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Where to after Bogotá?

Next July will be the 3rd anniversary living and working in Bogotá (and Colombia in total).

I am tired of Bogotá now, and I will be very tired of it come next July (when my contract finishes, long story). But, I feel like I've got to know Colombia now - I understand the Spanish here well, and I feel that, although I am not 100% "integrated", or "Colombian", I feel at home here. So - I want to stay in Colombia - the question is, where to next year?

It is silly when people simply ask "Where is better to live, Cali or Medellín?" - a lot depends on who you are and what you like, so instead I'd like to ramble on a bit, in the hope that a few kind souls might offer a bit of advice/food for thought.

First and foremost, though, I am a teacher in an International School. They only exist in relatively large places - so I am confined to cities, really. Much as I would love to live and work in (say) Providencia, the place needs to be big enough to have large (and reasonably well paying) international schools.

1. Cartagena

The Caribbean coast appeals - I don't like the perpetual cold of Bogotá, and the weather on the coast is ideal. I love Cartagena, if we are talking about the old town, but the rest of it looks absolutely awful. Bocagrande and its ilk seems to me like a bad dream. How many people who live and work in Cartagena actually live and work in the old city? I would guess that it is not many - what's more, the old town is a village, speaking of size. It is quite possible that one would go stir-crazy in Cartagena after a month. My old boss lived in Cartagena for a few years, and said that the culture (his words, not mine) was extremely elitist and racist. Great to visit, but fun to live?

2. Barranquilla

I only ever stopped through in Barranquilla, and it didn't look particularly pretty or anything. But, then, everyone admits that. Barranquilla, goes the mantra, is not a nice place to visit - but it is a cool place to live. Why? I am told it is because of the people and the nightlife. I wouldn't know. Englighten me!

3. Santa Marta

Santa Marta seems, to me, somewhere in-between Cartagena and Barranquilla in terms of aesthetics. It does not have the colonial majesty of Cartagena, but it does have a passable beach - and a lively-looking night-life. It is right on the doorstep of the Parque Tayrona, as well, which would be a definite plus - I am a keen photographer.

4. Medellín

I spent a few days in Medellín a couple of years back, and liked what I saw. The weather seemed perpetually agreeable (although not as hot as on the coast), although I was looking and looking for "The Most Beautiful Girls In Colombia" to no avail! (Perhaps it was their day off, or something...). Only from what I have read on this site and beyond, it seems that Medellín is a favourite with foreigners - which, in a way, puts me off. No, I am not a snobbish gringo of the "I don't want to go where the gringos have already invaded" sort, but I infer a negative/exploitative attitude exists more in Medellín towards foreigners than in other places. Being "The Only Foreigner To Ever Set Foot In A Place" can be tiresome and stressful, but equally being "Just Another Gringo Here for Cheap Girls, Booze and Drugs" might be equally so.

5. Cali

I have never been to Cali, so only have second-hand experiences and evidence to base my conclusions on. The city itself, apparently, is not particularly beautiful nor scenic - and it does not have much of a "vibe" by day. But, Cali's big draw is the nightlife and the beautiful women. As important as nightlife is, however, most of the time that we are awake is daytime - does a good nightlife guarantee, in its singularity, a good time living and working somewhere?

6. Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, etc...

I don't know if these places are big enogh to fit my criteria, but part of me likes the idea of living somewhere a little smaller. The anonymity that living in a big city affords can be, in my opinion, quite lonely - it is nice to live somewhere small enough that people recognise you on the street - which I understand is more likely to happen in these places than in The Big Places like Bogotá and Medellín. Is there life, though? Might you go nuts after a week?

Are there others to consider? Leticia? Valledupar?

Any feedback would be welcome and appreciated.

Leeroy

By Leeroy on Aug 12, 2008, 19:44 in Friendly Talkzone.

Philly says on Aug 13, 2008, 03:24:

I live in Cucuta Norte de Santander, the weather is extremely though. It is s big city with tons to do. It is right next to Venezuela, so you can always buy a cheap car or moto. Not sure what you do, I am a teacher and do well here.

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adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 13, 2008, 17:59:

Try to check out as many spots as you can in person before making the move... others to consider:
Bucaramanga (still quite big), but nice & a great climate.
Leticia: Small, but with pretty much everything you need as it is state capital . Great vibe, but the weather is is quite humid.

Can't comment on nightlife or women as I'm not into either.

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