Making the jump

I have been a reader of this site for over a year off and on but at last decided to join in, mainly to get some feedback. My wife and myself are seriously contemplating relocating to Colombia on a more or less permanent basis. She is Colombian, from Bogotá. I have spent about six months of my life in Colombia over the years, mainly visiting los suegros. I love the place. We also took a road trip from Bogotá to Cartagena and Baranquilla a few years ago by way of Honda and the route through the Valle de Magdalena. We have also done many shorter trips to Melgar, Guatavita, and almost to Villavicencio, among others. We have been married for over 8 years and have a son almost 4 years old. I mention this to convey that I am not a complete novice about Colombia. I speak very good Spanish, or at least I have been told that by many, many people from Latin America, and my son is growing up perfectly bilingual. My wife and I are tired of the pressures of life in the U.S. and quite unhappy about the gradual, but quickly increasing evidence that the U.S. is on a course to become a police state. Yes, I realize Colombia is not a utopia. I just want to be left alone to do my thing, that is becoming impossible here in the states, as the government seems determined to make everyone into a criminal or at least a suspect. BAQ seems to have a few things to say on that topic.

We are considering Bogotá, for reasons such as it is the center of business, her parents live there, she is from there, etc. However, the coast seems to be a reasonable choice as well. Her father is from there, her brother lives and works in Baranquilla, she has a cousin there, etc. I have international trade experience, the ports are close by, and it seems that the coastal areas enjoys less of the typical bad things Colombia is known for. Basically it has petty crime but not much in the way of kidnappings or guerilla activity, with exception of south of Santa Marta. My suegro is from Savanna Larga and has a nice house within site of the beach near Puerto Colombia, about 30 minutes outside of Baranquilla. An option we are considering is buying the house on the coast from my suegro and living there. Although I like the climate of Bogotá more, I feel more secure and relaxed on the coast. My wife poo poos most of the bad reports about Colombia, but I sometimes feel she is looking through rose colored glasses to an extent.

My question(s) for the forum concern:
1. Safety along the coast, particularly the Puerto Colombia area.
2. Schools and education for my son.
3. Availability of broadband access.
4. Your general comments.

Thanks for your input and thoughts.

Aji1

By Aji1 on Oct 23, 2005, 06:12 in Friendly Talkzone.

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