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Expatriate, Expat, Colombia, Colombians

In my opinion one of the most interesting stories one can share is that of an expatriate. There are a million and one reasons that guide an individual to take up residency in another country. On the flip-side there must be ten million and two excuses that'll keep them anchored to their country of birth.

What drives or motivates an expat to weave themselves into a culture that maybe they've read about, but in reality is unknown? Is it easy for them to assimilate into the new society? What are their biggest hurdles?

We've put together a series of questions for those expats that have re-located themselves inside Colombia. Also we feel it's just as important to hear from Colombians who maybe wish to share their advice with other Colombians considering moving abroad. Our hope is you find the answers informative and entertaining.

Who better to start the discussion with than probably the most Internet famous Colombia expatriate, Rubio. As a moderator on the current ColombianBlog, and a top contributer on a now closed but archived forumn, poorbuthappy. Rubio has been an expat in two countries. The United States and now Colombia.

Without further adieu...

1.) How long have you been living in Colombia?

going on 3 1/2 years

2.) Are you working? If so what industry?

I'm a professional musician and professor of music.

3.) Where did you move from?

I was living in New York City.

4.) Where in Colombia are you living now?

Bogota

5.) What do you like most about the city you live in?

The nightlife, the cultural life, restaurants, theater, art, and the crazy parties.

6.) What do you like most about Colombia?

The way people really value music here, especially live music.

7.) What do you miss most about your homeland?

Better banking system, quick service in restaurants etc., Jamaican food, being able to buy clothes off the rack in my size ;)

8.) Any advice for those considering moving to Colombia?

If you're thinking of owning a car here, STAY HOME. And in general this country isn't for everyone. Many people are incapable of appreciating the pluses of living here and will only see the bad points.

9.) Got a hot-spot, restaurant, web-page, or link you wanna plug?

Just check my Facebook page for regular updates… www.facebook.com/rubiazo

_________________________________________________________________

Brian M.

1.) How long have you been living in Colombia?

5 years

2.) Are you working? If so what industry?

I own a hostel in Manizales, The Pit Stop.

3.) Where did you move from?

Charleston, SC, USA

4.) Where in Colombia are you living now?

Manizales

5.) What do you like most about the city you live in?

The mountain feel

6.) What do you like most about Colombia?

Affordability and the outdoors

7.) What do you miss most about your homeland?

Good cheese and food in general

8.) Any advice for those considering moving to Colombia?

Research whether you like inland, beach, or mountain towns

9.) Got a hot-spot, restaurant, web-page, or link you wanna plug?

Pitstop Hostel-Manizales

________________________________________________________________

Johnny Rios

1.) How long have you been living in Colombia?

5 years

2.) Are you working? If so what industry?

I am an English Professor.

3.) Where did you move from?

Phoenix Arizona

4.) Where in Colombia are you living now?

The amazing city of Medellin.

5.) What do you like most about the city you live in?

The Beautiful women, nightlife, cultural life, restaurants, theater, art, food, the warmth of the people.

6.) What do you like most about Colombia?

Family oriented people, no stress; Colombia makes you feel grounded and closer to nature.

7.) What do you miss most about your homeland?

• Customer Service! It seems like the customer is never right here LOL! Too much red tape for easy transactions and information. • Organized Transit system, Traffic control, competent drivers.

8.) Any advice for those considering moving to Colombia?

• Leave the “Rat-Race” back home! Open your mind. Relax, take it easy….you’re in Colombia to get away from all the chaos. • Don’t come to Colombia with arrogance; leave that in your State. Be humble, loving and respectful.

9.) Got a hot-spot, restaurant, web-page, or link you wanna plug?

Visit my GringoPaisa group on Facebook for relevant information, events, classifieds, news, classes, advice, socializing, roommates, real-estate, clothing, products, travel, services.