
An expat living in the mountains outside of Palmira, Colombia talks about the culture shock she experienced moving to Colombia.
La Buitrera de Palmira
No I did not. I visited with a friend a couple of times and I just loved the beauty and Colombia has wonderful healthcare. I also knew I could live quite well on my fixed income.
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I did not speak Spanish when I moved to Colombia. I have been here 7 years now and I do speak, I have used many tools to learn. It is the hardest thing I have done in my life. Total immersion does not give you a quicker learning experience, you must practice and study every single day.
No I was not. I was a flight attendant for many years and I know about different cultures. I love the Latin culture.
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It was good culture shock, People actually say hello and look at you when you walk into an office or go anywhere. Everyone is polite to each other even when they might not like you. There is a difference that is so great from the American society. People are so friendly, they will stop what they are doing to give directions. Colombians are lovely people.
I feel I went from being surrounded by people for years as a flight attendant to a more solitary existence in nature. I only have irritation about some of the laws which are quite complicated. I still don't speak Spanish well enough to do complicated things without an interpreter. I have a hotel in the forest, and I have made it legal. I have felt frustration with the process.
I cannot say I have experienced anything like that since moving. The only culture shock negative thing is driving here. I don't like to do it. It is very difficult to drive in the cities with all the motorcycles, buses, bicycles and traffic.
I appreciate the climate I live in. I have the perfect temperatures year round. I have 360 degree views of the mountains. I feel like I have air conditioning but it is just the temperature. I live with my doors open. I have over 30 species of hummingbirds. I have other birds as Colombia has the most birds and butterfly species in the world, the fruit and flowers are so amazing. I can't express how wonderful it is to live like I am. I truly found Paradise.
The language of Spanish, it is full of rules and I still have trouble with the language, although I can speak well with my friends. Also the driving. It is very difficult to drive in the cities. I lost that independence of just jumping in my car to run to the store or go to an appointment. I have to always think about when to leave and how long it will take me etc. I still feel it is worth it to live as I do.
When I was first learning Colombian Spanish I used the word cochina because as an American we use the word nasty like a slang word. For instance öh how nasty is that?"Here cochina is used only for the real reason and if used other ways it is considered an insult.
Just visit the country you are considering on moving to a few times before committing. Then rent for at least a year before you buy. Also make sure you understand the process of getting Visa's to live in the country. Colombia is not hard but it is involved and you do need someone to guide you, just like I have help getting all the proper paperwork for my hotel Villa Migelita Ecolodge.
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Expats in Colombia share experiences with the Colombian healthcare system. Tips cover EPS, quality of medical care, hospital stays and more.
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Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
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Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care.
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Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.
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