Hey Bogotanos - what do you think of Cedritos?

slguy says on Nov 20, 2007, 09:54:

It's just as cold and rainy in the north, as everywhere else in Bogota. Does this help? ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Alma del Norte says on Nov 20, 2007, 09:58:

Er...NO. But thanks for the bump anyway.

La vida es una rutina

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Simon says on Nov 20, 2007, 10:17:

If Bogota is "cold" then what do you call the climate that most northern hemisphere countries have to deal with during their winters?

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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Leeroy says on Nov 20, 2007, 10:49:

I know a few people that live in Cedritos. It strikes me as middle-class suburbia.

For that far north, it is fairly cheap - you can get good deals on apartments/houses there to rent. A little bit further south towards La Calleja and Santa Barbara (upper-class suburbia) everything is a lot more expensive.

Nonetheless, Cedritos is not particularly stylish. It has few fancy restaurants/big shopping centres walking distance - and little going on. A lot of the buildings are quite old as well (and not old in a good way - simply old and ugly).

A cheap & nice enough place to live? Sure...
A lively, modern and happening 'hood? Not quite...

For what it's worth, I would look around Chapinero Alto (say around 63#Septima) - you could get similarly priced accomodation and it's a little more happening.

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msaucey says on Nov 20, 2007, 10:50:

Hell-A Freezing Cold....

Cold in different ways.... My grandmother couldn't handle California Cold!... No way, she'd be able to handle Minnesota Cold.... These are warm blooded people... Anything below 70 is cold....

Current temperature in Pereira is 81.... Current temperature outside my office is 64.... Grandma would be cold....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Cerealkiller says on Nov 20, 2007, 10:55:

Leeroy you're reading my mind. Cedritos is an OK neighborhood, but its not wonderful, pretty, or attractive in any way. Its far from La Candelaria, Parque 93, all Major Malls, Best restaurants....I wouldn't bother. Unless you're over 50 and plan on moving over with the wife and children, Then Chapinero is your safest bet. If you're looking for nice neighborhoods, my personal choices would be Cabrera, Santa Ana and Santa Barbara. Closer to most attractive places yet residential enough to let you sleep at night.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Alma del Norte says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:10:

Leeroy & Cereal. Thanks for confirming my worst fears! My first impressions seem right on the money. I moved in last night but fly to the UK for a couple of months! The place was handed to me on a plate really, and I wanted somewhere as a base and to store my stuff whilst I'm away. Don't think I'll be hanging around here too much on my return. Call this cold? - I think I've got a nasty shock waiting for me in Blighty, no?

La vida es una rutina

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Cerealkiller says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:24:

yes, its bloody freezing. London isn't unbearable, just that annoying permanent rain...I read is snowing in Birmingham though.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:24:

As you know, there are a number of large residential buildings going up in Cedritos. I don't think it's too far from shopping because Palatino, Santa Fe and Unicentro are all reasonably close (Palatino might technically be IN Cedritos and Centro Commercial 151 is...but it's not very nice). However, like many Bogota neighborhoods the density is high and there's not much for open space, parks or trees. That's what makes it (and a lot of Bogota) undesirable as a long term place to live. Your mileage may vary - I gotta have parks and trees.

I agree with the comments above re dining and nightlife: There are plenty of decent everyday restaurants and even a few that are 'upscale casual' - but you'll probably be heading elsewhere when you want fine dining and swanky bars and clubs.

(Note: I'm not a Bogotano, but I've spent a lot of time in Cedritos)

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slguy says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:30:

Yes, compared to Cartagena, I call Bogota cold. I'm pretty sure anyone would do the same- so untwist your knickers Simon. Now you even get defensive about climatic conditions?

And for the record, I live in florida, and sometimes in winter it's too friggin' cold here for me.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Alma del Norte says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:30:

Cereal: "yes, its bloody freezing. London isn't unbearable, just that annoying permanent rain."

Uh! Oh God, no!! That's worst of all. I can handle snow, (novelty value). It's the damp, drizzle, grey skies, sad faces that get to me!

La vida es una rutina

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Alma del Norte says on Nov 20, 2007, 11:33:

Tinto - thanks. Yup, I too like my green spaces. In the alternative I just like good, if tatty, architecture. Like in other areas of BOG, they seem to be getting into the "loft" style, but there is an awful lot of redundant stock as I see it. I'll grin and bear this for a few months. I've lived in worst places.

Anywhere is cold compared to Cartagena.

La vida es una rutina

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elmodefoque says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:03:

slyguy, how is the chucha situation in florida for guys our age?
I really hate to end up with a crystal meth smoking grand ma!
and please be totally honest.
thanks

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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elmodefoque says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:05:

should i go ahead with plans to retire in barranquilla?

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:07:

Elmo, Didn't you say you have a female relative in Cedritos? Maybe you could move your geriatric ass there and call up GringoinBogota when you need to beat up jealous husbands and boyfriends.

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elmodefoque says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:09:

my cousins live in cedrito. it was alright, nice building on a hill with a view of some big ass mountains, right in front

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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Nomadic Max says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:09:

i love CERDITOS! jojojojo

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elmodefoque says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:10:

they told me that rich colombians and gringos live up there. They get around in hollicopters

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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slguy says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:27:

Elmo, I'm in the process of figuring out where to live in South America, if that tells you anything about my opinion of Florida...

There're plenty of women here- but I promise you, your BAQ hookers are WAY cheaper in the long run! jajajajjajajajajaj Unless you want one of these old gals who'll pay you? But hot costenas, they ain't......

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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elmodefoque says on Nov 20, 2007, 12:34:

barranquilla here i come!!!!
I just got an e mail from my sister in curramba telling me how my mom is all sick and my aunt is foked up too and she's having a grand kid and on and on ......
I might just end up in quiet medellin

thanks for the info!

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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webmanco says on Nov 20, 2007, 13:21:

It's just as cold and rainy in the north, as everywhere else in Bogota. Does this help? ;)


Last three days had been sunny in Bogotà, and it is like it most of the days.



Así es como llueve en Bogotá, por eso las sombrillas.

Old ladies protecting themselves from heavy rain in Sunny Bogotà

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

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Alma del Norte says on Nov 20, 2007, 13:24:

Webmanco, I think you spoke too soon.

La vida es una rutina

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webmanco says on Nov 20, 2007, 13:42:

There is a nice neighborhood near Cedritos, it is call Contador and it has a huge park.

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

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francis says on Nov 20, 2007, 17:12:

Cedritos is more residential and there is not a lot going on if you are looking for something with a little more vibe and plus the traffic in and out of Cedritos sucks!! If you need to commute outside of Cedritos on a daily basis I do not recommend it. If you like the Downtown area I highly recommend La Macarena it has a great vibe with cool restaurants, cafes, etc. The neighborhood right next to it is one of Bogota's hidden treasures called El Bosque Izquierdo. If I were you I would think twice about moving to Cedritos especially if you hate long commutes and shitty traffic. If you live in Bogota you know how bad traffic is during rush hour. IT SUCKS!!

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Rob77 says on Nov 21, 2007, 06:01:

Many people show up in Colombia wanting to be close to 'the action'. To be within walking distance of clubs, fancy restaurants, etc. For them, downtown, Chapinero, Chico are better options. That also means living amongst heavy building and traffic congestion. I've never understood why people would travel from places like the US, filled with fancy clubs and restaurants, to come here and do the same thing. People end up living in mini-gringolandias neighborhoods. Why not just stay there?

In Colombia, you have the opportunity to live amongst regular working folks, who are the people that make Colombia special, not the clubs. I chose Cedritos because I wanted a peaceful environment, away from the heavy traffic and constant noise. I don't mind traveling to places I want to visit, rather than live next to them. Cedritos is still less congested than many other neighborhoods.

Sure, the concentration of fancy businesses is much higher further south. But many modern places have been opening up in or not far from Cedritos lately. 19th Avenue now has 2 Crepes and Waffles, a Bogota Beer Company, Archies, Pizza 1969, Corral, etc. A 10 to 15 minute drive will get you to Palatino, San Rafael, Santa Fe, Santa Barbara, Unicentro, Boulevar Niza shopping malls.

Almost every barrio has old buildings left over. But Cedritos has experienced heavy residential growth. There are many buildings popping up simultaneously. Most are very modern. Mine has a swimming pool, gym, sauna, turco, mini-golf and a children's playground. There used to be lots of green, open space - now built over. But there are still plenty of small parks left. I have a very nice view, all the way out of Bogotá, with lots of green.

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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slguy says on Nov 21, 2007, 14:12:

rob- you're dead on. I have seen seen bunches of countries with sizable expat communities (Costa Rica, DR, etc) - and all these folks congregate together, in one place - at the very least, driving prices to ridiculous levels.

I never understood living in another country- but surrounding yourself with the same people you leave at home. It's like visiting Africa- but staying in a Hilton all-inclusive. What's the point? There are SO many reasons NOT to do this...I'll never comprehend the mindset.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Cerealkiller says on Nov 22, 2007, 15:03:

Rob, that BBC and Crepes on av 19 con 122, thats not cedritos. Thats Santa Barbara.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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MaSep says on Nov 22, 2007, 17:06:

Is just middle class.. there are better neighborhoods

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Rob77 says on Nov 22, 2007, 19:58:

Cerealkiller says on Thursday November 22nd, 2007 15:03:

Rob, that BBC and Crepes on av 19 con 122, thats not cedritos. Thats Santa Barbara.


"But many modern places have been opening up in or NOT FAR from Cedritos lately."

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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Rob77 says on Nov 22, 2007, 20:12:

MaSep says on Thursday November 22nd, 2007 17:06:

"Is just middle class.. there are better neighborhoods"


"Just middle class"? Is that supposed to be a bad thing? Let's look at the alternatives... You have neighborhoods like Rosales, filled with some very snobby Colombianos, who, as much as you would like to believe it's not the case, look down at everyone else, including foreigners, thinking they are much better. I don't consider that the makings of friendly neighbors. And then there are the lower strata barrios.

I had my choice of any neighborhood I wanted. I looked at many and still chose Cedritos. Of course, personal taste comes into the decision. Some people think good living starts by bunking down close to McDonalds.

Please let us know which neighborhoods you feel are better.

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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billyb says on Nov 22, 2007, 21:09:

"Just middle class"

that statement struck a sour cord with me also, what is wrong with "just middle class"?

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MaSep says on Nov 23, 2007, 08:19:

hey sorry i didn´t mean that

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:26:

Even if I could afford to live in an estrato 6, I would not have any desire to hang my hat in a barrio like that. I'll stick to 2 through 4. That's where I feel comfortable - just my opinion.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:31:

If I could afford it, I would have no desire to live in an estrato 6 barrio. I feel much more comfortable in a 2 through 4. Just my opinion - reasons have already been stated by other posters above. I had an estrato 4 in Villavicencio. Even that little apartment was in a complex where the people seemed a bit snobbish. My mother-in-law's house in an estrato 2 barrio - I loved that neighborhood. Kids playing in the streets, guys playing cards and tejo, music blasting; I miss that environment pretty bad.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Cerealkiller says on Nov 23, 2007, 15:49:

Just because estrato 6ers don't kiss the ground you walk on and smile because they need your tip doesn't mean they are all a/holes....I agree with whoever said one has to live where one feels more comfortable, but I often get the feeling that just because wealthier people are less prone to get all starry eyed over a gringo then people on here go saying they are snobbish. I hear "snobbish" "look down on foreigners" all the time, and never have i really ever read any specific experience proving that point.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Rob77 says on Nov 23, 2007, 16:05:

Well, CK, I for one am not in the business of proving it for ya. But, you're welcome to go hang out with 'em and decide for yourself.

As for my perspective, it has nothing to do with looking for starry eyed reactions towards gringos. Because most of them are even snobbier around other Colombians. (I can't stand watching the snobby Colombians treat the lower classes here so poorly. It makes me want to walk over and inform them they are no better than anyone else.)

It has more to due with being closed to outsiders, for whatever their reasons. Whereas folks in middle and lower strata are more open, welcoming and friendly to new people, gringos or not!

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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capitan_centella says on Nov 24, 2007, 00:38:

Hum. . . I been living in cedritos for. . . 14 years. And in bogotá for . . . 28 years? jio jio jio

If you need something. PM me.

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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capitan_centella says on Nov 24, 2007, 00:42:

Robert jorge, the only places STRATO 6 on cedritos are the ones in the 140 near to the hills. Most of the barrios in cedritos. (cedro golf, granada hills, ect, ect) are estrato 4. Some patches are 5. (near calle 134 in ANTIGUAS neighboorhood).

Life it´s quite in here. But still is bogotá so been on guard and avoiding certain areas (some parks where the junkies used to have meetings) it´s a decent place to live.

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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Cerealkiller says on Nov 24, 2007, 03:29:

Well Rob I have spent at least 8 years of my life hanging out with those awful snobbish estrato 6ers. But then again I am colombian, so maybe I'm just awful towards everyone below my estrato. My dad, however, has never experienced anything negative as a foreigner in estrato 6, his experiences have been so positive that he has chosen colombia to grow old and refuses to live anywhere else.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Rob77 says on Nov 24, 2007, 06:04:

GIB, your Stratum 6 lady is probably right. My impression is the 'upper class' are already used to looking down at everyone else, that they throw in the gringos as well. Maybe since everyone is always kissing their ass, they get used to feeling superior to everyone.

I have had similar frustrating experiences with lines in stores. I got behind a woman emptying her cart onto the conveyor belt. When she finished her transaction, another woman showed up behind me. The first woman motioned to her to bring up her cart and they started emptying it onto the conveyer! I said, "Hey, do you see a line here!?!? . . . Why don't you go home and bring some more relatives to shop and we can all wait in line for you to finish!!!"

It infuriates me to the point that people step back because they can see me fuming! The last time it happened, a husband said to his wife, cuidado o éste nos va tumbar!

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 26, 2007, 01:42:

I read the posts after mine, and I think I have been misinterpreted. I wasn't necessarily "dissing" estrato 5 or 6 homeowners. Everybody has the place they feel comfortable. I simply feel comfortable living in a 2 or 3. I like the noise, I like the smell, I like the kids running up and down the sidewalk, the fruit vendors calling out "papas, dos mil", the sound of the vigilantes whistling in the night, the occasional gunshot, chit-chatting with neighbors while sitting on the sidewalk in those plastic chairs everybody owns, being able to walk 50 feet and buy a home cooked meal, playing tejo, etc.

The estrato 4 apartment we had was an experience. Believe me, nobody kissed my ass. I can safely say women made a point to physically butt in front of me if there was a line at the little tienda near the entrance to the complex. Like GIB said, I would then just smile and joke (make fun) of the rude people. The little shop's owner and workers grew to know me and got a kick out of me telling the hens to go ahead with your very important business.

But anyway, I never dreamed that being comfortable in an estrato 2 or 3 was because others kissed my ass. That is actually my biggest pet peave and I feel very uncomfortable with people treating me different than everybody else. I like it, crave it; (living in an estrato 1, 2 or 3 in Villavo) because it reminds me that I am indeed alive, and what it felt like when I was young.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 26, 2007, 02:03:

And great point GIB. I thought about it in the past, but never articulated it:

"Ya know I just wish they would get over this whole estrata thing where they feel they have to bow down to these arrogant types. I guess the reality is though if they want to keep their jobs they have to. I don't and you don't. So when you see these types behaving like that don't hesitate to give them a piece of your mind. I do and it feels great! jaja"

Yep, me too. It is nice to have the freedom of "nothing to lose". In our position, we can say what the hell we want. If you see a person being abused or humiliated - we can call out the abuser loudly. What the hell can they do to us? We can't be fired. It's classic when you speak to them in Spanish and they are shocked.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Leeroy says on Nov 26, 2007, 14:25:

I live in Estrata 5, and next week am moving to Estrata 6. I have never seen or spoken to any of my neighbours, and expect not to in the future. So, I have no idea if they look down on me or not.

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 27, 2007, 00:25:

Leeroy, that is why I like the lower estratos. I like to talk to my neighbors.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 27, 2007, 04:55:

Assuming you are a gringo, you are talked about in whatever barrio you live in (if in Colombia). Doesn't matter the estrato. 5s and 6s are much more quiet about it I imagine - but that is only a guess. I lived in a 4, and I met ZERO people in my apartment complex. As a mere frequent visitor of the mother of Mrs. RJ, in barrio Centaulo (a 2), I met over a dozen families - and people knew me by name, took the time to chit chat and make fun of my terrible Spanish, and generally knew what was going on with me and my girlfriend. I like that - though I can appreciate why some people do not like that.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Gator says on Nov 28, 2007, 06:31:

We live in a six and found the people friendly and helpful. No snob appeal involved in our move-we simply liked the area, Las Rosales.

In all honesty, isn't where one lives an individual choice and not the business of anyone else? You pick the area you like and that should be the end of it. We did found a couple of 4f's we liked but Rosales was more to out liking-so what?

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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