Colombia Forum

cristos7
Joined 2015
Posts: 472

8 years ago

Is the grass always greener???

8 years ago

Mebbe that's not an accurate title, but it leads to the gist of my post: above and beyond all other considerations (money, freedom, etc..) I'm gonna assume that the reason why most of you/we Expats are "expatriated"/left the land of our 'origins' was because of what we felt was lacking.

For anyone who needs to re-visit this issue I present the following not-so-hypothetical scenario: you once lived in a place where you did your best to know and support your neighbors, aquaintances and 'friends'. You were consistently pleasant and acommodating when needed; offered help wherever possible, and courteously tolerated the less-than-friendly so long as they were not repeatedly inconsiderate.

Then one day, you let it be CLEARLY known that you are soon to have serious surgery, which will involve a couple of weeks 'downtime'/ incapacity. To the neighbor you have given the most freely, you mention that you might need a bit of help, and said neighbor says that she was going to offer to do so and will be glad to check-in with you after your return from the hospital. When you return from the hospital,

However, after you return 'home', NONE of the neighbors (to whom you have been consistently kind & generous) check in (text?) to see how your are, which includes the one and only person who had even suggested an inclination in helping a friend/ neighbor in need. NO ONE.

You are basically and entirely on your own besides those people who are being paid (nurses, PTs, etc.) to help you. Now is this just some extreme Sacramento independent-dynamic, or has this basically become the way it is in most of the US? (I'm a New Yorker - much chilled - but New Yorkers are still - from my recent experience - particularly responsive to a friend in need/"man down" situation.)

What is the likelihood that YOUR Colombian neighbors and aquaintances of the past two years would pretty much just dissappear when you might need them to do otherwise FOR THE FIRST TIME AND UNDER EXTREME DURESS??? Above all other questions, concerns and considerations, the country/town towards which I would be most attracted to live in would be the one where my neighbors could at least be counted on to help with the garbage or laundry or shopping or some little thing when needed, as opposed to abandoning a pal at the first sign of weakness.

So waddaya say - how would Colombian neighbors respond to a good beighbor - such as yourself - in obvious need???

Be Well, C

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

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.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.