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Testimonials
“Staying at Betty's Place made the best trip of my life that much better. Betty and her staff made our stay so nice. It felt just like home. It was my first trip back to Colombia since my adoption from FANA 20 years ago. My Dad brought me back as a gift to me. It was the best gift that I will ever receive. We did everything that I wanted to accomplish on our trip. Betty made our trip much easier with maps, drivers and advice. She is an amazing woman. I recommend that anyone that stays in Colombia should stay with her. I hope that she stays open for another 15 years so that when I bring my family to Colombia we can stay at Betty's Place. Thank You so much. ” Nicholas & Ken Paulic “As a gift for graduating from college, my father took me to Colombia to return to my native country. I was adopted 23 years ago and hadn't been back. My trip was beyond amazing! From the moment I stepped out of the airport and met Jorge Rico to the "goodbye cake" from Betty, I never stopped having the time of my life. Betty made my father and me feel at home which is a common statement, I'm sure. But this fact was important because I felt safe in a country that I hadn't been sure what to think of previously. My father and I did everything we could in the two weeks we were there including the salt mines, the coffee and orchid plantations, flying to Cartagena and staying at a five star hotel, touring Bogota and seeing all the places my dad remembered, and my favorite part, returning to FANA to play with the children and presenting a child to her parents. Colombia is a BEAUTIFUL country with amazing people! There isn't a day that goes bye that I don't wish I was still there. I now feel like I have a piece of me that was missing before. I was adopted by the best two parents in the world but feeling, experiencing and tasting Colombia has helped me know a fundamental part of myself. I encourage anyone to go visit and would be more than happy to talk about my experiences further! Thank you Betty and crew, too!” Jennifer Brancato (and Vito Brancato) New York “Words alone cannot describe the thanks we have for Betty Castillo. Known as 'Aunt Betty' to all the children who have been blessed to spend time with her, Betty and her husband Raffa (as well as Nicci, Okenis and all of the others at Betty's Place), made Colombia as close to home as possible. From keeping everyone busy to organizing shopping trips to making sure everyone is well fed and safe, we cannot imagine spending a month in Colombia without Betty's help. We all know Betty does not like 'goodbyes' so we are not saying goodbye to her now but only 'see you later' because we sincerely hope to see her again.” The Rottaris Family New York “I know hundreds of families who have stayed at Betty's Place, and I have also had the pleasure. I know that everyone heartily agrees: from the moment a family arrives, the fear of the unknown and of being alone so far from home are removed. Betty and her wonderful staff make you feel that you have a second home in Bogota!” Marcia Abel Minnesota “Families of FANA of Western New York have recommended Betty's Place for over 15 years. The family atmosphere along with the support of Betty Castillo offer security to the new families being made through adoption. In addition to comfortable rooms and excellent food, Betty's Place offers a variety of activities for families to get to know Bogota and the surrounding areas. With over 350 happy families, we can truly recommend Betty's Place for an outstanding experience while in Bogota.” Jerri Wegner Families of FANA WNY “We just came back from a wonderful trip to Bogota. Betty's Place was just the right family friendly environment for us. We rested and relaxed in between exciting and stimulating day trips to very beautiful spots in and around Bogota. Betty's staff is warm,friendly, reliable and knowledgeable. Our needs were met from our 12 year old daughter to 80 year old grandpa! We couldn't have been taken care of better. And as a result we have all fallen a little in love with Colombia!” Jesse, age 16: “Go! I think every person should go and learn about their culture. I learned about the food,about the people and a little about the history” Amalia, age 12: “It was fun especially the Salt Cathedral. Betty's place was very welcoming” The Wolbergs Massachusetts “One of the reasons we chose to stay at Betty's Place is because we heard so much about BETTY. Now, having been there, we agree more than we can say. The rooms were fine. The meals were great. The house was clean and the staff so friendly. But the thing that made the overall difference was BETTY. Because if ever there was a problem (Jules having a seizure, Craig having a cold, Antoinette getting sick) this wonderful woman named BETTY was right in the middle helping in any way she could. If ever we wanted to do anything, BETTY helped us to do it. It is no wonder that so many people call her AUNT BETTY... because it is like being at home, even though it's thousands of miles away. Only AUNT BETTY would call us the day after we returned to Canada to make sure we got home safely.” The Poston Family Ontario, Canada “Your hospitality is impeccable.” The Mack Family Minnesota “Thank you cannot express our gratitude for your daily loving concern.” The Cullen Family New York “The best place to stay in Bogota. Betty and Raffa Castillo and the staff know how to care for families. They offer much emotional support to adoptive families.” The Surace Family New York “Your residence provides a home away from home where we are lovingly and lavishly taken care of. Betty has never met a stranger! And you make us first time Moms feel that we can do it.” The Cini Family Australia “Thank you for just being there always. Your hospitality, friendship and advice helped us make it through the first days as parents.” The McLaughlin Family New York “Thank you for your support and friendship and for being part of one of the most important moments of our lives.” The Wenn Family Canada “There aren't enough words in either language to tell you how wonderful and helpful you were. We couldn't imagine the first few days without you.” The Schauer Family Virginia “We've found a second home in Betty's Place. From day one of our stay till our last, we enjoyed our time there. Can't imagine staying anywhere else. ” The Hammett Family New York “Thank you for welcoming us into your life, your house and your heart.” The Matthew Family New York “We always felt welcome and comfortable, and nothing seemed out of reach with you leading the 'troops.' “ The Heide Family New York “You helped make our stay terrific. Your hosting and entertaining the couples during the adoption process is so important.” The DeLuca Family Canada “Few people come into your heart so fast. Your warmth, humor, energy and compassion are gifts. Thank you for making this very important moment a great memory.” The Buccieri Family New York “Thank you so much for everything, your friendship, Hospitality, laughter, and so much more. We treasure our visit to Colombia and times with you.” The Morin Family New York “You made our trip to Bogotá even more special, going out of your way to make us comfortable, entertained, and well fed.” The Wallace Family Washington, DC “You helped make this a trip of a lifetime, you will always be in our thoughts and hearts.” The Cofone Family Maryland “Another great experience in Bogotá, and can’t wait to return.” The Dzmian Family New York “Thank you for making this special moment of our lives here in Bogotá, unforgettable.” The Deprez Family France “You are a great hostess, and Betty’s Place is truly a wonderful home away from home.” The Backstrom Family Norway “Betty's Place offered us a home away from home. The peace, support and care provided by Betty and her staff helped us enjoy and welcome our two babies (now 3 and 1 years old) at such important transition times for our family that we cannot say enough about the service. The first child experience at Betty's was a warm and humurous baby boot camp with outings to explore the cities of Bogota and Medellin; the second was discovering all the wonderful things that Colombia has to offer a three year old, while sneaking in a trip into a colonial village in the Andes with amazing dinosaur fossils and experiencing true Colombian fine dining. While those two stays at Betty's were very different, she made sure that we found our way to balance family rearing with unforgettable Colombian experiences.” The Bettger Family Washington, DC. “Betty, you and your staff took such good care of us. You made us feel so welcome, and at home during a time that can be somewhat overwhelming, unselfishly giving of yourselves over and over again. Please know that we are forever grateful, and miss Betty's Place!” Nancy Casagrande-Koeller and Family New York “Betty's Place is more than a place to stay while you are waiting. It's like staying in your moms or best friends home while you become new parents. Betty provides the love and support you and you child needs as you begin to experience the love, joys and challenges of becoming parents. Betty provides all the answers to the many questions that can "pop" up too. Being with Betty is something I will cherish and share with my daughter Sarah for the rest of my life.” The Foti Family New York “Betty's Place is more than a residence. It is like living with extended family!! What a unique and wonderful experience!! Betty is a special person who opens her home (and her BIG heart) to all of us. Betty's staff works diligently to meet the needs of the families and the meals and desserts are AWESOME!! We feel blessed to know Betty and encourage other families to experience Colombia with Aunt Betty!!” The Lightfield Family Maryland

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