Life in Colombia--Info Request

webmanco says on Dec 27, 2004, 09:46:

this is the website You came to the right place to find out about Colombia and its cities.
Good thing you read good spanish, so here are links to main newspapers in Colombia:
Bogotá, Barranquilla, Medellín, Otro en Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Pereira, Manizales

About Cartagena websites
Condos in Cartagena
Apartmets

Broadband internet is available in main Colombian cities, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, with their respective main providers,
Empresa de teléfonos de Bogotá ETB

Empresas municipales de Cali Emcali

Empresas Públicas de Medellín EPM y Geonet

Telesat

IFX Networks

You might find a group of your interets in www.meetup.com , also there are friends of Colombia with websites on their own as

Alex Blessing, from Spokane, WA, USA
www.acblessing.com

Lars Brink in Dinamarca
www.colombia.dk

Peter in USA
The best guide to Colombia

As for security in Colombia as elsewhere I have to agree with Goosekirk point of view on the forum topic, about the idea of meeting in person.



32 Friends of Colombia and Colombians all over the world

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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isaactraveler says on Dec 27, 2004, 10:32:

dont buy, rent! there is a fairly large jewish population in Bogota, if you do some homework you can find them.

live cheap, be thrifty and take the bus/cabs. think "blend in".

good luck, I envy you.

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tzion says on Dec 27, 2004, 12:17:

Oh wow Thanks fellers!!

Isaac, I absolutely HAVE to buy a place to live because I find renting as good as throwing money down the drain, no matter how little it is. If I buy and then sell on, I lose little or no money... - or even gain some. I'm really keen on Bogota but it's the fact that it has no sea that's putting me off. I'd rather be in a smaller place but on the coast...

Webmanco, thanks for that exhaustive reply. I have a feeling this will have been the best decision I've made in my life. I'm absolutely hooked on Colombia!

Thanks again. Any other insight would be much appreciated, too.

Michael

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oldbongo says on Dec 27, 2004, 12:36:

this oldmishpucha.. can tell you that there are lots of israelis
that come to cartagena, and enjoy.
it's easy to buy an apartment, but it's maybe not so easy to sell.
renting is really the way to start.
the life in cartagena cannot be compared to bogota,..
can you say...heaven and hell..
however, you will not find a minyan in cartagena.

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tzion says on Dec 27, 2004, 12:43:

Oy gevalt! Hehe That's OK; the whole point of moving is to be around "different" people, not
hang around those I can find where I am now. *grin* So Cartagena is better? But does it also have
what you'd expect of a bigger town? I mean, I'm not looking JUST for a place to party all day
and night long. I'd like to be able to do something, too, see something and so on...

Also, can anyone recommend a good bank in Colombia; somewhere where I can open a bank account and
have money sent from abroad? Yeah, I know about ATMs, WU and all that but I just like to have a
bank account wherever I am.

Michael

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utopiacowboy says on Dec 27, 2004, 12:54:

Whatever, you do, do not go to Medellin. Greg's been there and he says if you don't have a big Mitsubishi 2000 SUV, forget it. I forgot to ask him if you could substitute something else big. Anyway, you're gonna be stuck with your inflatable doll. And all the paisas will stick their tongues out at you and say "Nani, nani, boo boo!".

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.

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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oldbongo says on Dec 27, 2004, 12:57:

lots to see and do.. for a first timer,..cartagena will not leave you bored.
forget the banking for now, it's complicated, and your
ATM is the answer for now,
from cartagena, you have a relatively easy introduction
to colombia, and you avoid feeling lost.
bring a boogie board

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spark says on Dec 27, 2004, 14:12:

Interesting... tzion,
There are lots of interesting ideas here. You have a vague idea of what you want to do, but it sounds like you need to do a little research.
I am in the same situation and move over to Bogota from London in February. My goal is to live in Cartagena after spending some time there I have fallen in love with the place. One thing I would suggest is get the language sorted out before you start spending.
My uncle is an architect in Bogota and we plan to develop some property together when I come over. There are lots opportunities open to you in Colombia - banks lending, building before buying, very afordable flats in Bogota which you can do up and let out.
spark

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tzion says on Dec 27, 2004, 14:22:

Spark: That's great, buddy! Good luck to you! I will likely buy a flat somewhere in Europe, let it out and have a sure source of income from that. And then I should be coming over in late spring/early summer. Tell me, how do you plan to travel? Have you found something reasonaly priced? I'm not all too eager to spend a thousand dollar on my flight there. And how does immigration there work? I just e-mailed the Colombian embassy in London but I wonder if you know something more now.

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pina says on Dec 27, 2004, 14:25:

A Bank There are many reliable banks in Colombia. I would recommend El Banco de Colombia, with subsidiaries in the US and Europe. El Banco de Bogota, El Banco de La Republica, just to say a few.

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spark says on Dec 27, 2004, 14:39:

Colombian Embassy.... tzion,
I am fortunate enough to have a Colombian mum, so I just applied for a Colombian nationality. One thing I would say for the embassy is that they were very helpful and speedy at getting all my paper work done. I registered one day and got my passaport the next!
Your best bet is to check out the web site all the details for visas are there. You can also turn up in the morning at the embassy and talk to them about what you want to do.
I got a one way ticket on ebookers for 350 sterling! the cheapest
Good luck
spark

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kernow62 says on Dec 27, 2004, 21:03:

Tzion, best of luck with your venture. I wouldn't say that Cartagena is better than Bogotá, they are totally different. As different as London and Miami, and how could you possibly compare two totally different cities. I prefer Bogotá, but would miss being near a beach, I have never lived more than 60 miles from a beach. I prefer the faster pace of Bogotá and the climate as well as the mountains and the culture. However if you are looking for a laid back lifestyle, Cartagena is your place, although the beaches aren't very pretty. They are clean, but the sand is more like soil in colour.

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 27, 2004, 21:29:

Tzion I'll agree with Kernow. But, I don't know about the buying thing.
Besides my own home, I own rental/investment property here in the states. If you are only going to be there a few years, than you are going to want to spend more time getting to know the country and most importantly, having the capacity to move from one city to another if your curiosity takes you there. You're not moving to Colombia to make money. Your move to Colombia, as I understand it, is to expand your horizons by learning about a new country and culture.

If you have 60,000 to buy investment property, you would be much better off buying the property in your country of origin,and then renting it out. In your country, you know the customs in regards to maintaing the property. Remember, there are taxes, insurance costs, and even taxes related to the transfer of title in the property. Therefore, unless you get an exceptional "buy", if you are only going to stay there a few years, it is not likely you are even going to come close to breaking even after all the above is taken into consideration.

"Good buys" are available.....but not to foreigners. They ussually come along to people who are either in the real estate investment industry, or those that are close to someone in such a position. I'll be honest with you, Colombia is still Colombia, and you are not familiar with the way business is done there. You are almost assuredly going to pay more for goods and services related to the maintance of property.

Lastly, like I alluded to earlier. What if you choose one city and you don't like it there. If you buy, you can just sell a few months down the line. If you rent and you are not happy....you just go/
In closing, somethimes, it's not worth mixing business with pleasure.

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miamimike says on Dec 27, 2004, 23:19:

Real Estate sites You may want to try Http://www.Metrocuadrado.com they have a pretty extensive listing of real estate in Bogota. If you have the $$ for a cash deal-look at the lisings under "estan en Daciones"--these are foreclosures and many of the major Bogota banks have a contact person and phone number for their foreclosures in Metrocuadrado.com . On these killer deals-they go fast so if you have decided, after intensive research act on it asap.The major paper in Bogota-El Tiempo also has a website--Http://www.eltiempo.com and also has many listings. Many times, if you find a neighborhood you like--residents who want to sell often place for sale signs in their window(se Vende)this could be good-no real estate commission to pay. At any rate-I would get in touch with a GOOD Trusted real estate attorney--maybe some of these Posters who live in Bogota could recommend one-I would do NOTHING without one. He could act as the interested buyer also-once a seller finds out your from the states, she/he may not want to negotiate and everything is negotitable. Lastly-I would never let any seller know you have $60K to spend on an apartment-never lose your advantage.

No hay Peor Ciego que el que no quiere Ver o Sordo que el que no quiera Oir--Sarah Palin, Wasilla Alaska

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tzion says on Dec 28, 2004, 08:49:

Again Thanks to everyone for your replies and suggestions. Of course I wasn't planning on stepping off the plane and buying an abode! I figured I'd rent somewhere for a few months, try different cities and then buy a more permanent flat or or something. But now immigration is bugging me and threatening to subvert all my plans... *sniffle*

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 28, 2004, 09:15:

Tzion...one more thing I'm Jewish too. You will have the same nonsense -- a degree of anti-semitism there as you will find in europe, and elsewhere. When people know that you are Jewish, many, not all, but many, many people have 2 opinions about you.

1 You, (Jewish people) killed Jesus Christ.

In the US, it's not so serious because for the most part, we have seperation of church and state. Not so in Colombia. The Catholic religion is the predominant religion and the Colombian Constitution makes direct reference to such. Religion and politics/government are closely intergrated. Colombia has a tremendous amount of holidays. Lot of them come on Mondays, and they are religious in nature. Here in the states, we celebrate easter on sunday and thats it. In colombia, they have semana santa and that's like a week long easter celebration. Good for them...believe me at times I wish I were christian and that we would do the same here. In any event, because the church is an important institution, and it is actually taught in the schools that "we" killed Jesus, there will be a higher degree of anti-semitism, as sublte as it may be. Now I will close this point by saying, that I have lived there, and visited there many times, and as a a rule I have not experienced it. But then again, I don't mention that I am Jewish.

2. If you are Jewish, you MUST be rich...

You know we hear that everywhere. In Colombia, you don't want people to think that you are rich...especially you as a toursit. You will probably stand out as a tourist anyway...You don't need to make it more obviouls....The guerillas and common criminals love richies..

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 28, 2004, 09:23:

One more thing boychick There are a few synagogues that are on the north side of bogota.
There is a beautiful one made of marble -- almost every where on the north side off the septima (Carrera 7) and about ???? 93. Everyone knows of it...Jew and non Jew alike.

I don't know if you are ashkenazi or sphardic, but I believe it is ashkenazi oddly enough...Honestly, in recent years, in never go to
shul when I am in Colombia. I will not get up on Shabbos to go because I am too busy the night before, partying with the beautuful Colombianitas which you will soon get to know.

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tzion says on Dec 28, 2004, 09:32:

Gomezman: Wow, thanks for that. I am conscious of my Jewishness (not so much of Judaism itself) but I don't go about waving flags. Plus I'm reform/liberal so I don't wear any of the Orthodox gear except a kipah. (Albeit, I was planning to dispense with the kipah because it would leave a rather odd circle on the top of my head once the Sun had bleached my hair. *grin*) I'm aware of all the things you mention; it's pretty common sense anyway. One thing that does concern me is whether a Colombiana would want to marry a Jew and how it would work with the kids. No offense to anyone, but I don't want my kids being dragged to church and having to learn what I see as a bunch of fairytales. Well, maybe I'm running ahead of myself here. Thanks again. BTW, I'm Sephardi. =D

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 28, 2004, 09:54:

Oi vey !!! Tzion...let's be carfull on what we say. "Bunch of fairytales"...It's still important that we respect all teachings and stories of other religions. If you are reffering to the bible,, (new or old testament) we as Jews our fair share of these types of stories.
Afterall, when we read the torah, isn't that similar to what Christians read. I will never refer to anyones old teachings as fairytalles..We must respect others as we want them to respect us. Look, we are always having to be on the defensive. One way to help us assimilate, is by not attacking or making fun of the beliefs of others....especially when you are in a country where the religion you are mocking out numbers you in membrship by a gazillion to one. Get the message????

Speaking of assimilation....Colombian women are wonderful ladies. They are not just sexy and beautiful. They are open minded and I am certain, as long as you show respect for her religion, she will gladly accept you as a Jewish husband. Now keep in mind, in Colombia, as in Europe or the US, do you really think that you will have something in common with a Colombian woment that is very religious? These things have a way of working themselves out early.
Colombia, although they are mostly Christians by birth/religion many, many are about as obsrvant of christian as you are Jewish. In other words, they are more or less Christian in name only. So, they would probably be more likely to accept you. But still, if it comes to a point where marraige is a possibility, you need to discuss the issue about children. As you know, you are only Jewish if the mother is. So, unless your wife converts, your children will not be Jewish. Take a common sense approach

One more thing. Once you get serious with a woman, she will obviously find out about you being Jewish. Remember what I told you about Jews and money??? Colombia, like every other country has its share of woman that will be all to happy to be with you because of your wealth or at least percieved wealth. Generally try to find a woman who is better educated and has a good job. Nothing is a gurantee, but your chances of finding a good woman that is sincere and that will not use you are better.

One more thing.....in Bogota' don't worry about sunburn. Sun is the exceptions to a lot of cold rainly days....Make sure you have a few umbrellas !

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tzion says on Dec 28, 2004, 10:07:

Oy gevalt!! =))))) I wasn't being too serious with the fairytales jibe. Besides, as you pointed out, we have our fair share of them, too. To me, our religion serves a more practical than spiritual purpose: it keeps us together and it's done a great job doing that thru the millennia. Don't worry, I won't go about offending people. I'm a liberal leftie anyway so I tend to be respectful. o:-)

All you say about the ladies stands and I know it. I guess the children are the biggest snag I'm "worrying" about. Even though reform Judaism is not matrilineal but accepts Jewish patrimony as being sufficient, it would still be nice if my potential wife converted. Somehow, I don't think that is likely to happen. I know *I* would not do it in a million years and I come from an environment where conversions are much less of a deal than in South America. So fat chance of having a half decent Colombiana do it. Oh well...

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 28, 2004, 10:11:

Some encouragement I know 2 Colombian women that did. And by the way, your biggest worry if they convert is that they may really grow interested in the religion and become more religious than you.

But that should be your biggest tsooris.

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tzion says on Dec 28, 2004, 10:16:

Vraiment?!? I bet their parents took the news really badly though... - I'm kind of hoping for a fairytale marriage; you know, match made in heaven, etc.

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vanwely says on Dec 28, 2004, 11:03:

Interesting thread
I am also one of the chosen people and I read that there are only about 5,000 Jews in all of Colombia. I did not tell my novia that I was Jewish right away. One day I saw a book about the "holocosto" in her library and we discussed it. She is very Catolica but understands
that I dont celebrate Christmas and the like. She had never even SEEN a Jew before. When I had dinner at her house, they had a big picture of the last supper on the wall and I told her that now, I was the 13th Jew to have eaten at her place.

When we were in Argentina, she bought this giant cross as a present for her brother. I felt like I was in the Passion of the Christ dragging that thing through the airport.

By the way, patacon pisa'o are really just latkes and ajiaco is the same chicken vegetable soup my mom has been making for 70 years.




Colombia - Tierra Querida

Colombia - Tierra Querida

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paisa29 says on Dec 28, 2004, 11:15:

I think , your religion could be not a problem for a colombian woman.

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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utopiacowboy says on Dec 28, 2004, 11:17:

You're hoping for a match made in heaven? How about the address of the place where I ordered my inflatable doll? Sure everyone will make fun of you for having a wife that does not speak English (or anything else) but hey, it's the next best thing to having a slightly used photo of Monica Belluci. BTW, most Colombianas have never seen one circumcised. You may be able to offer them a once in a lifetime experience.

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.

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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tzion says on Dec 28, 2004, 11:29:

Wow... ...a lot of Seeded boys on here!! *thumbs up* Well, I know that Colombianas tend to be very dear and sweet so I'm certain I'll cross the religion bridge OK when I get to it.

Utopia, extremely tempting though as your proposal sounds, I will have to decline your offer at this time. But hey, lots of luck to you and knock yourself out, buddy. =D

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 28, 2004, 12:26:

Ajiaco--chicken vegetable soup???? Now wait a minute. I may be Jewsish, but am still of Colombian origin---%100. I don't know what Ajiaco he is eating, but
Ajiaco Santafereno is unique to Bogota. And it is not like a vegetable soup. Period.

It is only a vegetable soup to the extent is has 3 kinds of potatoes--with the principal potatoe call papa criolla. There really are not any other vegetables at all in this soup--except for onion and corn (small ears to later be added to each serving you are preparing)
There is garlic and the herbs cilantro as well as guascas--some pepper
After the soup is made, you add some cream (crema agria) capers, and avocado....

in the end...the soup is very creamy and is more like a potatoe soup with chicken in it than it is a vegetable soup. If you go to Bogota, I can refer you to restaurants that serve a fine example of this Bogotano specialty

And by the way, you might want to ask Utopia if Pablo, his taxi driver ever tried this doll.....

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