PittsburghSound
3/22/2017 18:04 EST
Someone give me the skinny on life in Cali. I have been taking salsa lessons for a few months here in Bucaramanga. But there's not a big scene for it here. Meanwhile, Cali is one big salsa scene.
But this isn't the only reason I would consider a move. I want something different. Bucaramanga is nice and everything, but I am an adventurous spirit.
I know it gets really hot in Cali, but I would be working all day in the AC and really only going out at night. Bucaramanga isn't the coolest place either.
What is the crime situation really like in Cali? Have any of you expats had any problems or know anyone who has had problems?
I am thinking about making Colombia my permanent home. I'm a young guy (27), single, no kids. Nothing is keeping me in Bucaramanga. I think it might be a disservice to myself if I stayed here without knowing at least one other city.
Or if you want to talk me out of it and tell me to stay here or go to another city, feel free to do that as well. I am willing to listen to all possibilities.
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scotland222
3/22/2017 18:33 EST
Hi there, I live in Cali,been here for 30 years off and on.and love it , the weather is far from to hot, maybe from lunchtime to 3pm then a breeze sweeps over the city and turns very comfortable, the mornings can be chilly. I am 56 and went last year for two months to learn to dance salsa in son de luz,, school, and learnt very well may I say,,the poeple in Cali are very very friendly.there is lots to do we have every modern convience you can think of. The surrounding areas are bueatiful, in the mountains and the temperature changes to a lot cooler.there is crime like everywhere.but it's not as bad as poeple make out, I've never had any problems.its not to big a city and yet not to small.the nightlife is great your salsa music everywhere you go. Try it out, I'm sure you won't regret it any questions feel free to ask.
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scotland222
3/22/2017 18:34 EST
Hi there, I live in Cali,been here for 30 years off and on.and love it , the weather is far from to hot, maybe from lunchtime to 3pm then a breeze sweeps over the city and turns very comfortable, the mornings can be chilly. I am 56 and went last year for two months to learn to dance salsa in son de luz,, school, and learnt very well may I say,,the poeple in Cali are very very friendly.there is lots to do we have every modern convience you can think of. The surrounding areas are bueatiful, in the mountains and the temperature changes to a lot cooler.there is crime like everywhere.but it's not as bad as poeple make out, I've never had any problems.its not to big a city and yet not to small.the nightlife is great your salsa music everywhere you go. Try it out, I'm sure you won't regret it any questions feel free to ask.
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Jimbeam7
3/22/2017 19:03 EST
I live in the mountains about an hour out of Cali - lived here 6 months but have been visiting regularly about 10 years. We have reason to go into Cali at least once a week - some weeks 3 times.
Personally I do not like Cali 1) It's too hot for me and I come from Texas. 2) Polution - as soon as I get back to the finca I feel the neen to shower off the Cali visit.
As far as security Cali seems a bit less safe tha BOG or MED but not enough to base a decision on.
Everything you might need is available and flights are dependable unlike BOG.
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eltecnicoingenioso
3/23/2017 10:24 EST
Jim, with Cali at 3300ft and warmer than you prefer, what's your finca's elevation - - assuming sensible precautions is local ie rural crime similar to Cali - - are Gringos tolerated as well as in the Cities - - how's your soil quality & rainfall, can you grow avocadoes etc or is it coffee country?
Thanks!
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Jimbeam7
3/23/2017 22:57 EST
We have a couple of avocados, a variaty of citrus, bananas and other frutes. We're at 4500ft but it's cooler than my place in Cauca that's 1000ft higher I think it's because of the prevailing wind hits the mountain next to us.
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Jimbeam7
3/23/2017 23:04 EST
It's much safer in the pueblos than in the cities. I've always felt welcomed everywhere in Colombia and at 192m (6'-3") I don't blend in. The only downside for me is substandered internet.
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cccmedia
3/24/2017 02:28 EST
Visit Cali for 9 days, including two weekends.
Then you'll know.
cccmedia in Quindío
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eltecnicoingenioso
3/24/2017 02:39 EST
Thanks - - so far as security is concerned you've confirmed my suspicions, and growing bananas especially suggests my kind of climate
However, poor connectivity is discouraging, so I hope service improves through competition or new technology
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tubes
3/24/2017 09:47 EST
Connectivity is (as anywhere in the world) only a problem if you choose to live a long way from the towns.
Most place have a good choice of ISP and if you pay enough you can get fast internet.
There is also good coverage of 4G if you want wireless connections.
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Jimbeam7
3/24/2017 09:49 EST
Internet service can varry widely even from one house to another in the same pueblo. Most comon conections for the fincas are line of site wireless from a local tower.
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GRINGO1459
3/24/2017 11:14 EST
jimbeam 7 where is that you live that is 1 hour from cali if you do not wish to say on open forum send pm
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cccmedia
3/25/2017 15:00 EST
Dear El Expatriado,
I would like to know your take on Buca vs. Cali in greater detail.
For instance... weather, crime, Expat contact, traffic, pollution, 'la vida loca'.
cccmedia in Quindío
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PittsburghSound
3/29/2017 06:12 EST
As would I, but as I said, I am also open to other cities. And I'm also open to staying. Gotta make up my mind soon though.
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Elexpatriado
3/29/2017 08:50 EST
o be 100% honest, never been to Buca, been near, but I spent a lot of time in Cali and lived in Medellin, now Manizales, plan to (hopefuly) move to Armenia.
My Colomban Friend has lived and worked all over Colombia,and he says , Buca is best for qualityof life, safety, beauty, and Maniales a close second.
I have heard nothing but good reviews from anyone who has been there. Climate is a littlehot.
I am nota big city person, but I would take Meellin over Cali. Cali is too ht, disorganized, crime rate is too high. Sure you could live up in Dapa, better clima, safer, great views, but that is pretty remote from the ciy.
Well I have never been to Baranquilla either (just passed through) but what from everyone told me, I am not missing anything.
And you can go salsa dancing anywhere in Colombia really. You dont really have to go to Cali, and dont have to live there.
I suggest the OP goes for a week or two to check it out.
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WhoaNellie
3/29/2017 11:29 EST
Dapa isn't really that far from Cali, less than half an hour. Much smaller and much cooler.
While a bit farther than Dapa, check out Pavas which is a day trip from Cali. It's cooler and has a great small-town ambience. You can walk around the gentle rolling hills and it's really enjoyable.
And as long as you're in the area you should also go to Lago Calima and Darién, a resort area and small town where it's a lot cooler. Can be a bit more expensive though, but not shockingly so.
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