New members of Colombia forum, introduce yourself here — 4th quarter of 2015

I am a German who has lived in the US since the 80's. I am in my early 50's, single, self employed so can work from anywhere in the world. I have a good understanding of Spanish but need to practice and would want to take intentise Spanish classes. Love the Latin culture and the emphasis on family. The only other country I am considering is Chile.

Frank

I am coming to Medellin on Nov 4th to look at properties to buy and meet with some expats to become friends and discuss the lifestyle there because I am planning to move there within the next couple of years. If you are interested in meeting with me for a cup of coffee or a cold beverage I would love to hear back from you, Steve

Hello to everyone,

I am Russian with Georgian roots currently living in Barranquilla. Moved here 1.5 years ago together with my husband. Our babygirl Luna of 1yo was born here. As of now I am starting my own businesses in the areas of social entrepreneurship and kids education. Would be great to meet expats here and make some meaningful connections.

Let's keep in touch,
Manana

I have lived in metro Medellin for 10 years now; I'm a professional journalist (40 years experience) and this year I just launched Medellin Herald (medellinherald.com), a mainly business-oriented news/advisory web-site that targets a more-mature audience, including those investing here and living (or planning to live) in Medellin, as well as for those with family here. Medellin Herald is NOT for backpackers, short-term adventurers or those interested in illicit ventures. Instead, it is for those who want to do positive things here, including starting legitimate businesses and/or volunteering for noble works (not for political posturing) here. Saludos, Roberto Peckham, editor, Medellin Herald

Hi!! My name's Sheena, I'm moving to Bucaramanga, next Jan '16. Quite excited but nervous as well. I'm from New Zealand! Never been to South America before... I will be an English Teacher (intern) at a school called Divino Nino Bilingual school. My Spanish is not so good, I studied it at University, but that was a few years ago now. I struggle a bit... But i am optimistic it will improve a ton! Anyway , nice to meet you all, hope to get in touch with anyone living in Bucaramanga, will be great to socialise with some expats, and colombian locals too

I'm Jeff 57 yo from San Diego CA, came here late Sept for 5 weeks and just extended my trip 2 months. Met someone and considering moving here. I too work online, get paid in dollars and can operate from anywhere in the world with internet. Just came to Medellin to relax, work and have a change of scenery, but now looking into a move and everything it entails. I will stay until I am at least fluent in Spanish and beyond that, I will see. I really love this city and the people. Cost of living compared to California is appealing too but that is not everything.

Hi everyone I'm Ben from Canada - 32 years old, now living in Bogota.

I came here a few months ago to open a business here (marketing), and still very much getting use
to the cultural change.

Really enjoying it so far and always looking to meet new people, so feel free to send me a message.
-Ben

Hello all!! My name is Brad and am currently living in Crystal River, FL (hour north of Tampa) with my wife of 12 years, Lina. I am 43 and was born and raised in Florida. My wife was born and raised in Cali and came to the U.S. to visit some of her family that have taken residency here. We met through a friend, hit it off, and she never went back home!! It was a huge decision for her to leave her job and the rest of her family to make a new life with me in th U.S. Now, after 14 years of our life together here, we are considering moving to Colombia. My first visit was this past summer to her hometown of Cali. (Yes I feel bad it took me that long to meet the rest of the family) I really enjoyed the culture and we visited many different places within a two hour drive. She has more family in Medellin that we didn't have time to see. My dislikes in Cali were the horrible traffic, pollution, and the constant noise of the downtown apartment we stayed in. I have been told Medellin is much different and closer to the life I am used to in Tampa. We plan to come to Medellin November 22nd for over a week to check it out. My wife has not been there for 20 years, but like I said she does have some family connections. If anyone can help us out while we are there it would be so appreciated!! I have done research on housing and some of the legalities, but have a lot to learn. Her family can only give me a native's perspective, so I really need to meet some xpats that have already made the transition!! I will buy the beer!

Thank you for posting the website Medellin Herald! Great info and advise.

In Cali it can depend on the barrio, where my wife's family lives in Ciudad Capri it is as quiet or quieter than the quiet neighborhood I live in here in the States.  Late at night/early morning you can sometimes hear only occasionally the haunting call of the Common Potoo (unless it's un dia festivo then there's liable to be music!)

You will probably be surprised to know that Cali's pollution is the second least in Latin American cities according to the World Health Organization:

http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/cali/no … s-polucion

From the heights of Cristo Rey looking down on the city of Cali it is often quite clear, and when it is hazy it is more just atmospheric conditions than pollution.

Many people do sing the praises of Medellín as being the most advanced and having the best climate in all of Colombia among big cities.

Thanks for the info Osage. Cristo Rey was the most beautiful view of Cali, especially at night. We stood up there for over an hour!

My name is Sharon and I am considering moving to Cartagena. I plan to retire in about 8 years and I have visited Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta .I sponsor children in these cities and fell in love with the people and culture when I visited.

I'm from the USA, presently living in Chiang mai, Thailand, moving to Medellin in Feb.

Hello how ae you? i living in Pereira

I am planning to retire when I complete the project I am on, probably within several weeks.  Then I plan on traveling to find where I want to be, to take classes to improve my basic/intermediate Spanish, and a CELTA course to learn to teach English.  I will be living on Social Security WELL above the levels required in most Latin American countries but well below Mexico's pensionado requirements.    I am interested in teaching English, more to have a door into the community and to have something to do rather than for the money.  I could see myself doing it on a volunteer basis for a while or indefinitely if the cost of living is low enough. 

My ideal place would be at about 1500 meters in altitude to moderate both heat and cold. Oh, and yes, when I find such a lovely place (or places), I will think of meeting the local ladies.

Hello! I'm so happy to find this forum! My name is Hannah and I will be moving to Cartagena in about 3 weeks and I am more than excited, though I have never been to Colombia. Does anyone have any advice/recommendations for me? I am 26 years old, outgoing, adventurous, super friendly, and I speak Spanish. I still do not have accommodation arranged, but I am looking at the moment. I would love to hear about anyone's experience in Cartagena, and perhaps some places that I can't miss, advice on saving money there, info about public transportation, etc. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi Sheena, this is Carole from Canada.  I have been in Bucaramanga for about 6 weeks now.  This is a busy place, lots of traffic, noisy, and the people are great.  i  was in Medellin before but Bucaramanga has a different vibe as its smaller and has few foreigners. 

I have worked in tourism for a long time, twenty of those years in South America and the Caribbean.  I speak fluent Spanish and understand the culture very well.  Currently I have a seasonal job in Canada, so I am in South America for a few months over the Canadian winter..After a couple of tries elsewhere, Colombia is the place for me.  The Spanish spoken in Colombia is easily understood and they are patient if you ask them to repeat.   People are friendly and hospitable,

Having worked in several countries, I learned the hard way to be patient and have an open mind.  Please don't take the bus with all those suitcases.   Make sure that someone is waiting for you (with a sign with your name) at Bucaramanga airport.  Best wishes, I'm sure you'll do okay here.     Carole

Hi,

I invite you to follow this topic on this new thread:
https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=553877

Thanks!