estrato 2 to estrato 4

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:06:

I don't have pics yet here at the new place just because I haven't gone outside to take them yet. I have pics of the old place and I'll put them up with the new ones as soon as I'm not lazy enough. (I have to find the old pics as they are on a disc somewhere)

Yea, I'm glad I lived in estrato 2. That's where I met my wife after all. But I'm also glad I don't live there anymore. :) It was a nice expierience...my inlaws still live there and I visit often with my wife.

Honestly I have no idea what the typical person does for work in each estrato. I imagine they have normal jobs in or around the city. At least most do. Just a guess.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:12:

by the way..I don't even know how to put pics up.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:16:

Go to http://tinypic.com/index.php
upload from your computer
copypaste the top line (embed)

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:27:

I was just going through some pics and realized that I have a lot of pics of medellin that might be interesting( for example pics inside the new library in santo domingo). I still haven't found the pics of my old place. I just took some outside right before the sun set of the new place. I'll try to figure out how to put up pics but I've already had 3 whiskey drinks so chances are they won't be posted tonight. How about picassa? It's a google thing I think. Can I put them up from there?

tejasmarcos says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:42:

congrats on the new digs senor anderson! you found your wife in estrata 2? i remember her from the party, she is a doll. you are a lucky man indeed......

* think i'm gonna have to check out some strata 2 action soon!

god is in your head

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 15:57:

Thanks tejas, she told me she remembers you the most from the party and said you seemed like a really nice guy.

Medo....I found the pics of the old place and put them up soon when I get them loaded on picaso

tejasmarcos says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:02:

medo - you will have to ask paleolitico.

god is in your head

robi666 says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:11:

No medoblado, tejas was the one who jumped in the pool naked with gringoloid step daughter.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

tejasmarcos says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:15:

;-)

god is in your head

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:21:

I'm having trouble uploading the pics...ok so I have banda ancha but my internet sucks at the moment. My landlord has wireless on the 3rd floor but the signal doesn't pass through the floor too well. I'm waiting for him to move the router to a better location to allow the signal to pass or pass a cable to the second floor.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:46:

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:48:

that's the old place...How do I resize it? the pic is freaking huge.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:49:

The only thing that I do not like in most estrato 2 barrios are the BATHROOMS, if you can call them that.

It's funny to see how we are so accustomed to having a nice bathroom with a toilet, including toilet paper, indoor sink, mirror, medicine cabinet, bathtub with shower, hot water, and not only a door but a lock on that door for privacy. There was a shower curtain used as a door to the bathroom at one of the homes I visited in Belen Rincon barrio.

MrAnderson,
I would say that not all estrato 2 barrios are like the one you just moved away from, based on my visits to various estrato 2 barrios in Medellin.

Also, it was good meeting you and your lovely wife at the PBH party.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:52:

I'm not even going to post a pic of the bathroom at my old place...too embarrasing. At least I had a door with a lock.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 16:53:

The old neighborhood

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 17:03:

Medo- these are pics of the old place located in La Colinita Guayabal. Which overlooks the airport (olaya herrera)

RUV says on Feb 8, 2008, 17:09:

Nice to hear you are moving on up. Sounds like the Jeffersons.

If you get a chance please post some pictures of your new place.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 17:21:

mranderson, nice pics of your old barrio!

What format/service did you end up using to post the pics?

Hope you're happy with your new bathroom. :O)

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Dan says on Feb 8, 2008, 17:35:

Glad to hear that you're doing better in the new place. Hope you enjoy it for a long time.

God Bless America!

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 18:34:

the old dining room

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 18:56:

A view of the airport(olaya) from the old nieghborhood. by the way that pic is taking on level ground, not on a rooftop. I am definately not going to miss the planes scaring the crap out of me everyday at 5 30 in the morning as they come in for a landing.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:15:

You can buy a house in La Colinita for about 15k or 20k dollars. That is if they haven't had a housing increase yet.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:16:

Here is the new house. The balcony directly in the middle is mine. the open window with the fan is one of the bedrooms i use as an office. On the other side of the balcony is the other bedroom

Lisa Zee says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:20:

This last pic is beautiful, you should cut off the brick part. NO offense, but I can not imagine, not even for a moment living in such poor places. I hope and pray I never have to live like that!. I don`t know why I dislike so much anything with bare brick, it looks soooooo pooooooor. Sorry, go ahead an chew me out!!

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:24:

The neighborhood looking out my window. I live in a gated community now so no more jehovas witness knocking on my door, or people trying to sell me stuff or just plain asking for money.

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:29:

"I would say that not all estrato 2 barrios are like the one you just moved away from, based on my visits to various estrato 2 barrios in Medellin."

MT your right they are all different. But also I don't think you get the full picture of what a lower estrato is really like by spending the night or even a couple days. It took me several months to realize just how disobedient the kids are and the total lack of parental control or even presence. Try staying in a hillside barrio for a month or longer and perhaps the true colors of the place will shine through. Not saying you will grow to hate it. I certainly don't hate where I used to live, just glad I live in a nicer place now!

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:30:

By the way MT it was also nice meeting you and your gf. I hope we can catch up again next time your in medellin.

vicshere says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:31:

mradnderson I hate to tell you this but PBH has whack jobs here and putting the picture of your current house on here isn't a good idea...I personally wouldn't do it.....I had personal pictures on here till I got harassed by Colombian mike last year...I will never put up photos of me or where live its just not a good idea here in Colombia...if you ever piss anyone off here they can use this info against you..BTW nice house.

listo

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:31:

The new dining room.

lpdiver says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:34:

ANd so what would a place like that set you back? How many square meters it it? Inquiring minds want to know. I can relate to the noise issues. Sheesh it was sooo noisy in barrio doce de octobre!

t

"cook some rice!"

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:47:

Thanks for the advice vic

hahaha all those cars are old! I don't even own a bicycle let alone a car!

I have no idea how many sq meters it is. It has 2 bedrooms, decent size living and dining room, pretty small kitchen but it works, and a small but very nice bathroom. One bedroom is kind of small but it's perfect as an office and the other is big enough. The place in general is small but not cramped in any way.

Can't beat the location though..about 2 minute walk to the 52nd avenue and maybe 4 minute walk to the 80. All this for 470.000 a month including utilities. Basically about the same price as I would pay in colinita (since noone there includes utilities) but much better location. I think I pretty much lucked out and found a good deal.

Dan says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:48:

Nice pictures. Looks so much better. Congradulations!

God Bless America!

mranderson says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:50:

I have some interesting pics(at least I think they are interesting) of the new library in santo domingo.(inside and out) I'll try to post them sometime this weekend. I'm out for the night.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 19:59:

vicshere says, "mradnderson I hate to tell you this but PBH has whack jobs here and putting the picture of your current house on here isn't a good idea...I personally wouldn't do it.....I had personal pictures on here till I got harassed by Colombian mike last year...I will never put up photos of me or where live its just not a good idea here in Colombia...if you ever piss anyone off here they can use this info against you..BTW nice house."

Paranoia will dis-try-ya!

How 'bout not pissing anyone off, not a good way to live.

Great pics mranderson. The picture of the inside of your old home was missing a calendar with hot sexy scantily-clad Colombian women next to Jesus, something that seems to be very popular with the locals, SEXY HOT ADVERTISMENT.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:10:

Lisa Zee says, "This last pic is beautiful, you should cut off the brick part. NO ofense, but I can not imagine, not even for a moment living in such poor places."

Not even for a moment, really? Think of all the money you would save, forget all material things in life.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

RUV says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:12:

Mr Anderson,

If you are renting? Did you get the place furnish? Did you buy no furniture for your place? Just curious.

It looks nice. Looks like you got a good deal.

vicshere says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:16:

MT that's not Paranoia ...its called living in Colombia with your head on your shoulders.....but go ahead and post personal pics....remember in Colombia...don't give papaya

listo

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:24:

Yeah, but this is PBH, nothing but a bunch of harmless gringos living in cyberspace.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

vicshere says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:26:

ok whatever you say

listo

vladimiro says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:48:

Hey mranderson what a small world! That photo is la tienda de dona niza, isn't it? If the chismosas I know are correct you lived with dona niza. I won't publish more details but suffice it to say they talk about in that neighborhood. I used to spend a lot of time in that neighborhood. Todos esas casas yo los cononzco. Donde su suegro se vende cerveza, cierto? Casi estoy seguro que conocemos la misma gente. Que risa:)

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 8, 2008, 20:56:

The thing that always baffles me is how gringos repeatedly warn everyone about the dangerous of Colombia, even though they themselves live in Colombia. If it's safe enough for a gringo to live in Colombia, it's safe enough, period.

I think back when several people who tried to warn PBH members from attending the party at La Casa Medellin hotel because everyone would get kidnapped because we posted the party info on the internet and those crazy murderous Colombianos were going to get us all. Yeah right. The party turned out to be a great success, free of incidents and/or casualities.

mranderson lived in a barrio outside of El Poblado for a year and look what happend to him, nothing.

Is Colombia as dangerous as some gringos would like to make it out to be? I often wonder what I'm missing. And yes, I know it's always better to be cautious when traveling abroad, in any country.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

vladimiro says on Feb 8, 2008, 21:11:

The second photo from above where the two people are sitting right at the back of the photo (al fondo) I remember that you can continue climbing up the path just a little and there is a house where you can buy aguiardente, and cerveza from the owners of the house who are called Papito and Margharita.

lpdiver says on Feb 8, 2008, 21:24:

Medellin Traveller...I suspect that MOST; not all mind you, of the people who find themselves in trouble in Colombia are not engaging in what we would call (wholesome family fun).

Anywhere in the world where you go to party hardy and womanize will land you in trouble fairly quickly.

t

"cook some rice!"

travelingirl says on Feb 8, 2008, 22:45:

Your new place looks great! The dining room picture is lovely. Glad you are enjoying it. :)

"I'm just a backwoods Barbie."

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 8, 2008, 23:02:

i like your new place too. very nice.

ill be in medallo on feb 20 ill share pics of my apt then.

take care

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

Lostgringo says on Feb 9, 2008, 03:37:

It's funny. I left Colombia 3 months ago and am living in the Philippines for 1 year. At the end of that I year I will be returning to Colombia. Strange at it may seem I miss seeing the old red brick on buildings. The pictures sure brought back fond memories. Thanks mranderson.

http://www.welovebogota.com


http://www.apartmentinbogota.com

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

tomtom33 says on Feb 9, 2008, 04:50:

"Can't beat the location though..about 2 minute walk to the 52nd avenue and maybe 4 minute walk to the 80."

I just bought a house on 36 con 90, but I'm moving from 5 to 4. The planes from Olaya flew directly over my old apartment near Bolivariana con 65. We had some Costeños in that apartment building that knew how to party. I won't miss them.

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 05:38:

"The second photo from above where the two people are sitting right at the back of the photo (al fondo) I remember that you can continue climbing up the path just a little and there is a house where you can buy aguiardente, and cerveza from the owners of the house who are called Papito and Margharita."

Vlad- small world, Papito and Margarita are my inlaws! They also sell light grocery.

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 05:47:

"* Flowers in a vase! You are an amazing man loving your wife and family. If a man loves his women, he will pick, buy, flowers to make the home nice!

* Fruit on display! I love fruit on display as the smell that it puts off is a healthy thing. Plus it makes for a happy home. Something so cheap, yet so full of happiness. Great!

* Christ on the wall...good man!

* Tablecloth....admit is...not you, your wife did this!

Ha ha! Just giving you Sh*t!" -Medoblado

Medo- I was just renting a room at that place. My wife didn't exactly live with me because I had such a small single bed. She lived just up the path as Vlad pointed out. All that furniture was my roommates. It took me a long long time to actually find a good affordable apartment for me and my wife. Much longer than I thought it would. In my new place it's all new furniture that I bought after I moved in.

Although I do buy fresh flowers every couple of weeks for my wife.

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 05:51:

RUV-

I'm renting and yes it's unfurnished. I had to buy all new furniture. Everything except a bed and a couple burrows since my wife already had that. Renting a furnished place is just ridiculously too expensive especially since I'm planning on living here long term. Just wish I could buy a house instead of rent.

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 06:07:

Vlad- who is dona niza? In my old home I lived with a young woman(30's) and her grandmother lived in the house below with my roommate's brothers. How long ago were you in that neighborhood?

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 06:09:

Tom tom- Yea I definately won't miss the planes buzzing the house anymore and I know what you mean about people who know how to party. Won't miss that either.

vladimiro says on Feb 9, 2008, 07:00:

That's funny mranderson I have bought rum and aguairdente from your inlaws on numerous occasions. You are right about the kids. That neighborhood is a bad environment for kids. I don't know how much spanish you know but its shocking how the kids speak. Down the hill in guayabal is nice. Maybe in your gated community it is different, but even down the hill was too noisy for me to want to live there. Fun to visit friends there though.

aztec says on Feb 9, 2008, 07:09:

Thanks for the photo's of your apartments. The second one looks nice. No doubt you will be much happier.

It baffles me, however, why anyone would leave the States to live in an estrato 2 neighborhood in Colombia. Adding to the insanity the location of the house is at the end of the airport runway!

One of the reasons for moving to Colombia, for me at least, is to improve one's lifestyle. Colombia offers those opportunities in full if you are wise in your investment.

I find, by in large, people in Colombia are friendly, supportive and helpful. If you make an effort to assimilate they reward your efforts ten fold! This Colombian character runs through all levels of the society.

It is a mistake saying one sector of Colombian society is worse or better than another. One finds good and bad at all levels.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 08:10:

aztec says, "It baffles me, however, why anyone would leave the States to live in an estrato 2 neighborhood in Colombia."

It's dirt cheap to live a happy life.

Here in the states everyone's spending megabucks to be happy. After my first trip to Costa Rica, wandering the streets of the poor barrios and seeing how happy all the poor people were that I met, I scaled back everything in my life in the states. I have not owned a TV for three years, no longer buy books, DVD's, CD's, or anything that is considered a luxury item.

And you know what, I'm happier now then I've ever been in my life. And, more importantly, with the money I save I book my trips to Medellin. I'm not rich, so it definitely makes my traveling adventures that much affordable.It's amazing how many people seem to enjoy listening to my stories upon my return to the states, be it friends, family, and co-workers, they all comment how lucky I am to be able to travel all the time. My reply, luck has nothing to do with anything. I made sacrafices and decisions that make it all possible. They could do the same if they wanted. But no, they want that brand-spanking new SUV, and with that comes monthly payments.

It seems that I'm the only one on PBH that thrives on the street scene. I've grew up on the streets and that's were I feel comfortable. Most of my friends moved out to the suburbs in Chicago, not me. I love living in a big city with millions of people. The fincas in Medellin are great for a weekend, but it's back to the city after two days for me. I get nervous when it's too quiet outside, I like the noise. My novia doesn't understand why I like hanging outside whenever I'm in Medellin. She is also surprised how much influence I seem to have with the children in her neighborhood, still wonders how I pulled it off. I just tell them that anything and everything is possible in life, you have to work for it because no one is going to give you anything. That and a whole bunch of other crazy stories. The kids are always out on the streets, and I'm always happy to join them for a little F U N.

Another reason for living in estrato 2 barrio is that there are always people out on the streets who are more than happy to see you. My neighbors won't even say hello to each other, they just walk by in their own little world. I hold the gate open for them when they walk into the courtyard with groceries and nary a thank you, ungrateful miserable people. In the barrios, everyone appreciates what little they have, even when it's nothing.

I've been locked up in the past, so gated communities make me very uncomfortable. No gates for me.

As soon as I figure out how to make a living in Medellin, I'm there. For now, I will continue to travel and explore as much of Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia as my travels allow. Until then....

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Feb 9, 2008, 08:21:

the place looks nice mr anderson and a great price to boot. kudos!

god is in your head

tomtom33 says on Feb 9, 2008, 09:46:

"...seeing how happy all the poor people were that I met..."

I have met a lot of poor people who live lives of not-so-quiet desperation. Being poor is no answer to life. Most of the not-so-poor people that I know are one helluva lot happier than the poor. I have been poor. I didn't like it one bit.

I, too, much prefer the city. But I like a quiet corner to curl up.

El Polo says on Feb 9, 2008, 09:47:

"I dont know how people say the lower estratos are humbling and how friendly people are and all that shit but after a year I'm sure glad I don't live there anymore" mranderson

I love my estarto 2 bario, the people within my circle of friends there, are one of the most hospitable and genuine people I have ever met, more so than my friends here I would say. The minute I touch down in Rafael Nuñez, there is a micro bus right outside.While there, I dont negotiate for shit, nothing at all, I am not allowed to...

While walking down the street, my mothers freinds have stopped me just to ask how my mother is doing, and when is she going to visit them, (I dont know them), I reply with small talk and keep it moving. When im out and about, I am never left alone, from the minute I leave the house to the moment someone opens the front door at 5:00 am, there is always some on with me.

Personally the people within the lower estrato barrios have been extremely receptive towards me, and are very humble people IMO.

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 9, 2008, 09:53:

MT is that you with a nacional jersey?????????? if so you are the mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn lol

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 10:37:

Vlad- one time I was walking down the path to the house and I saw about 4 or 5 young kids (like 6 or 7 years old) tearing up the garden that my roommate spent so much time making. So I yelled out what are you doing? (in spanish of course) and I never heard so many curse words aimed at me in spanish. And these are young children cursing me out because I caught them tearing the plants and flowers out of the garden. My roommate had to spend a million pesos to add a gate around the front of the house which included the garden just to keep kids out of it. Simply amazing. Perfect example of complete lack of parental control.

Why would I leave the states to live in an estrato 2 barrio? It was all I could afford. I came to colombia to learn about the culture and language and I liked it well enough to stay here.

I agree that the hillside barrios are more exciting but most of the excitement are drunks and undisciplined kids. Maybe it was just my particular barrio. Now don't get me wrong...it really wasn't that bad, but after a year I was sick of all the little crap.

Basically I'm just happier to be in a nicer house where I can walk with just socks on! I didn't look for a gated community but the place that I found just happened to be in one.

mranderson says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:19:

Another difference going from estrato 2 to 4. No more farm animals walking through the nieghborhood.



(pic is a little dark) had to walk past this guy coming home drunk at 2 or 3 in the morning from a disco. I thought it was pretty funny.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:59:

mranderson, at least now you have a nicer bathroom. I know I would greatly appreciate it myself as well.


El Por Venir Barrio

I love the farm animals. It always puts a smile on my face whenever I see one walking about the barrio. It's a beautiful thing.

MitchAlvarez, that's me. Soy Del Verde!

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

aztec says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:10:

mranderson says on Saturday February 9th,
"Why would I leave the states to live in an estrato 2 barrio? It was all I could afford."

Very understandable. I don't blame you for looking for a "place in the sun". One does what he has to do for survival. It is less expensive than many other places in the States.

Yet, as you have discovered there are areas in Colombia where you can have it all. Your apartment does look nice.

manINred says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:22:

I agree with tomtom.

Living the life of a poor person is only a novelty if you know you have the option to live otherwise...

Leeroy says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:30:

I quite living the life of a relatively well-off person. Fine, I don't have a ferrari, but a modern building, good health insurance, broadband, a pint of good beer whenever I want it and a ipod are all things I cherish, value and appreciate.

I am materialistic, I know...

manINred says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:32:

No you're not. You sound like every other person I've met in the world!

morphus says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:45:

Big difference! 2 might be fun for a while but 4 is the way to go.

lpdiver says on Feb 9, 2008, 15:12:

Medellin Traveller...You have hit on a key element in life and happiness. You have elected to travel the path less used. Although you CAN "afford" the luxurious you CHOOSE not to be "possesed by your possesions".

I am in the process of "teaching" my wife these lessons. As an example communications. I recently showed her our telephone, cell phone, cable, and internet bills for the year 2007 and explained that we could have lived a comfortable life in Colombia for the same money.

By comfortable I mean rented a medium size apartment and paid all the bills for the same money. I now have her thinking my way.

I have resided in two strata two areas in Colombia. One is Villa Santa Maria in Bogota and the other was in Doce de Octobre in Medellin. I was probably "safer" in Bogota but prefer Medellin.

I also spent a fair amount of time in Laureles in Medellin. On a recent tour I made friends with someone from Poblado. I am increasingly aware that I would be most content on a small finca puttering about.

I enjoy my solar and biodiesel tinkerings and that is difficult to do in a city. I also raise my own organic veggies and small animals. I cannot be completely self sustaining in South Louisiana due to the heat of the climate. However, on a very small portion of my postage size property I manage to raise 80 percent of our consumables.

I am on ready to move to Colombia and create my own happy little world. I suppose I should say move my world there. I have come close here in the US but in my heart I want to live in Colombia.

t

"cook some rice!"

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 15:28:

lpdiver,
Let me say that most of what I've learned about cuttinng back on material possesions and living a simplier but happier life I've learned from gringos living in the barrios in Costa Rica. I was surprised to meet so many gringos who spoke fluent espanol living in some of the poorer barrios in Costa Rica during my 8 trips there a few years ago.

That is why I strongly feel that I would have no problem renting rooms to gringos if I were to purchase a home in an estrato 2 barrio in Medellin, which are much more pleasant compared to the similar barrios in Costa Rica. There are many brave Americans who would have no problem living amongst the lower-working class Paisas in Medellin, especially in a very well-kept barrio such as Viviendas del Sur en Itagui, 10 minutes to El Poblado by taxi.

Medellin has made a drastic turnaround in the last few years, and I believe the gringos are going to show up in droves in the very near future. They have already arrived to scout out any and all opportunities in Medellin.

I sometimes think people are envious of my newfound freedom, the freedome to choose to live life on my own terms, without all the hassles and complications involved with keeping up with the Joneses. At least that's the impression I feel they are projecting when I share my stories with them.

Also, do not forget to invite me to your finca once you make the move to Colombia. :O)

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

lpdiver says on Feb 9, 2008, 15:40:

You are on. I am thinking in three years. I will probably to the opposite of many and have a finca for the weekdays and an apartment in the city for the weekend.
t

"cook some rice!"

Leeroy says on Feb 9, 2008, 15:44:

A work colleague of mine here in Bogota has a finca in tierra caliente. He spends every weekend there.

The lucky bastard.

lpdiver says on Feb 9, 2008, 15:47:

Is he "lucky" or did he work hard and make it happen. Arnold Palmer used to say, "The harder I work the luckier I get!"

Get him to invite you!

T

"cook some rice!"

Leeroy says on Feb 9, 2008, 16:39:

He goes there with his boyfriend. I'm not sure I'd be welcome.

And he's retiring next year - lucky isn't the right word exactly. He worked hard for it. I guess I'm just bitter.

Lostgringo says on Feb 9, 2008, 17:20:

It's nice to see a good philosophical discussion on living life on a shoe string. Steinbeck wrote a book called "My Travels with Charlie." Charlie being his poodle. He traveled across the US in his RV staying away from the expressways. He took time to talk to the farmers and rural people. In "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" a guy travels across the US on a motorcycle, again staying away from the main roads. What they see and what they learn on their journeys are inspirational. Much like what you guys have reported here.

I left a very beautiful home, 2 cars and a "nagging wife" behind in Canada. I have never looked back. I don't have all the material things I once had and I feel my life is full.

Medellin Traveler you really summed it up nicely when you said:

"I sometimes think people are envious of my newfound freedom, the freedom to choose to live life on my own terms, without all the hassles and complications involved with keeping up with the Joneses."


http://www.welovebogota.com

http://www.apartmentinbogota.com

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

tomtom33 says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:36:

While some people want to "keep up," I hear people describe life in the US like that. "Keeping up" is a world wide phenomenon. Check out the keeping up in Poblado some time.

I never did understand the keeping up stuff. If I didn't have the money, it didn't get spent. Maybe that's why I have been retired for 9 years before the age of 60, and my high school buddy will be working for many more years. He was making $100,000 a year in the 80's. But he spent $110,000 per year. At the age of 60, he has a negative net worth. Unfortunately there are a lot of guys like him.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 19:22:

Good for you Tomtom33... you're living life!

62" Flat Screen TV's are for SUCKA'S!!!

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

aztec says on Feb 9, 2008, 19:23:

tomtom, my brother was like that. He was making half million a year but spending much more. My wife and I struggled just raising two boys on professor's salary.

I guess my story is similar to the parable of the tortoise and the hare. He now barely makes ends meet. He has no significant savings. We on the other hand are able to afford almost any thing within reason.

billyb says on Feb 9, 2008, 20:56:

"Living the life of a poor person is only a novelty if you know you have the option to live otherwise..."

So true MIR.

morphus says on Feb 10, 2008, 12:06:

No reason to live without a TV. A good one will last you for years. A 42" TV is big enough for me :)

El Polo says on Feb 11, 2008, 05:35:

I wouldnt go as far as not having a TV, even thought I dont watch TV much, but I will agree you can learn a lot from lower estratos barrios.

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 11, 2008, 06:26:

i like radio more then tv.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

El Polo says on Feb 11, 2008, 06:41:

Mitch that pic in your avatar looks like my cousin minus the gotee and sombrero.

morphus says on Feb 11, 2008, 06:41:

A good movie is nice to watch once in a while.

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:03:

polo that was me in junior highschool. i used to dance at competitions the cumbia, mapale, and other folkloric dances (is that how you spell that word? jaja)

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

vicshere says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:04:

are you the one with the long black hair..

listo

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:06:

vicshere im only into ladies. sorry bro... thanks for the compliment though.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

vicshere says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:07:

so you are lesbian?????coool

listo

MitchAlvarez says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:24:

lesbians and i have some major distinctions but other then that we both like the same stuff you know: ladies.


becareful in bucaramanga... mucho pato en la ciudad de los parques. depronto se lo comen por alla en un parque mijito.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

vicshere says on Feb 11, 2008, 08:31:

hehehehe ok

listo