Do any foreigners ever marry a colombian and then live in Colombia?

NewBoy says on Jan 24, 2006, 12:57:

Met lots of foreigners living in Colombia with wives, but the majority here prefer to stay single and play the field.

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Lowell says on Jan 24, 2006, 13:11:

been here for 5 months I've been married to a Colombiana for 2+ years, now have lived in Colombia for 5 months, expecting a baby girl anytime now. Live away from the big cities, near Pireira.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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MacGringo says on Jan 24, 2006, 13:16:

Thats cool Lowell, this is just what I'm trying to find out. It just seemed that most people who get married are trying to get wife/husband from Colombia to their own country so I'm just trying to hear from people who have got married and stay in Colombia. Thanks.

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CrazyGirlPerez says on Jan 24, 2006, 13:22:

my husband will be coming here, but we are planing to buy a place in Cartagena, to live there some time soon.
maybe half a year here the other there.
but soon i will be living in Colombia

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MacGringo says on Jan 24, 2006, 13:27:

Another thing, what kind of work are you guys doing to keep yourselves in Colombia? How do you make your living?

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 24, 2006, 14:01:

I did that I went to Colombia first (not looking for a husband), met a man that suited me well and got married there...lived in Colombia for 12 years and the only reason we emigrated was because my husband wanted a Masters degree from a gringo university.

Cheers,
Desi


Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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platano says on Jan 24, 2006, 14:17:

I went to Colombia not looking for a significant other... I was living and working in Colombia where I met my wife, and after we married we planned to live in Colombia forever. Built a house in Cauca where we planned to retire to, until one day the armed guys with rubber boots came looking for me and I got scared... (I had been kidnapped once before and didn't want to press my luck or take a chance on a second kidnapping that might not turn out so well.)

We have been living in "el exterior" for 6 long years waiting for the guys in rubber boots to make peace with Uribe. Seems it is going to be a long wait.... a few more years perhaps. I was predicting that peace would break out by last Christmas 2005. I was wrong.plátano

plátano

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Jan 24, 2006, 14:18:

Platano, exactly the same happened to my sister.

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Crazy Eagle says on Jan 24, 2006, 14:52:

go native Dude, check my post called "would you go native?" Many have, many would.

"Caught between the twisted stars the plotted lines the faulty map that brought Colombus to New York." Lou Reed

"The natural rhythm of life is routine punctuated by orgy" Aldous Huxley

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strata2woman says on Jan 24, 2006, 15:25:

I've been married for 37 years to the same gringo guy, and his mantra has been, when the kids marry and I'm ready to retire--"Colombia here we come". Now, mind you that for him it will be easy to make the transition he was a Peace Corp Volunteer — Lived in the poorest areas of the host country — relates well to the locals, rides buses with drivers going against traffic and not lights [our last visit to B/quilla, I was panicky but it didn't face him], enjoys carnaval, drinks cerveza aguila y come butifarras, speaks Spanish, and on top of that his mother-in-law, my mother, have lived with us on and off for 20 years [she doesn't speak English] and they get along well. So, for him living in Colombia won’t be difficult, he’ll make the adjustment, whether we live in strata 1 or strata 8.
However, I don’t recommend for some poor fellow to make the jump into living or moving to Colombia with their spouse unless he or she understands the ups and downs or living in a different culture, much less if you don’t speak the language, also, that it takes a great deal of commitment to each other as well an appreciation and understanding of the people and culture of the country you are moving to. Many Americans have the attitude that their culture is superior to the Latin American culture and they take with them their narrow minded condescending attitude when they visit or live in Latin America, and that my friend is a recipe for failure. Now, regarding the political upheavals in the country, I quote my grandmother "El dia de Morir es uno solo". if you don’t have what it takes then stay home.

Corroncha and proud of it!

Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.
Janis Joplin

- "con sombrero vueltiao y abarcas de tres puntá"

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costajunkie says on Jan 24, 2006, 16:57:

Why not live in Colombia? For most of my life (born here, native, but I also carry an Irish passport), I have lived in the US, except for the times I have schooled and worked abroad (USSR, Ireland, the UK). This of course, doesn't even begin to talk about the places that I have traveled (it is easier to look at a map and point to the places I haven't been). For some reason - and it isn't because I have anything against American women - most of my girlfriends and long-term partners were non-Americans, including my first wife who was a citizen of the former USSR (in case you're wondering, I did this the hard way while a graduate student - there were no mail-order bride businesses in the good ol' USSR, circa 1987). Don't know why - just happened this way...

Once a person has traveled a road such as this like many of the people on this board, one begins to shed his "American skin" and then takes on another identity in relation to the world. The life here in the US - working hard, repeating the same routine over and over again, driving for hours on end, the sterility of it all, with its perfect lawns, perfect buildings, the comforts of society that has no defining social purpose other then to work in order to contribute to and further the GDP of the richest nation on earth... well, for people like me, life here in the US is BORING!!!!!! After awhile, one begins to appreciate the idocyncracies of other places, while not as rich and comfortable like the US, far make up for it in other ways.

I split my time between here and Colombia, about 7 months here, and 5 months there. In Colombia I have a wonderful "esposa" (OK, we're not married, but no one cares, at least the ones that matter), a beautiful baby girl, an apartment, and a life filled with friends and family. I take pleasure in simple things like walking to the grocery store instead of driving, and coming home to a place while I believe to be great, no one I know in the US could imagine how I manage to live there. I enjoy speaking Spanish as a necessity (though I miss English after some time), and learning daily that even though I speak well, there is so much that I still don't know...

I can go on and on... but the people that have lived or are living a life such as this already know what I am talking about.

Problems with mi esposa? No... though she has traveled here, met my family, and finds the US an interesting and beautiful country, she could never imagine leaving her family and friends, and the place she has always known. There are many women like this - don't believe everyone you meet wants a green card. The only problem that she has is that she doesn't like being apart this long (the apartment is for us, but when I must return, she immediately leaves and returns to her crowded family home). I have promised that this will change soon, in the next 5 years, once my kids from my first marriage are older and I am better set financially to pull this off (almost) full-time. I have always kept my promises in the past, so she is happy with what she has and trusts me. In addition, she is happy that our daughter being an American citizen will have the opportunity to go to university in the US, and perhaps have a future here. As far as I'm concerned, she's welcome to it if that's what she will want someday...

... but for me, there is no other future save the one I have in Colombia.

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poco says on Jan 24, 2006, 17:00:

There should be more Hummm,, I’d bet that about half a million Americans would move to or have residences in Colombia with the first group hitting the shores in 2008,, coinciding with the first of the baby boomers reaching early retirement age. I’d say 50,000 per year between the years of 2008 and 2018 is realistic,, maybe more maybe less, plus vacation potential. Mexico was a spot to have a home,,, NOT NOW.

Only one thing keeping this possibility from happening,, it is not safe or stable. If it were only drugs and the possibility of getting caught in the cross fire the problem would be small. The legal and easy availability of drugs has spawned and new class of poor,, not happy,, not at all,, there is a growing class of poor thieves and robbers. Now Colombia has Working Poor and Worthless poor.

If only Colombia could be like some parts of the world,, just get the money and make sure they are happy giving it to you. Gezzzz: Las Vegas has institutionalized this concept.

I’m not a Colombian and I see a HUGE potential for making money and having a good time doing while employing a lot of people.

The shortsightedness of some folks is incomprehensible.

PS: Lowell,, saw your post about the toilet paper being put in a container while dumping food down the drain,,, Ha,, definitely Colombian. I’m putting together a PLUMBING pictorial along with comments and photos. Also,, 5 months is NOT enough time,,, NO WAY,, full time I’d guess you need at least a year. There is a reason for everything,, it may not be obvious or it may not be necessary.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 24, 2006, 21:31:

Costajunkie, I am a little curious where you've lived in the US. All I can say is they must have been places with a lot of white people. You can live in Latin America without leaving the US where people get more enjoyment out of just living.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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kernow62 says on Jan 25, 2006, 06:26:

Well after having my first brush with the high cost of nursing homes (for my mum)and the cost of long term care insurance in the US, not to mention the cost of home care. I'm not ready to retire by any means, and if I don't return to the UK or Ireland whilst still of working age, then ...... Colombia here I come!!

Just curious, how much would it cost to have a lovely Colombiana come into my home in Colombia and wipe my ass, change my adult nappy, and give me a sponge bath? Oh and perhaps help me find my dentures on occasion? If that costs too much how much does a nice nursing home (forgot the Colombian word) cost?

I have never seen such a powerful country treat its sick and elderly so shamefully. We sure are advanced.

Sorry for the rant, I am just pissed off at the moment and under a lot of stress and needed to vent.

Please continue.

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untreated says on Jan 25, 2006, 06:59:

I married a Colombian girl and have lived in Colombia ever since (1978). We often visit our children who now live in the USA but home is here in Santa Marta.
I retired in 2004 with a pension in pesos.

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costajunkie says on Jan 25, 2006, 11:40:

Utopiacowboy: Sorry, but way off target... Lived where there are a lot of white people? Sorry, born on the border of Arizona, California, and Mexico (Yuma, AZ). My youth was spent in a racially-mixed part of Phoenix ("Maryvale", west Phoenix -at that time about 35% Latino and 10% Afican-American, but now almost entirely Latino). In Mexcio, made countless diving trips and excursions up and down the the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coast and through the interior all through college.

If you are talking about now, yeah, nothing but "white" for miles for the most part, but then again I am a developer, building in north Scottsdale and living in one of my homes . I am not doing badly fiancially. Just hope the market doesn't tank or I am going to have to come up with a new plan of action, otherwise I will have to marry her and move her here. I am not sure she would be happy with this - she thinks my house is cold, something like a museum - and my family even colder.

By the way I am not some "newbie" who just arrived in SA for the first time. I met my wife about six years ago (while traveling), and I have been going back and forth since. Before this, I traveled SA extensively. For 2 years I even lived in Ecuador off and on (extended vacations) with a novia there.

"Live in Latin America, but not leave the US"? Sorry, but I strongly disagree with this statement. True, one could choose to live in an area where there are a high concentration of Latinos, but it is not what I am looking for. This country changes people (the way people see you, how they receive you in their home, etc), and I have experienced this many times already (my first wife a point in fact). It is is definitely not the same thing...

Unless you have something else in mind beside the barrios of Phoenix???

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 25, 2006, 11:51:

Interesting post, Costajunkie. I am curious about a couple of things. You seem to be implying that even in areas of the country with majority Latino populations they are made different by virtue of living in the US? Then, I didn't quite understand your last statement about the barrios of Phoenix. Here the population is majority Latino (San Antonio) and this majority is reflected in all income levels and social classes. My last question is do you think Yuma, AZ and west Phoenix are boring? For what it's worth my wife and her kids love living in a small town outside of San Antonio.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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poco says on Jan 25, 2006, 16:25:

Care for the elderly Rural Nursing home, nice, sits on two plus acres, trees, benches, park like grounds. Full time nurse, close to hospital. Private room, outdoor television room, they care for 40 people. Walked by around Christmas,, lots of relatives, looked like a party.

Two years ago it cost 450,000 pesos per month which included food, now,, no more than 550 ? They are full and expect no vacancies.

Want to sign up. They are full and ONLY accept those with pensions. Really,, do you think they want to put a ninety year old out of the street ?

I'd imagine you could get a girl to stop by for a visit for no more than 20,000 pesos. There are women that specialize in caring for the older gentlemen and usually show charity and do it for 15,000.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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costajunkie says on Jan 25, 2006, 18:14:

OK, maybe I was a little over the top Hey, utopiacowboy! Sorry... I didn't mean to make it sound as if you could never find happiness in the US. As you know, happiness is state of mind, and if you have found happiness with your wife and kids living in a suburb or small town outside of San Antonio (or Yuma, or west Phoenix, or even a cardboard box on the side of the road) then you are a better man than I.

Nothing against these areas... I look back with nostalgia to the time of my youth, a place in the 60s and 70s where anglos and latinos mixed rather seamlessly and happily. I remember being a kid, going from house to house, hanging out with friends, picking up Spanish from both friends and friends' moms because this was the "other" language spoken. I still get a kick out of going to these areas, doing my shopping and going to the "swap meets" which have become something of the outdoor market that immigrants would find back home.

"The US is BORING!" Excuse the histrionics here, but really this is just a desperate cry from a incredibly mixed-up, middle-aged guy whose head and life have been messed with too many times. Mine is sort of a unique problem, and it come from the fact that I have probably been immersed in one-too-many lands and cultures that I just don't fit here anymore, and basically I am tired of trying to make a fit. Physically I am here - shuffling papers, driving from work site to work site, yelling at sub-contractors - but my thoughts, for the most part, continue going back to the times when I have lived happily in Colombia (and on occasions, in Russia, or in Armenia, or in West Africa, or in Central Asia, etc.) I am only happy anymore when I am on a plane leaving this place, and happier still when I exit the airport door to find everyone waiting for me... but this is me.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 25, 2006, 21:35:

You do sound like a fish out of water in your current existence. You're right, a life spent chasing dinero is not much of a life.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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