COLOMBIA

What did I see in a year of living here?

I'll start by saying that this is truly a country of contrasts. But I'll immediately note for readers from the post-Soviet space, of which I am a native, that our opinion of Colombia is far from the fairest. Firstly, our knowledge of it is usually limited to ideas about drug trafficking, poor neighborhoods and danger from all sides. Myth or not?

Unfortunately, all this actually takes place. BUT...

I'll tell you about the sad things and gradually, as my personal memories go, I'll lead to the conditions in which I live and what you can expect from the colorful country of Colombia.

When I first arrived here, I had to live for about two weeks on the outskirts of Cartagena, a seaside city where summer reigns all year round. Residential complexes are not very different in appearance from the usual, familiar to us, high-rise buildings in different countries of the world. Inside the buildings, I did not notice any dirt or garbage. But, unfortunately, the view from the window was ridiculous. Since this was the first thing I saw in Colombia, I didn’t have the best opinion of the people. Although I noticed that the apartments were clean. And I haven’t found any mess in anyone’s place yet. But how can you live when there’s a dump all around? It’s not very pleasant. Although we’re talking about a new high-rise complex where construction is still ongoing. Therefore, although my opinion is objective, perhaps the situation has the right to be less harshly criticized. After all, I lived in Egypt for 5 years. And there are dumps all over the country. But that’s not the point now.

So, the people in my first place of stay were cheerful, they danced and sang. They were always ready to start a conversation with me. It wasn’t difficult for me to fit into the overall picture of this country from the very beginning. Either the people are like that, or I am like that. I feel much calmer in Colombia than in Europe. It’s the pure truth. And one of the global problems is – I remind you – Colombia is a country of contrasts. Which means there is little choice here. If we talk about different cities, then, of course, there are more options for where to stay. But I love summer, the sea, the sun. The two most beautiful sea cities are Cartagena and Santa Marta. Barranquilla can also be included in the list, but here the beaches are a separate story and in general we will talk about this city another time. Regarding Santa Marta, it is more of a beautiful village. And to me, Cartagena seems like a small town. Therefore, for me, literally everything comes down to one place to live. And it is beautiful. My area is a bit like Miami in the USA. Let's say, well, not a very miniature copy, but there is something ... In fact, the city is big. The fifth largest in Colombia. But it is better not to go to some areas. So, let's say, literally from my neck a clearly not God's man on a motorcycle pulled a gold chain. It felt like I was being mocked. It was not noticeable on me, I hope, but mentally I recovered for some time, it was so disgusting. I still remember his nasty hand on my neck and shoulder. But it's good that it ended with this. Since then, my evening walks along the sea have become extremely selective and short. The police are everywhere. I repeat, my neighborhood is beautiful. I feel safe here. What happened happened not far from the historical center of the city. That's where you need to be vigilant.

One way or another, the Bocagrande area is currently the most comfortable place for me to live of all the places I've lived. And I've lived in not many, but different countries, including Spain.

Why do I like it here?

I have a lot to tell. But I would be happy to answer your questions. Write in the comments. I'm waiting!

Tomorrow, the continuation of the post.

Leave questions on any topic. Not necessarily about Colombia. I'll open a new blog thread.