Life in SA

[Kiltboy1]

Man

Where do we get these guys. When I hear a Gringo that is thinking about going to Colombia say "I AM NOT OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY", that is exactly the guy I do not want to get near at all. My friend, those that have thought like you have always come back with bad stories, Colombia is Colombia  and it does not matter what city you go to, you need to be concerned about safety and even the most dangerous city here in the US is safer then Colombai in general. Those statistics you put up have no revelance as the USA and Colombia are like night and day. You can lesson  the danger by picking a more secure city and taking common sence precautions , but as a guy with 20+ trips to colombia, 3 to venezuela, 2 to the DR and 5 to Ecuador, you can bet your sweet ars that i am ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOTU SAFETY ! and I am a 6:30, 200 LB guy , byt that does not stop a pistol which in cali is like popcorn and i have personaly seen a guy shot dead in the head there.

Man

[bp]

When I hear a Gringo that is thinking about going to Colombia say "I AM NOT OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY", that is exactly the guy I do not want to get near at all.

Whoa...I emphasized the "overly" in my original message. What I mean is that I'm not going to look at murder rates and think, "Oh, god, I'm going to die." I'm going to think more about what the numbers mean, and how I can avoid that kind of trouble for myself. I've lived in some pretty dodgy places, and I always played it safe.

With that in mind, Cali is looking less attractive to me, and Medellin is looking a bit nicer.

However, the big picture is this, I openly admit that I don't know about life in Colombia, and I need to learn more so I can spend a year or two there and stay out of trouble. This community is one of the ways that I hope to educate myself in that regard.

[soltero]

Whoa...I emphasized the "overly" in my original message. What I mean is that I'm not going to look at murder rates and think, "Oh, god, I'm going to die." I'm going to think more about what the numbers mean, and how I can avoid that kind of trouble for myself. I've lived in some pretty dodgy places, and I always played it safe.

With that in mind, Cali is looking less attractive to me, and Medellin is looking a bit nicer.

However, the big picture is this, I openly admit that I don't know about life in Colombia, and I need to learn more so I can spend a year or two there and stay out of trouble. This community is one of the ways that I hope to educate myself in that regard.

I have never understood what viewing statistics will do for anyone besides give them a false sense of whatever. If you have lived in "dodgy" places already, then you already know that stuff is worthless. It's the same all over. Don't live in the poorest part of town, and you should be ok for the most part. Medellin, Cali, Bogota, none of that matters. Go where what you want exists and work the other stuff out after you get there. Most of the folks telling you Cali is so dangerous haven't even been there. Of course it is dangerous, but no moreso than anywhere else if you get caught slipping. You would not have to worry about the neighborhood sicarios nor the political murders if you stay away from that stuff. I don't know where you live now, but I am sure the nightly news is full of people getting killed that has absolutely nothing to do with you. Danger is relative, and subjective to your own common sense or lack of it, and whether or not you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time AND how you react to that situation.

You could take two different guys and place them in the same situations and one will be comfortable and the other will be shaking and telling you how dangerous a place is. If you are truthful about your own level of sense, then it doesn't matter how dangerous something may have appeared to the next guy. I have never had a problem in Cali day or night, and I went most places day or night when I wasn't with a young lady by myself. I would do the same in any other city anywhere in the world.

[bp]

soltero, would you mind telling me about the places in Colombia where you've lived/visited and how you compare them to each other? I'm looking to know about much more than the danger, but what the day-to-day living would be like in the various cities.

[soltero]

soltero, would you mind telling me about the places in Colombia where you've lived/visited and how you compare them to each other? I'm looking to know about much more than the danger, but what the day-to-day living would be like in the various cities.

As far as Colombia, I have only been to Cali and Bogota. I liked Bogota because of the weather which was around the high to mid 60s most of the time, but that was the only plus it had over Cali. The women in Bogota are not my type, but that is not to say there were not many beautiful women there, I just prefer the Calenas and Costenas over the rest of the Colombianas in general. As far as day to day living in any Colombian city, I would suspect it to be slow. If you aren't having to hustle up pesos, then your days will probably be lazy ones compared to here. "Ahora" which means "Now" means "whenever I get to it" in Colombia. The most I ever spent at one time in Colombia was 3 months, and it was great. I stayed in Cali and basically spent my time going out with different women and having a good time. I really don't know how I can tell you living there might be, because I was fully aware I was on vacation and could do what I wanted when I wanted. If you have any specific questions I can answer, I will try to do my best.

[bp]

I just prefer the Calenas and Costenas over the rest of the Colombianas in general.

Can I ask why? And who are the Costenas?

"Ahora" which means "Now" means "whenever I get to it" in Colombia.

*L*

[Patrick]

BP,

Now that I know what your interest is, you make much more sense.  IMHO, you should select Cali as your destination.  It's probably going to have much more international match making activity than any of the other cities.

[soltero]

Can I ask why? And who are the Costenas?

Observe the two images below. Saying my "type" was not exactly accurate. More my preference. I tend to gravitate to women between the below shades when it comes to complexion and features. You will find these women just like the others all over Colombia, but you will find them more in abundance in Cali and along the Coast (thus, Costenas), such as in Baranquilla and Cartagena.

[bp]

IMHO, you should select Cali as your destination.  It's probably going to have much more international match making activity than any of the other cities.

So how is the activity different? I'm getting that there's more agencies there, but is it a good place for reputable agencies? For example, I get the impression that Latin Life Mates and Colombian Introductions are providing a service that is much more personalized and that's where I should be looking. What do you think?

Observe the two images below...

gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

[utopiacowboy]

If you are looking for the city with the most agency activity, it's going to be Cali hands down. Medellin has little agency activity and some of that may be ascribed to the attitude of many of the paisas who wouldn't be caught dead in an agency. Yet they'll post their profiles on an internet dating site, so go figure.

[Dan Las Vegas]

I would have to put my vote with Utopia cowboy, I've been to medellin three times so far this year and each time I enjoy it more, I'll be going back again in a few weeks, the city really grows on you.  But I also have to agree with Kiltboy that it is still colombia, I don't let my guard down when walking about the city and pay attention at all times to my surroundings.  The weather is fantastic in my humble opinion, the people are warm and friendly for the most part and the women are incredibly beautiful. I for one, love the paisa "look".  Of course, I'm a little biased as my novia lives in Medellin.  I would suggest you take a trip first to explore some of the different cities mentioned so far in this thread prior to making any decision. Good luck and have fun no matter what you decide to do

[utopiacowboy]

Who needs more of an enticement to go to Medellin than seeing Dan with his lovely girlfriend?

[bp]

It sounds like Cali is the place to go for agencies, but Medellin is a much nicer place to live.

What about Bogota, Cartagena, and Barranquilla? What is the agency presence like there?

[Kiltboy1]

With the exception of Cali Charm, I do not think there is really any reputable agencies in Cali. Now there are lots of agencies, but I have heard very few good stories about them. That is how the industry has splintered. They may be 1-2 agencies in cali that are above board, 1 in medellin that I have been to. 1-2 in barranquilla that are legit and maybe 2 in bogota. If agencies are your target, they're really are no cities that are better then the other. cali has the reputation for the agencies, but that was from 4-10 years ago, it is not the same there now.

KB

[Researcher]

   Well bp, I see you like statistics...just remember that statistics are like bikinis...they reveal alot while hiding important areas.....where ever you go just use common sense.One of the most important skills I learned while travelling is how to blend in.If you walk around in a baseball cap, Tshirt and shorts with brand new white Reeboks and a camera around your neck.....people are probably gonna know that you are a tourist.....

[bp]

Well bp, I see you like statistics...just remember that statistics are like bikinis...they reveal alot while hiding important areas.....

As Mark Twain once said, "There's three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

[P Daddy]

bp,

If I were you, I'd pick a very "liveable" city such as Medellín to use as my home base.  Since Medellín has little to offer in terms of agencies, you may have to spend some time in other cities that have a stronger agency presence.  Travel within Colombia is relatively painless (especially air travel) with an abundance of flights available.  If you will be on a tighter budget, bus travel would be a good alternative.  There are plenty of apartments available for rent in each of the major cities.

You indicated that this might be a 2 year experience for you, so from my experience in Colombia, spending time in various cities should help you achieve your research goals.

I've been to all of the major cities, and own property in two of them, so if you have any questions please fire away.  As far as trips made to Colombia over the years, I lost count after 65, so I do have a little experience under my belt.

Good luck and study that Spanish, it is paramount for any gringo who plans to spend any significant time in Latin America.

[Gator]

 

Jumping in late it would be Bogotá or Medellin.  La Costa is too damn hot and humid.  Mrs. Gator, from Cali, and I live in Bogotá now for some time and before that Cali.  Tried Cartagena, which we love to visit, but that lasted less than six months.   Two years with out making a decision is a very wise choice.

[bp]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice. It's been rather helpful.

As it stands, I think I might focus primarily on Bogotá. It seems to have the most to offer, and apparently the climate is pretty good too. I was pretty surprised when I saw       the altitude. It's 2,000ft. higher than Mt. Washington. I'm glad it's also close to the equator.

Can anyone tell me what the environment is like? Even though it has the same pop as NYC, it has 1/7th the pop density. Is it safe to say that smog and whatnot isn't as much as a problem? What about water treatment?

[Researcher]

  I will be returning to Bogota this month for the 7th or 8th time this year( I kinda lost count ) and I have yet to have any problems with the quality of water there.I am always careful about that when I travel but have always experienced some upset stomach problems.I think you will like the weather there from your posts.I've never seen it really hot there but I have seen it cold.

[pan de bono]

funny how every one has their own opinion on where to live in SA and how much a person needs to live in SA.
infact about a year agao i was talking to a friend about living in SA and he told me that a person could live comfortably in Cali for aboput $12k a year. then someone else said you need at least 15K a year, now Kiltboy says minimum $20k a year. hmm?
i guess everyones life style is different, im sure there are people that can go to Cali and live on $12k a year but knowinbg americans and the life style they are used to living i think Kiltboy is closer to the right price. there are people living in the US on 20 and 25k so im sure a person could do ok in Cali on 20k.
i have never tried it so im only guessing. Is there anyone on this board presently living in cali and about how much would you say is needed to live a comfortable life?

[bp]

I have yet to have any problems with the quality of water there.I am always careful about that when I travel but have always experienced some upset stomach problems.

If not the water, then why do you have stomach problems?

Also, can anyone comment on salsa dancing in Bogotá? I know it's really hot in Cali, but I don't know much/anything about the local culture in Bogotá. Anyway, one of my friends has started to teach me some salsa, and it would be cool to keep it going at a hot spot when I get there.

[Researcher]

If not the water, then why do you have stomach problems?

Also, can anyone comment on salsa dancing in Bogotá? I know it's really hot in Cali, but I don't know much/anything about the local culture in Bogotá. Anyway, one of my friends has started to teach me some salsa, and it would be cool to keep it going at a hot spot when I get there.

Well, here's the thing about the water.When I was travelling abroad for a job I had it was always advised to not drink the water...or eat anything that had been washed in the water...and also to be careful in the shower and teeth brushing, etc....I have found that no matter how hard I tried, if I spent more than 2 weeks somewhere I always slip and ingest water somehow.I just spent alot of time in the bathroom until I got acclimated to it. ....and also in alot of places I travelled I made sure if I ate meat that it was fully cooked.One guy I worked with in Mexico came back with E-coli...
         But with the water, I just make sure I carry some immodium with me and if I can get it while I'm there, there is an antibiotic called Eskapar that is better because it actually kills the bacteria that makes you sick...immodium just treats the symptoms....
         The sanitary conditions in Bogota seems better than most places I've been.I've never seen raw sewage running in the street like in Mexico City....

         Keep up the salsa dancing if you like it.I'm sure you will have alot of opportunities to do it while you are there...

[bp]

Well, here's the thing about the water.

Should I look into iodine or H2O-purification tabs?

I just spent alot of time in the bathroom until I got acclimated to it.

got acclimated to the water, or to spending lots of time in the bathroom?

Seriously though, how long does it take to get acclimated to it?

And what is in the water anyway?

[fathertime]

got acclimated to the water, or to spending lots of time in the bathroom?

Seriously though, how long does it take to get acclimated to it?

And what is in the water anyway?

Not many things worse than moaning on the pot with semi-explosive and foul diarrhea.  That pretty much ends all romantic interludes for the evening.  Each time I went to BAQ. I suffered mightly regardless of how I tried to prevent myself from swallowing any water. 

I brought some Cipro my doctor prescribed but I decided not to take it and just suffer and attempt to treat the symptoms with that pink crap on the shelves of the supermarket. 

Have never had any problems in Cali though and I have been exposed to the same type stuff there, pools,drinks, showers, etc...

Fathertime!