Bucaramanga

adrienne79 says on Apr 12, 2009, 16:43:

I know what you mean. We just got back from Medellin and I really enjoyed our time there but not enough to move there.

In Bucaramanga, the climate is nice. People are friendly and there are too many gringos running around town with prostitutes like in other places. Bucaramanga is large but small at the same time...not sure how to explain but it is small enough that we run into someone we know almost everytime we are out and about. Cost of living is low but so are wages in comparison to other large places in Colombia. Traffic is a nightmare for now...atleast until they get the metrolinia built.

I am teaching in the same school as last year, fewer grade levels though. Sry, but I don't feel comfortable to put the name out there on the www. I am very happy with my position this year. I think you mentioned you are certified in the US, if so you should check into Panamericano.

Why are you thinking of moving?

0 funny, 2 helpful.

vicshere says on Apr 12, 2009, 16:43:

come back next week when all the buses trucks motos and cars are running and take a deep breath...you will change your mind fast

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Philly says on Apr 12, 2009, 17:09:

Traffic, I think that is Colombian in general. Thanks for your comments. yes, we are seriously thinking about it. In Cucuta, you can not drive a moto past 11 pm and it is very dirty and unorganized. I have been waiting for my license plate for 3 months now. I guess I want a better situation for my family. My wife went to College there and just loves it. I just do not want to take her word from it.

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JGD (☼Travelguide writer) says on Apr 12, 2009, 19:31:

Robert Jorge says on Apr 12, 2009, 22:27:

Lived in Villao for several months. Best time of my life.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Timba says on Apr 13, 2009, 04:29:

I think it was two years ago that Colombia, specifically Bucaramanga was #1 on the UN list for landmine deaths.
I guess you take solace that it was not tourists but farmers that happened onto the mines.

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Apr 13, 2009, 05:34:

"In Bucaramanga, the climate is nice. People are friendly and there are too many gringos running around town with prostitutes like in other places. "

Hmm im surprised you saw any of this in Bucaramanga, especially because there are no direct flights from the states for that type of hyjinxs.

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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durito2 says on Apr 13, 2009, 06:07:

i think that sentence is missing a "not"

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Philly says on Apr 13, 2009, 09:34:

Thanks for the info. I need more specifics. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. If I decide to make the move, I will be buyibg a house and will be there for awhile. Thanks

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JGD (☼Travelguide writer) says on Apr 13, 2009, 09:38:

www.alianzaenlinea.com/

http://estebanrios.com/

http://clasificados.vanguardia.com/

You are worried the US is going to invade and take the Venezuelan oil?... you are selling everything to them !!Peruvian Pres. Alan Garcia to Chavez

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Haddeman says on Apr 13, 2009, 10:31:

Bucaramanga women are reputed to be the most assertive, or stroppy ,if you prefer, in Colombia.I have no personal experience of this although they would have to be muy bravo to compete with Mrs Haddeman.

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vicshere says on Apr 13, 2009, 10:47:

stubborn ..... man your said it in a nutshell

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adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Apr 13, 2009, 11:09:

adrienne79 says on Apr 13, 2009, 15:22:

"there are too many gringos running around town with prostitutes like in other places"

Ooops! Yes, that was a mistake. It should read. There aren't too many gringos running around town with prostitutes like in other places.

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HToma says on Apr 13, 2009, 16:41:

Why don't you just rent a place for 6 months and give Bucaramanga a shot. My wife was born and raised there and she turned out beautiful inside and out. :) I visited... following cities in Colombia and this is my first impression of each city.
Bogota-typical busy city. I could not personally say I want to live there after I retire. Too cold.... not enough air. No ocean.
Cucuta-city of trees, hot-people seems to be very friendly. close to Venezuela and I am not sure if that's good or bad. No ocean
Pamplona-very nice city, but also on the cool side.
Cartagena-colombia tourist capital-many different visitors, many available condos, soon to have American Embasy. Ocean, but the water is not too clear. Warm seas. Old city is very cool.
Villavicencio-hot hot hot, great veal BBQ.... waaay too far from the Ocean.
Porta Lopez-Hot hot.. great catfish dishes..
Chia-Andreas Carne reys.. great restaurant and fun.
My Santa Marta-I believe this city has best of all cities. This is my choice of retirement location.

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quantum says on Apr 15, 2009, 11:16:

Htoma, u like that combination of old colonial soul and tropical beaches/warm water dontcha? Me too! But Bucaramanga might just be a better place to go honey huntin.........

quantum

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JGD (☼Travelguide writer) says on Apr 15, 2009, 11:24:

CelticAce88 says on Jul 8, 2009, 05:15:

Mrs Ace is from Bucaramanga (Floridablanca) and she is not at all stroppy!

I want to move to Santander - perhaps around La Mesa de los Santos - a beautiful and cooler part of Santander

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rjstuff says on Jul 8, 2009, 08:32:

I agree with HToma - just rent for 6 months or more and then decide if its OK or not. We will be looking at Bucaramanga in Dec. and then decide to move in a year or two - when (and if) we do - I will not buy a house, instead just rent for at least 6 months and then decide on whether to keep renting, buy or even to stay or not to stay there. My number one reason for choosing Bucaramanga is - it's not too hot nor cold (and its not a very big city). Good Luck

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aztec says on Jul 8, 2009, 14:07:

vicshere since you live in Bucaramanga maybe you can give me your opinion of Ritoque Golf Club. Any information about the residences surrounding the club?

http://www.ruitoquegolf.com/

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JGD (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2009, 14:15:

aztec says on Jul 9, 2009, 06:33:

Trying to get a handle on that. Expensive is relative. Is the area a gated community? Is it a closed compound where one never see/interact with the "common" man? (Please don't take that as a value judgment) I was born very poor and still retain some of those same fears and characteristics.

Wouldn't desire to move to Colombia and live in isolation but on the other hand I am and look very gringo. Neither do I want to invite trouble.

We so far still believe it it is wiser to live in two worlds. Never burning any bridges to either Country.

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