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Q:  Where are you from and how did you end up in Colombia?  How long have you been there and how long do you plan to stay? A: I'm from Belgium, I've lived for a year and a half in Colombia (Medellin). Now I'm back in London making some money doing webdesign. Q: What type of work were you doing in Medellin,  how did you make your living?  What about other expats you met there?

Peters House - Medellin

Q:  You lived in Medellin, tell us a bit about it  What other Colombian cities have you been to and which would you recommend to someone planning a cultural visit, i.e; music, art, food etc.?
 

Cartagena  is not to be missed

A: I lived in Medellin, which, even though it has been called the most dangerous city in the world that's not engaged in open warfare, is a surprisingly quiet place. Great climate too, every day starts cool, then heats up with a few light clouds, and in the afternoon you'll have a little rain. Great spring weather all year long. And great people. As for other places to go to, it depends where your interest lays. Cartagena is not to be missed, but apart from that there is so much choice, I don't know where to start.... Colombia has it all, mountians, jungle, two oceans, rivers, lakes, beaches, history, culture, partying, ....

Q:  Socially, did you find the Colombians accepting and friendly to you, and as often is the case with expats, did you gravitate to other expats in similar circumstances, or did you mostly mix with the locals?

A: The good thing about South America, compared to South-east Asia or Africa, is that the 'gap' between western people and locals is a lot smaller. Of course there will be some people who treat you different because you are a foreigner, but overall I felt very accepted. I didn't feel any difference between Colombians and me. (apart from cultural differences). Colombians are very  eager to talk to foreigners and you'll have no problems getting to know people. I hardly saw another foreigner while I was there (except for the one I was living with). Of course if you live in Bogota or Cali, there will be more foreigners around.

Q: Is travel throughout the country difficult or dangerous?  Where have you travelled to and what complications, if any, did you run into?

A: Some areas need to be avoided. You need to strike a balance between being too careful, and not careful enough. I happily went camping in certain areas, but never set foot in others.

Q:  One hears a lot of press on the dangers of Colombia, how extranjeros are kidnapped and held for ransom and that there is a lot of violence, yet you and your friends live in Colombia and if your website is any indication you seem to be having a very good time.  How dangerous is it for a foreigner to live in Colombia?  Is living there for thrill seekers only, or are the dangers exaggerated? Have you, as a foreigner, experienced hostility?

A: The dangers are both real and exagerated. I've never experienced any hostility, but it is true: Colombia is a violent society. However, the expectations of most foreigners are completely overblown, chances are if you come to Colombia you'll never have anything worse than a sunburn. It does make for a continuing conversation topic, and often I found it hard to strike that balance between careful and careless. But once you get it you'll be fine. The only real danger is when travelling on the road, and if you are really worried, that's easily avoided by taking planes.

Q: Amit Gilboa, in his book, 'Off the Rails in Phnom Penh,' stated that a lot of the expatriates who love the excitement of Cambodia also end up living in Colombia and liking it.  Is this a true and fair assessment, or is simply stylistic writing, are the foreigners who live in Colombia a special breed of expatriate who enjoy living amidst the dangers of possible violence and the excitement such a lifestyle engenders?

A: Might be, it's hard to say. It is true that if you are a worrying kind of person you probably won't enjoy Colombia, because, as I mentioned, violence is a recurring conversation topic, and you may feel restricted in your movements. It takes a certain attitude to get over that. But remember, that's all in your head.
 

Cartagena is a fantastic city

Q:  Cartagena is a beautiful colonial city with a lot of fine architecture that would attract an expatriate seeking to remodel and live in a historic building. What would it be like for an expatriate to live in Cartagena? A: Pretty cool I guess. Cartagena is a fantastic city, and has a lot to offer. But so have Cali, Medellin, Bogota, Popayan, ... Q:  What are your plans for the near future?  Would you move back to Colombia or do you have plans to move on to other locations? A: I am in London now but will go back to Colombia for travelling. I wouldn't  want to spend many years in Colombia, because of the violence and insecurity, but I had a great time there and will often go back.

Q:Tell us something about your website. 

A: poorbuthappy.com/colombia is the only site that discusses Colombia from a foreigners' AND a locals' point of view. It has remarkably reliable information, is daily updated and has a great discussion board. There is all the usual info on visas, places to go, cultural tips, pictures and so on. If you're considering going to Colombia, go check it out."

Living In Colombia - http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/index.html-
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