Living in Bogota..

Robert Jorge says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:32:

I did it 2 years ago. You will be amazed at how fast you pick up Spanish. On the other hand, the more Spanish you learn, the more you realize how "un-fluent" you are - and that can be frustrating.

The area of Bogota could be a concern. You said "south Bogota". Well, all of south Bogota is not anymore dangerous than anywhere else, but there are areas that are just plain stupid for a gringo to go into also. Areas like 1 de Mayo, in my opinion, are fine. An area like the barrios around Picata (sp?) prison (barrio Portal) is an example of a stupid place for a gringo to go. Tell us what barrio you are going to be in, or the street numbers. A lot of guys here will be able to give you better information.

--"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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DavidM says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:02:

Yeh, you can live there but not without some risk. South Bogota is less safe than North or Central Bogota for sure. Once people figure out that you are living there and know where you live, you could be targeted.

How old are you? How strong do you look? If you look like an easy target, you are more vulnerable. Even if you're sturdy looking, you are still no match for a gun.

Consider living in amongst others with money (i.e. Central to North Bogota). That way, you will be less of a target. It will be a lot more expensive. but can you put a price on safety.

My fiance lives in Soacha (just south of Bogota, like a suburb of Bogota), and I walk on the streets on the streets all the time, but I do not live there.
Even so, Yolanda (my fiance) has cautioned me not to share too much information with strangers because it could make me/her a target.

Ps. Yolanda's father is a professional photographer and is employed by one of the news stations in Bogota. He lives in Central Bogota. Two weeks ago, some lady he was acquainted with step out of his house to get something from her car, and in entered a couple of men armed with a gun. It was a setup; very clever might I add. After tieing him up and taking away the walker of the 95 year old grandmother, they stole about $3,500 in camera equipment. They knew right where to go. They didn't even check the second floor of the apartment home. Yolanda's half brother is still a child and lives with her father. She thinks one of his friends or someone else who had been in the home before must have provided the thieves with information.

Eyes wide open all the time when living in a place like Colombia or any other third world country.

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Cerealkiller says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:20:

Geordie85, I would say it depends on the sort of lifestyle you're accustomed to and the sacrifices you're willing to make. Chances are you will have a hard time finding english speaking people in the south of the city (compared to the north that is). One thing is to go visit knowing you'll leave at some point and another thing is to make the big move. My bf for instance, cannot speak any spanish and while in colombia, he felt totally useless as everything he wanted to do he had to do with me because he just could not communicate with anyone, i'm sure it'll be frustrating at times...as for safety, I would say you will probably blend in easier in the north and stand out in the south, which would make you an easier target.

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

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Bill Turley says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:55:

Hi There
About 10.5 years ago I was in a similar situation, however in a very nice section of North Bogota ( Chapinero Alta) I could not speak much Spanish ( and according to my wife still can't). I made it a practice to go for walks alone every Saturday morning, talking to whoever would talk to me and I had ZERO problems

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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kalder says on Apr 6, 2008, 07:37:

I'm in my forties. I'd look a right ass if I said I was a student :(

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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aztec says on Apr 6, 2008, 08:16:

Cerealkiller made a casual reference to something that bothers me and my wife when we are in Bogotá for a long term. If you cannot speak or understand Spanish you become your wife's ward. You are like a child needing her for even the smallest things.

Aspire to learn as quickly as you can. As referenced earlier, the language is easier to acquire if you live among the people.

Know this going in because invariably it can cause friction between the two of you.

Follow the advice of others here about South Bogotá. You can end up in a very dangerous area if not careful.

Why not try living in Colombia for three months before making an irrevocable decision. Better yet can you live half the year in each Country?

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Conchale Vale!! says on Apr 6, 2008, 09:52:

When you say living there I am assuming for a temporary period of time? Then you should be OK. Its no completely clear from your post. If you are talking about a permanent move that is a whole different story with many other considerations. Such as work unless you are fnancially set. Living with the in laws rather than visiting for periods of time is a lot different. What does the girlfriend think of living in Colombia with her family?

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el flaco says on Apr 7, 2008, 03:17:

Go for it, or you'll regret it the rest of your life. What have you to lose, if it doesn't work out come back home.

However you must learn Spanish, I'm English and learnt it in my forties. It is much easier if you have total immersion and a girlfriend, I had neither. Don't do classes other than one to one.

I didn't find Bogotá dangerous.

Lucky thing! Have fun and write us a report.

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jorgegdiaz says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:16:

Get a sleep-in dictionary ;)

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

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aztec says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:22:

jorgegdiaz I have one of those. It doesn't work as hoped. One must still put in the work.

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Geordieboy85 says on Apr 30, 2008, 07:39:

Im not sure on the exact area but i do know it is near the Prison which is opposite the military place, i always remember getting on the beloved transmilenio and going from port usme i think and going past it, its only about ten, fifteen minutes from there, in her area i have to say i felt safer than i did in the north, because in the area i was in i assumed that nobody had much to steel so everybody got on with each other and didnt bother each other much, i felt people was watching me much more in the north, in shops on the street etc.
I think the comment somebody made was probably true, that once people know im living there i could possibly be targeted, im not so bothered about getting robbed, obviously i dont want to but as long as my life isnt threatened.

My girlfriend says that once i can speak spanish i should be ok to go out on my own but its always best to go out with somebody until i can respond to what people say to me.

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