45 or if they say 'it's four hours more' and it's really 5 or six, as long as you know that ahead of time you will feel better prepared.
There are places to shower and freshen up so just a bar of soap and a small towel and sarong might work. feel free to post back in you have any questions.
i posted on my blog about the trek. if you're interested in reading it let me know. i'll just warn you that I'm not an avid hiker so it has a sarcastic annoyed tone to it but if you ignore that it might give you an idea of what each day is like at least!

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scarby558 says on Mar 17, 2008, 17:42:

Hey Portena. Thank you for the comment and it is good to have you as a friend. To answer your question, no I do not have a degree. I have been focusing on traveling and exploring different fields and possibilities for careers. Since the cost of education is so high in the states, I wanted to make sure that I made the correct choice. I have been looking for employment in Colombia, specifically Bucaramanga. I have a background in teaching so I thought it would be appropriate. Luckily, I just found a job and I start in 2 weeks!! :)
And what about you? Where do you live in the USA? What do you do? Any recommendations for places to visit in Colombia?

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Portena says on Mar 30, 2008, 00:08:

Hi to all my friends here at PBH!

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MaFe says on Apr 14, 2008, 08:14:

Hi Portena, just wanted to say hello.

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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MaFe says on Apr 15, 2008, 14:42:

Hola Portena, gracias por el mensaje, y suerte con las clases de Espanol.

In regards to education...I think it's so important to help people that want to better themselves but don't have the means....and family is very important to me.

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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CatGirl says on Apr 23, 2008, 13:23:

Portena....is that you in the pic? If so...good for you! Nice to see your smiling face

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Portena says on Apr 23, 2008, 21:53:

Sí, es yo en la fotografía. It was taken at Monserrate near the cable car station.

That photo of you with the lion was pretty cool, by the way! I like cats too, but I only hang out with the much smaller, domesticated types.

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CatGirl says on Apr 26, 2008, 17:22:

Thanks Portena :). I have been told that if I was an animal, I would be an Ocelot (personality). Ocelots are the smallest of the wild cats and can hold their ground when needed, in addition to being monogamous. Ironic they are predominantly found in South America. I had no fear back when I took that pic on the Lion, guess I am still the same ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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CatGirl says on May 10, 2008, 08:25:

jajaja...yes Ragdolls are a large Pedigree and sooo loveable. They are called Ragdolls because they go limp when you carry or lift them. A newer cross breed of Birman and Turkish Angora - Purrr

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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CatGirl says on Jun 8, 2008, 19:01:

Hola Amiga - I LOVE your new Avatar! Is that your colt? Please share...looks like a story behind the pic ;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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Portena says on Jun 8, 2008, 20:08:

Thanks, CG. :) That is actually my filly. She is very playful, smart, and inquisitive. Loves hugs, peppermint candies, and carrots.

Is the photo you have as your avatar your cat? Pretty cute!

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CatGirl says on Jun 10, 2008, 19:29:

Glad you liked it! I agree, it is a nice break.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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huskie says on Jun 11, 2008, 05:24:

I love horses!!! Yours is just beautiful
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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huskie says on Jun 12, 2008, 06:05:

I do ride horses, it is one of my favourite things to do. I am planning to retire in Medellin next year, buy a finca and own a couple of nice horses. I have been an equestrian since a very young age.
Cheers friend

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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huskie says on Jun 12, 2008, 13:15:

Would love to own a couple of Andalusians just because they are very gentle, flexible and great for dressage riding, which is what I was trained to do. Cannot ride very well with a western saddle or bareback (Ouch). We will see! It all depends on $$$$$. Yes, paso fino are extemely popular in Colombia.
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Lisa Zee says on Jun 13, 2008, 07:37:

Hi Portena, I like your avatar. Is that picture in the US? very nice, I love horses!

Feliz Navidad!

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 12:15:

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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huskie says on Jul 7, 2008, 09:01:

Hello there, Did you make it to Bogota? Love to hear your experience
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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dwmte7 says on Jul 7, 2008, 11:35:

dona portena....how did i ever over look a lovely lady like you. please accept my apology and accept my sincere friendship......is that you in the pic?

dwmte

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MaFe says on Jul 20, 2008, 12:58:

Feliz Día de Independencia!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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billyb says on Aug 4, 2008, 06:24:

It belongs to my cousin, but when I visit I get to ride since he likes to bite and everybody else is afraid of him. I would love to own him.

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billyb says on Aug 5, 2008, 06:27:

H doesn't try tobite me any more,after we came to an understanding.

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Monpirri says on Oct 3, 2008, 07:32:

It's good to see you again Porteña.

The life spam of a taste bud is ten days

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Lisa Zee says on Oct 3, 2008, 17:18:

Portena: I am so glad you are OK. Wow, that sound awful. I am glad to see you are back.

Feliz Navidad!

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