Wanting to be back in Bogota.....

This is a bit of a long story, but after much deliberation let the truth be told. Two years ago I met a very special Colombiana...she invited me to visit her country. My first thought was "are you crazy?" Being a 5'11 Canadian with blonde hair, I was sure that I would be kidnapped, shot and left for dead. Nothing could be further from the truth. I spent three weeks in May 2004, and had the time ofmy life! Beautiful women, friendly people and an experience not to be forgotten. I visited the Coffee Zone, Bogota, Manizales and Cartagena.

After the experience, I know I wanted to return on a more permanent basis. Money was obviously not the main motivation factor. In September my very special Colombiana friend suddenly was not so special anymore with her announcement that she was seeing another guy. (Apparently this is quite a common Colombian experience as well). The writing was on the wall with her explanation that she could not go out with a gringo anymore. (She needed someone with social status and also a good dancer). Flaky! We continued to communicate and I decided to go back to Bogota anyways.

From November to February I lived in North Bogota and met several amazing people. I can truly say that Colombians are some of the most friendly people in the world. I studied Spanish at University, traveled to towns near Bogota, drank beer, danced and had a good time. I had a ESL job all lined up for the Zona Cafetera starting in February. Upon further investigation to the work permit requirements, the Colombian government had just changed the law. Since that time you had to be a "certified" teacher to work ESL in Colombia. What this exactly means is anybody's guess..all depending on who is sitting on the other side of the government desk. The dream was over. It was time to leave.

After spending another three months back in Canada, I decided to get some teaching experience in South Korea. Korea is the polar opposite of Colombia...passive agressive people, emotionless faces and an attitude that I really could do without. However it is where the money is.....I digress.

I look forward to wrapping up my contract here in Asia and returning to Colombia soon. The people are amazing, the prices are low and there is no place like it on earth. I have nothing but praise for Colombia. Will I come back? In a heartbeat! The next time just for a visit.

By glacierdaz on Jan 15, 2006, 03:23 in Friendly Talkzone.

ColombiaBoard says on Jan 15, 2006, 14:40:

Get a TEFL of CELTA The new rules to get a teaching job in Colombia is that you need a TEFL or CELTA certificate otherwise they won't grant your visa. Get any of those certificates and you'll be in Bogota soon.