°µÍø½ûÇø

No disrespect to other °µÍø½ûÇøs, but I moved here to live amongst Colombians, and have only had them as Neighbours since I arrived 12 years ago, good and bad, I wouldn't have it any other way, it was the same when I lived in Spain. It has been for me to fit in, in their country, so any problems have probably been mine and I accept that.

I share the same sentiments as Phil, for the life of me I can't understand why °µÍø½ûÇøs leave their homeland (me is Los Angeles, California) and want to find and live where these °µÍø½ûÇøs live.

The best thing I did, was after traveling everywhere in Colombia since my first visit and extended stay in Bogota in 1990, so 33 years and almost 10 years living full time in Medellin, that deciding NOT to purchase that penthouse in Poblado 10 years ago nor buying that Land Cruiser rather purchase an apartment in a small pueblo on the northern most area of the Aburra valley of Medellin..........and a regular small typical car (a KIA)............

.........I have great neighbors, all Colombian families many with children, quiet, helpful, respectful, fun, laugh at my jokes in my gringo Spanish, we all watch over our street......

............. I can barely walk out my front entry door to my small building and take 10 steps without hearing numerous "good afternoon" and if I am driving up my block and passing the corner shops I stop and give my regards to my friends, relationships that I have built over the past 6 to 10 years.......

And no when you move into a building there is not a neighborhood welcoming party per se but everyone is welcoming you in their own way. If my neighbor needs help with something I jump right in and likewise if I need help it comes in abundance. It's really incredible.

It's like I am living a grand life of what my once great State of California was like back in the 1950's/1960's, people look out for each other.

After a 4 year hiatus from visiting my family and friends where I spent my life in/around Los Angeles, California I visited for 6 weeks this June 2023 and only reinforced how happy I am where I am.

BTW - I am and have been the ONLY gringo in my pueblo in the past 10 years since I have been here and would not have it any other way.

The OP asks - "Do you have any anecdotes to share, moments of solidarity or community initiatives that have touched you?" Too many to list as I would need to write a book or two as these magical moments happen everyday here in my pueblo and as I travel on my long road trips everywhere in Colombia.

Just my random thoughts.

Moved to an apartment in Centro Rionegro full-time this past August with my Colombian wife.  This is my first time living abroad, and I want to experience all that I can of the culture and customs of this beautiful country. 

I have yet to meet another gringo in the neighborhood, and I’m so glad. Our neighbors (residential and commercial) are some of the warmest, most welcoming people I have ever met.  Life isn’t without it’s challenges, but the good experiences far outweigh the bad.  It’s the people, who put up with my floundering attempts at speaking español, who have made my adjustment so much easier. 

I’m looking forward to meeting more and more Colombian people, and really have no interest in surrounding myself with other °µÍø½ûÇøs.

I’m looking forward to meeting more and more Colombian people, and really have no interest in surrounding myself with other °µÍø½ûÇøs.
   

    -@JamesDM

I feel the same way, if I see you in Rionegro, I'll slip down a side street!

@Cheryl I've been trying to get a retirement visa for the last 2 years and have pretty much given up. I tried 4 times online and each time got held up till it timed out and had to reapply . I can no longer afford to live her in Ontario Canada on my government pension but could live quite comfortably in Colombia with the exchange rate but since the revamped the Migrant visa requirements and as a senior can no longer apply for the local private healthcare I can't afford the $500 USD a month from these global healthcare bandits. I am at a loss on how to relocate I have been involved with a girl in Bogota for the last 2 years to the point of "marriage is a possibility"

If anyone has any suggestions or advice I can't last much longer here

I live in a high rise apartment in estrtao 4 in Manizales

Its generally quite, but they all seem to own dogs, and big ones, and some are quite irresponsible, leting the dogs urinate and sometimes defecate in the elevator and passage way

Nieghbours are one thing, Ihave a few good Colombian friends

@brettfairweather Brett

The Assistcard gives you a visa acceptable health care program for $1150 US  a year , the AC-100

The AC-35 is cheaper, $950 a year, but some agency lady tells me the Cancilleria wont accept it because it only covers $35,000 out of pocket, and the AC-100 covers $100 K

I dont know where she got the idea , because  it doesnt  say anything like that anywhere in the cancilleria website, and it explicitely states "good forVisa" under the AC-35 policy in the Assist Card web site.

I dont know how big your pension is, but even OAS plus maximum CPP, around $1800 Canadian ($1300 US) a month at 65 , you will barely cover the 3 salarios minima to get a Visa, and be living in estrato 3 or less, in a smaller city, not travelling or going out much. Cost of living in Canadian dollars has gone up about 30% in Canadian dollars here in the last year,

Also not eligible for GIS upgrdenlivig overseas, but if you keep your mouth shut, they will never know,

@nico peligro you are not eligible, theoretically, for GIS  upgrade living overeas, but keep your mouh shut, they will never know. Same with OHP

This was for Brett Fairweather