Travel Guide : Colombia

[southerncutie]

Okay.. so my dad has been offered a nice job in Colombia so we might be relocating, but i know nothing about the country. I found a forum and posted my question but everyone was rather rude and told me that i was a spoiled rich girl... honestly, i just wanted to know good schools, neighborhoods, and shopping areas... anyone help me? please? I y'all...

 

[model_mom]

Are you talking about Columbia South America or somewhere else? Let us know and I'm sure if we can,we would be glad to help you.

 

[southerncutie]

Colombia south america... i'm very very nervous

 

[yourbestfriend]

i have a friend from colombia, but they left for a reason

 

[Kimkhuu]

A few info I found on the net for you, hopefully will be useful:

Population: 39,309,422 (July 1999 est.); 89.2, people per square mile (34.5 people per square kilometer); 73 percent urban, 27 percent rural.
Major Cities: Bogotá, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cucuta, Bucaramanga
Religions: Roman Catholicism, 95.4%.
Language: Spanish (official).
Leading Universities: National University of Colombia, University of the Andes, Javeriana Pontifical University, all in Bogota; Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia, Tunja; University of Valle, Cali; University of Antioquia, Medellin; Industrial University of Santander, Bucaramanga.

I had a friend who used to live in Colombia and she keeps on bragging about her country, so if I rely on what she has told me in the past, it's a beautiful place.

 

[model_mom]

Is he thinking of moving to Bogata, or another city?

 

[southerncutie]

bogata... i'm getting more nervous the more my parents talk about- they are thinking about flying down to meet with people and stuff, but i really don't want to move to a new country my junior year in high school....

 

[model_mom]

Have you talked to them about how you feel about the move? It may not change things but at least they will know how you feel.

 

[model_mom]

A family from Bogata lived with us for a month in Dec of 1997. My neighbor went to Columbia and married Maria and bought her back to the US to live. A month later he decided it was too expensive to have a family and wanted them to return to Colombia. Maria's daughter who was 16 came to our house crying. She couldn't speak english but I finally figured the story out. They moved in with us that evening. They were a lovely family and stayed with us through Christmas. The catholic church helped them find an apartment and the children enrolled in the local high school. Today the son is a plastic surgeon and the daughter is a lawyer. The Mom is a pre-school teacher. I told you this story because I wanted you to know that no matter where you go there will always be people who care about other people. I hope, if you do move that you will make friends and be happy.

 

[Hanne]

I don't know much about Columbia..only that it's supposed to have a very beautiful nature, and then ofcourse FARC ..Front of the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia..they bankroll their army with kidnappings etc of rich people..a country crawling with guerillas and paramilitaries..clearly not one of the safes countries in the world..which is something to consider..

 

[MulletProof]

^it's true what you say. Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in South America, people is very respectful and warm and have real values. In fashion terms, it has great things to offer, they have very talented designers that might not be providing anything new to the industry but that create really quality clothes. also, you can find boutiques in Bogota from the well-known labels (chanel, louis vuitton, etcetc).
about insecurity and such..well that's basically going in on in all south american countries but I wouldnt let myself be too much influenced by it, it's not like you cant walk around and be kidnapped, I wouldn't generalize but most of the time it's pure sensationalism coming out of American and European networks, imo. If you look at colombian history, you'll see it's a country that has suffered a lot throughout their existence, they've been through everything (guerrillas, dictatorship, American colonization) but Colombians have grown to be very strong people who appreciate and have a deep love for their country and their culture.

 

[southerncutie]

my dad and i have talked so more and he told me right now he might let all of us (him, my mom, my twin and i) go for maybe june and see how it is, then come home until christmas and then go there for holidays and stuff- he will be able to fly home though so... i just feel like a relocation is a big step my last two years of high school- but i talked with my uncle who lives in medelin (sp?) and he said it's not bad at all so...

 

[model_mom]

You sound like you have a great family(and a sweet dad) who's willing to listen to your concerns. I hope everything works out for you. A twin,huh? How neat.

 

[CelineChic]

Colombia is great. My fiancé’s family lives there. They have a place in Bogotá and on an island off of Cartagena. Both places are great and the people are very friendly. You’ll probably have a few people fascinated by the fact that you’re from North America but the others will treat you the same.

You’ll have to attend private school because their public schools are not good at all. They can also be somewhat dangerous if it is noticeable that you’re well off. They’re all very polite and they always say “Buenos Dias”. If you with hold saying “Buenos Dias” then you may considered rude, I always make it a point to smile at everyone and say “Buenos Dias” because they like it.

If you don’t speak Spanish you would most likely be assisted with a translator/tutor in school.

If you want to know anything else just send me a private message. I can have my fiancé respond if you’d like. He’d know more about the popular spots for kids.

 

[CelineChic]

i just feel like a relocation is a big step my last two years of high school- but i talked with my uncle who lives in medelin (sp?) and he said it's not bad at all so...

I would suggest that you stay in Bogota and not in Medellin. It isn't really the safest place to live in Colombia.

 

[AndromniA]

I am from Colombia, i have lived in Bogotá city since i was 9 years old. You dont have to be worried at all believe me... It is just like any other country.