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I recently spoke to Caitlin Lupton, who studied community based eco-tourism in Colombian National Parks from 2009-2010 with the Fulbright Program. As Caitlin says, “Ecoturismo Comunitario is a collaborative effort with the national parks system and Indigenous, Campensinos and Afrocolombians to stimulate local development, economy and conservation. Caitlin traveled to 5 national parks while studying in Colombia on her Fulbright Grant, all of which were specifically known for their “ecoturismo” comunitario. Thus, many Colombian national parks provide an opportunity to engage in both eco and cultural tourism. Caitlin was kind enough to provide me with information about several Colombian national parks; for more information, check out the Colombian National Park web page at: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co. It’s always wise to call ahead to find out if a particular park requires a special visitor permit.

Caitlin highlighted some of Colombia’s most noteworthy parks below:

Amacayacu is in Amazonas and is directly on the Amazon river. Tourists arrive in the capital city of Leticia and take boat and hour and a half up the river. This park offers a tropical environment and climate and direct contact with indigenous Tikuna communities.

Tayrona is located in Magdalena about an hour outside of Santa Marta. Here, tourists enjoy hiking in the jungle and relaxing on the many beaches.  Tayrona has many  enterprises operated by the local population, which includes mostly Afrocolombians, campesinos, and Indiginous groups.

Iguaque is located in Boyacá a half an hour outside of Villa de Leyva, in a colder, more mountainous part of the country. Activities include bird watching and hiking to Laguna Iguaque, a sacred site for the ancient Muisca Indians.  You can also spend the night in a spacious cabin that also functions as the visitors center.  Iguaque is a specific site for ecoturismo comunitario.  The hotel/vistitors center features a restaurant that run by the campesinos of the area.  The campesino organization is named Naturar Iguaque. The dishes sold in the restaurant are organic and made from produce grown by the members of the organization.

Los Nevados is located in the three departamentos (the equivalent of states in Colombia): Caldas, Risaralda and Tolima.  It is a cold and very high mountainous region.  There are large peaks within the park that include the Nevados Santa Isabel, El Ruiz o Mesa de Herveo, and Nevado del Tolima.  Visitors can camp and hike here.  It is important for tourists to know that due to high altitude, a guide is required when hiking within park limits, which is an additional cost after the entrance fee. On the top of the Nevados there are glaciers.  There is also a hotel in the middle of the park.  The guides that work within the park are a cooperative organization of area campesinos.

Los Flamencos is located in la Guajira about 15 to 20 minutes outside the capital city of Riohacha.  It is a secluded tropical park known for its bird watching opportunities. Flamingos often come by the thousands to rest and feed in the lake on one side of the park.  The other side of the park is the ocean.  Tourists are allowed to stay in cabañas within the park. The park is run by an organization of Afrocolombians, El Santuario, Grupo Asociativo,  from the neighboring town of Camarones. The group offers cabaña service, local gastronomy, as well as birding and hiking tours. Tourists can also travel to the neighboring Wayuú indigenous community of Tokoromana where they can watch a cultural presentation, which features traditional lunch, crafts and a dance.

Spin Center: I joined this gym about three weeks ago, and even though I’ve only gone twice,  it’s nice so far. This six floor gym in Los Rosales has six floors: A reception desk and group class room on the first, free weights on the second, machine weights on the third, a cardio room on the fourth, a spinning room on the fifth and a salon/spa on the second. It’s not as nice as my gym back home, but they do offer competitive three month, six month, and 12 month plans; I paid COL$450,000 (about US$250.00) for six months, and received a complimentary fitness analysis and personal trainer session, as well as complimentary participation in group classes such as spinning, stretching, body pump, and fit ball. Beside the Rosales branch, there are four other branches: San Martin, el Chico, La Cabrera, and Niza, with Niza in the western part of the state offering the most competitive rates.

BodyTech: When I was gym shopping, I found BodyTech to be the “fanciest” gym in Bogota, with the nicest machines, nicest workout rooms, and of course, the highest rates. With 34 locations in Colombia and 10 in Bogota, BodyTech is Colombia’s largest gym chain, and you can expect to pay about COL$1,500,000 (US$800) if you purchase a one year membership while there’s a sale going on, but it’s worth it if you’re used to upscale American-style gyms. There are branches on Avenida 68, Portal 80, Cedritos, la Cabrera, Autopista 135, Sultan, Carrera 11, Autopista 170, Suba, and Kennedy. Those outside the northeastern section of the city often offer lower rates.

Hard Body: BodyTech’s main competitor has four branches in the Bogota area, including 109, 147, 170, and in Chia. Hard Body offers much more competitive rates than BodyTech, with yearly memberships running as low as COL$520,000 (US$280.00). Most branches have sauna, pool, Turkish baths, group class rooms, and relatively spacious and inviting cardio and weight-lifting rooms. If there were a Hard Body closer to my apartment, I probably would have joined.

Body Town: BodyTown is located at Calle 136 and Carrera 19, but they are quite secretive when it comes to divulging their prices over the phone. However, they charge COL$10,000 (US$5.50) a day, which leads be to believe they charge somewhere between COL$80,000-COL$100,000 (US$45-US$55) a month, with more competitive rates available for six or twelve month memberships. Body Town bills itself as a sports medical center, but it’s really just a nice gym with a spa. There are over a dozen classes, a sauna, and a shop on site.

Hotels: In my opinion, there’s a general lack of decent mid-range options in Bogotas, and visitors will find that they have to choose from budget, hostel-type accommodations or high-priced four and five star hotels. That said, travelers looking for a memorable lodging option in Bogota should check out Hotel Casa Deco, Hotel de la Opera or Hotel Abadia Colonial in la Candelaria, the Embassy Suites Hotel or the architecturally impressive Casa Medina Charleston in los Rosales. La Casona del Patio Amarillo is one of the best B&B options in town.

Dining and Nightlife: Yes, beans, rice, and chicken are the name of the game in Bogota, but there are literally thousands of restaurants here, serving everything from Asian fusion to Italian to Spanish and Peruvian specialities. Among my favorites are Wok, with locations at Parque de la 93 and Calle 122, which serves up Thai, Indonesian and Chinese classics; Crepes and Waffles, with dozens of locations across the city where customers can order a curry, Scilian or stroganoff crepe; Fusionario, a cozy little restaurant on Carrera 6 #55-59 in Chapinero Alto, serving up mostly Asian-inspired dishes starting at COL$10,000 for lunch; Di Lucca a perfect little Italian place right off the Zona T; La Jugueteria, La Macrena’s most famous restaurant decorated with hundreds of toys and serving international fare, and Harry Sasson steakhouse in La Zona G for a tender steak. And you can’t miss El Corral for one of the best hamburgers of your life.

Heading out? Check out la Residencia in Teusaquillo, a midrange bar situated in a restored old house and catering to a bohemian/artsy clientele. Head to Andres Carne de Res just outside Bogota in the town of Chia for an unforgettable night of dancing and (aguardiente) drinking. Or just head to la Zona T, Parque de la 93 or la Candelaria, walk around a bit and see what calls to you. Partying in la Zona T and Parque de la 93 is quite upscale – expect to pay about $10-$15 per cocktail – and la Candelaria caters to an younger, artsier crowd that favor beer and aguardiente.

Local Transportation: Because it was built on a grid system, Bogota is surprisingly easy to get around. Technically, you can walk from one end of the city to the other, but considering its sprawling size, you may be more comfortable taking public transportation.

The Transmilenio is a mass bus system that transports over two million people a day. Set up much like a metro, most Transmilenio stations have maps uniformed personnel who can help you plan your route. The Transmilenio costs COL$1,600 each way and usually runs from 5am to 11pm.

Bogota’s bus system is also relatively easy to manage, but be warned that drivers don’t have much consideration for road rules or passenger comfort and buses often get crammed with way more passengers than would be legal in North America or Europe. Bus fare costs $1,300 during the day and 1,350 at night on holidays.

There are thousands upon thousands of taxis in Bogota, so unless you’re trying to catch one at 5pm on a rainy afternoon, it’s pretty easy to find a taxi. Make sure you take a marked yellow cab; the driver should immediately turn on the meter, but if he doesn’t just ask. If you plan to take a taxi by yourself at night, it’s best to have your restaurant or hotel call one for you. Not calling from a restaurant or hotel? Dial 411-1111, 211-1111, 311-111, or 611-1111.

Traveling to Bogota: Many popular airlines, such as American, Delta, Avianca JetBlue, and Continental, fly directly to Bogota, from Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, New York, and Washington. Airline fares start at $350, but can go as high as $900 in December, when many Colombians fly back home to spend the holidays with their families.  The best way to find direct flights to Sao Paulo from your local airport is to check Skyscanner for flights, airlines, and prices. I’ve also found that Kayak is the best resource for finding low-priced fares to Bogota.

Although the security situation has vastly improved in the last decade or so, there are still certain areas and neighborhoods that will appeal to foreigners more than others.

The South: Bogota’s densly populated South stretches on for what seems like forever, but I’m including it as one neighborhood because as a foreigner, you’re unlikely to live here. For sure, there are some perfectly attractive and safe neighborhoods, but this section of the city still harbors somewhat of a negative reputation. Overall, the South is not as attractive as other parts of the city and is home to mostly concrete block buildings, “Tipico” restaurants and “cigarreria”-type bars. That said, there are some serious real-estate deals to be had in this area of the city, with brand new apartments going for COL$38,000,000 to COL$100,000,000 on average, or US$20,000-$55,000.

El Centro and La Candelaria: The center might have a bad reputation, but it is the cultural heart of Bogota. With nearly a dozen universities, the center teems with college students during the day, but can be a bit empty and seedy at night. A large university presence means that there are plenty of cultural events here, plus a good amount of atmospheric cafes and restaurants. If you decide to move to the center, try to stay on main avenues as side streets and carreras can be quite dangerous. Most foreigners who choose to live in the center move to restored or partially-restored colonial houses in La Candelaria, the city’s historic quarter. Again, this area can be dangerous at night,  but is quickly gentrifying and becoming popular with a  college-educated, artistic/bohemian crowd.

Chapinero: (Approx. Calles 40-81 and Carreras 1-20) Chapinero was once Bogota’s most elegant and upscale neighborhood, but things have changed in the last 50 years. Much of the area has become commercial, impressive Tudor homes have become somewhat unimpressive, and street vendors crowd the sidewalks. That said, Chapinero is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bogota; this middle-class area has plenty of  dodgy areas, but the presence of several universities means there’s a youthful vibe to Chapinero, plus plenty of funky cafes, bars and restaurants. If you’re an expat between the ages of 20-30, you’ll likely end up in Chapinero. Transportation is easily accessible. Chapinero’s slightly posher section, Chapinero Alto, is home to restored Tudor and French-style homes, young couples, and a slightly bohemian population.  Also known as “Chapi-Gay,” Chapinero is considered the city’s gay district.

***As a rule of thumb, Chapinero is pretty safe from approximately Carreras 10 and under (although the high parts of Chapinero Alto are a bit abandoned at night). Carreras 11-13 are a bit seedier, but still relatively safe. However, La Caracas (Calle 14) and above can be quite dangerous, as there’s quite a bit of drug-dealing, prostitution and homelessness in this area, so I definitely wouldn’t recommmend this area to anyone thinking about moving to Bogota.

Teusaquillo, El Centro Internacional and La Macarena: Teusaquillo is a midde-middle class neighborhood with some of Bogota’s largest and most impressive early 20th century homes. This quiet, residential neighborhood is full of green spaces and parks and is quite popular with foreigners between 20-30. Many of the larger homes have been turned into “pensiones” or “hostales” and are populated with underpaid twenty-something young professionals. This area of the city is quite safe, though some parts of Teusaquillo can be a bit of a hike from local transport.

El Centro Internacional is one of Bogota’s most important business districts and high-rise apartments have gone up here in the last couple decades. While this area offers perfectly nice apartments, I find it lacks a bit of character and can be quite empty at night when workers head home.

La Macarena is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bogota. It’s funky, bohemian and slightly dilapidated with plenty of green spaces. The restaurant scene here rivals that of La Zona G, and La Macarena attracts a good mix of expats and Colombians. Set against the mountains, La Macarena is a bit empty at night and can be a bit of a hike from public transport, so it’s always better to arrive or leave by taxi late at night.

Los Rosales: Though technically part of Chapinero Alto, Los Rosales has a very different feel to it. In my opinion, this is the classiest neighborhood in Bogota, home to the high-end Zona G, with some of Bogota’s best restaurants, as well as some beautifully restored early 20th century homes and luxury apartment buildings. This exclusive neighborhood is home to a fair share of foreigners and feels somewhat removed from the noise and chaos that characterizes much of Bogota.

The West: The up-and-coming western part of the city offers competitive prices and newer apartments. The area around Plaza Salitre has been developped in the last few years and the urban planning model hair far exceeds anything else found in Bogota in terms of organization and orderliness.  I personally find this area of the city a bit soulless, but if you’re looking for a nice, newer apartment complex in a residential area at bargain prices, the west deserves consideration.

The North: (Approx. 82-220 and Carreras 1-50). The North is Bogota’s upper-middle-class and upper class enclave and most Bogotanos from the aforementioned economic classes wouldn’t consider living anywhere else. Some of the city’s most ambitious apartment complexes can be found here, as well as Bogota’s ritiziest party and bar zones. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, malls, and easy accesss to transportation. This part of the city generally feels safe, even at night. Personally, I don’t think this part of the city has as much character as La Candelaria, La Macarena or Chapinero, possibly because most of the buildings are newer (built in the last 50 years or s0) and there are few stand-alone houses. That said, Usaquen is an adorable neighborhood (Calles 116-127 and Carreras 7-1) featuring a park plaza, a church and plenty of colonial-style reverted homes now boasting some of Bogota’s best restaurants and bars. Other safe and convenient neighborhoods in the north include the area around Unicentro, the area around La Zona T, and el Chico, and Cedritos. Generally, the North tends to be the most expensive part of the city, though it does get cheaper north of Calle 150.

You can read about the various neighborhoods I’ve lived in at my personal blog. For more safe neighborhoods in Latin America, check out those of Mexico City. Or, for additional information on Bogota, learn more about its historic district.

If you’re shy like me, meeting people in a foreign country can be a slow and daungting process, but it’s not impossible. The odds are, if you could make friends back home, there’s no reason you can’t make friends in your new home.  I’ve moved abroad twice: Once to Panama City and then to Bogota, so I know how it feels to be alone and lonely in a foreign country. You tell everyone things are fantastic and you’re absolutely sure of your decision, but inside, you can’t help having those nagging doubts that maybe you were wrong; maybe you just can’t make it work in X country. So what do you do when you’re alone in a foreign country and don’t know anyone?

(1) Look into expat resources. I know that most of us move abroad because we want to assimilate in the local culture and make Panamanian/Costa Rican/Mexican friends, but I’ve found that expat groups are a really great way to meet people going through some of the same things. Everyone who joins these forums or groups is looking to meet people and socialize, and many of these groups are also open to non-expats who are interested in language/culture exchange. If you’re in the under 40 demographic, Coachsurfing.org  is a fantastic resource; aside from hosting meet-ups at local bars or parks, most Latin American countries also have sub categories meaning that if you  want to learn French, go hiking or get involved with the local gay community, there’s likely a group for you. Aside from Coachsurfing, most Latin American countries will have at least one social group catering to expats, and the Internet is your best resource for finding out more about these.

(2) Join something. For months after moving to Colombia, I complained to anyone who would listen (in the U.S. because I didn’t actually have anyone who would listen in Colombia) that I wasn’t meeting anyone. It then dawned on me that meeting people takes effort and it wasn’t going to happen if I sat around my apartment all day working in front of my computer and didn’t join any clubs or grups. So I moved my home office to a local cafe, joined a gym and am considering buying a bike and joining a weekend biking club. Soccer is huge in Latin America, so if you’re interested in “futbol”  joining a local soccer league is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Many countries also have ultimate Frisbee and baseball/softball leagues, as well as birdwatching, hiking, reading, poker groups and more. Join something that interests you.

(3) Live with people. Even if you’ve lived on your own for 10 years and the thought of having roommates fills you with dread, living with other people is one of the best way to feel connected to your new country and build a social network. Latin Americans are notoriously  friendly and outgoing, and will usually make an effort to include you in activities. Plus, roommates will introduce you to friends who will introduce you to other friends.

(4) Resist the urge to say no when people ask you to come out. As I mentioned, I’m a very shy person so the thought of going to a party with just one person I know (they might go talk to someone else and leave me standing awkwardly alone in a corner!) is terrifying.  But I always push myself to say yes and I nearly always have a good time. Yes, maybe I’m standing awkwardly on my own for a few minutes, but it never takes long before I’m talking to someone new. Even if you don’t make lasting friendships at bars or parties, these activities provide a social outlet and an opportunity to learn more about the culture and customs in your new country.

(5) Take a group Spanish or Portuguese class. If you’re already fluent in the local language, pick up another language. Group language classes will give you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. If you’re under 30, sign up for a class at a university, where you’re bound to meet other young people interested in getting to know you and learn more about your culture. If you’re a little older, language institutes and academies often hold night classes for professionals that cater to a 30 plus crowd and even language classes aimed at retired folks.

For more on my travel experiences, check out my blog. For additional travel information, take a look at my pros and cons of visiting Latin America. Or, check out Adriana Harvey’s story about her experience studying abroad in Cuba.

However, in an attempt to better answer this question more scientifically, I’ve been keeping track of my expenses for the last few weeks here in Bogota, and it breaks down like this:

(1) Rent (1 bedroom with cable, Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, water and once-a-week maid service included in a “nice” area of town): $225.00

***Of course, if you are 60, you probably don’t want to live in a 5-bedroom apartment with a bunch of 25 year-olds, so I called some rental agencies in a variety of middle upperclass neighborhood and found that a 1-bedroom (no utilities) apartment runs between $250 and $1,000.

(2) Utilities in an upper middle-class neighborhood (electricity, gas, Internet, cable, water) if you decide to live on your own: $195 per month

(3) ”Typical” Meal in a middle class neighborhood: $3.00

(4) Nice meal in Bogota’s most upscale dining district (without appetizer or wine): $10.00-$17.00

(5) Gym membership in a nicer gym (per month): $30.00-$100.00

(6) Bottle of water: $0.75

(7) Taxi, 65 city blocks: $4.50

(8) Typical monthly grocery bill at a “higher-end” chain store: $80.00-$100.oo

(9) Gallon of gas: $3.00-$4.00

(10) Normal bus: $0.65; Transmilenio bus: $0.80.

(11) Cocktail at a high-end bar: $7.50-$12.50

(12) Beer at your average bar: $0.90

(13) Coffee at a casual bakery or cafe: $0.50-$1.00

(14) Skim milk frappaccino with light cream at a “fancy” cafe: $2-$4

(15) Health Insurance (I have my own in the U.S., but I’ve called around and a policy, depending whether you get public or private, runs anywhere between): $35-$120 per month

(16) Misc (because I always seem to spend money and have nothing to show for it): $150.00

Total Expenditures in Bogota:

Total: $764.00

Total Expenditures in the U.S:

Total: $639.00

So basically, I need $1,303 to live every month. Obviously, this figure doesn’t reflect leisure travel, home-insurance, car insurance, car payment or savings, but this budget should give you an idea how much you need to get by and have a few nice dinners and drinks along the way.

For more on my experiences in Latin America, check out my blog. And for additional information on Latin America, check out more reasons to visit.

One thing I’ve learned during my time in Panama and Colombia is that expecting American or European-level customer service is not the key to happiness. In Colombia, I’ve found that service is quick, warm and friendly, at least in the Andean region. You won’t have to wait long before a very professional waiter or waitress approaches you. But while Colombian servers and baristas generally acknowledge your existence in a friendly way, sometimes they forget about you and you, the customer, are not necessary always right.

In Panama it’s an entirely different story  Sometimes, customers seem to be the last thing on the customer service representative’s mind. I should clarify: Panama City is particularly frustrating when it comes to customer service, but in other parts of the country, people are much more helpful and friendlier. Yeah, yeah, yeah, maybe I’m over generalizing , but these are just my experiences from living abroad.

Actual conversations I’ve had with various customer service reps:

(At a restaurant on the PanAmerican Highway near Playa Blanca)

Me: Hi, we’ve been waiting for 15 minutes, do you think you could take our order?

Server: Sure, as soon as I get off the phone. Give me a few minutes.

—

At a Panama City sushi place:

Me: I’d like option #1 but with no cream cheese please.

Server: OK, no cream cheese. Anything else?

Me: Nope, just please make sure the rolls don’t have any cream cheese. I’m allergic. (Allergies seemed like the best way to guarantee something)

And of course, the rolls arrive with cream cheese.

Me: I’d actually asked for no cream cheese….

Server: Looks irritated.

—

At my beloved Niko’s Cafe:

Me: I would like a grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella.

Server: One grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella.

10 minutes later.

Server: Hi, I actually ordered like 10 minutes ago…is it ready yet?

Server: Oh, yeah, hold on, let me make it.

Me: Ok…

5 minutes later.

Me: Ready yet?

Server: About to start it.

5 minutes later, hands me an American cheese sandwich.

ME: I actually asked for mozzarella…

Server: Oh, I thought you said American.

Me: American will do.

—

An example from Dilettos Cafe in Bogota:

Me: Can I please have a passion fruit juice?

Server: Sure.

Me. Actually, can I get the lunchtime special? (Sandwich, chips and juice).

Server: Sure. Passion fruit juice, right?

Me: Right.

Brings me only juice.

Me: Actually, I wanted the lunch special.

Server: No, you said you wanted the passion fruit juice.

Me: Yes, I wanted the passion fruit juice as part of my lunch special.

Server: No, you just said you wanted the passion fruit juice. I remember.

We argue for a bit.

Me: Can you please just bring me a lunch special?

For more on Panama, check out my article about living and working in Boquete.

A lower cost of living. The cost of living in Latin America is often a fraction of what it is in the United States, Canada and Europe. I hesitate to call this a positive because the price of this lower cost of living is often an exploited, underappreciated workforce, but it’s hard to deny that this is one of the top reasons foreigners decide to move south. Basically, you can have a higher quality of life here for less.  You can live comfortably in most Latin American cities with $1,500-$3,000 a month.  In Bogota, you can get your nails done for $3.50-$5, you can have a daily maid who cooks and cleans for the equivalent of $300 a month and a good meal at a high-end restaurant will rarely cost you more than $15 . Plus, you can rent yourself a decent two-bedroom apartment for $400 a month.

Nature. In one word, nature in Latin America is spectacular. Unlike the U.S. where you have to drive at least a few hundred miles to notice any significant temperature or geographical changes, climate and vegetation changes by altitude rather than latitude here. In two hours, you can go from freezing snowcapped mountains to sweltering, tropical lowlands. Whether you want beaches, jungles, plains or mountains, it’s usually just a short drive away.

A happening party scene.  I don’t think I’m being subjective when I say Latin Americans know how to party. In fact, I’ve talked to a lot of expats who decided to move down here exclusively for the party life.   Whether you’re into salsa, rock, techno, heavy metal or hip-hop, most mid-sized cities have something for everyone. And unlike the U.S. where 30 seems to be the cut-off age for all night partying and debauchery, grandma and grandpa like to get down just as much as the twenty-something crowd and they’re not opposed indulging – or overindulging – in a little rum or aguardiente. Many Latin Americans I’ve met strongly believe that partying is as essential to a happy, fulfilled life as say, a job and friends.

A more laidback pace of life. It seems like every other weekend in Colombia is a holiday weekend, and this goes for most of Latin America. Unlike the U.S. where workaholics are a common occurrence, relaxation is accepted and expected here. Somehow, the days just seem to last longer and there’s time for more. Some bigger cities are taking a more U.S.-based approach to work, but small town shops still sometimes close down for lunch.

People are nice. They often go out of their way to help you. Sure, there are some bad apples just like anywhere else, but for the most part, people do their best to make you feel welcome and at home. They worry about and fuss over you and do what they can to give you a good impression of their country.

Business opportunities. I’m no business woman, but Latin America definitely offers incentives the entrepreneurial among us. Foreign investors often benefit from low corporate tax rates, a cheaper workforce and a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power.

But none of these is the reason I decided to move here. My reasons are more intangible. I  can’t even really articulate them to myself: Almost my entire family lives 3,000 miles away, I’d be making more money in the U.S., I’d have  a familiar social network and 24-hour convenience stores for when I get a late night junk food craving. So what made me leave all of this behind to move to Bogota, where I had no job lined up and a social network consisting of my 78 year-old grandmother and her equally elderly friends? For sure, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies: There are times I seriously consider going back home. Sometimes it’s lonely, frustrating or seem like it’s more trouble than it’s worth.  I miss my family and my friends and wonder what kind of life I’d have back home. So I don’t really have an answer for why I moved here, expect that somehow, I’m happier here than I was in the U.S. Maybe it’s just a phase, maybe I’m looking for my roots (my parents are from here, after all) or maybe it’s just a better fit for now– After all, I do get by working just three or four hours a day doing what I love . All I know is that right now, it feels right.

For more of my experiences in Latin America, check out my blog. For information on places to visit in Latin America, check out my articles on Brazil, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Or, take a look at the negative side of Latin America as I see it.

1.) Unsolicited advice and nosiness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left the house feeling great only to be greeted by people — often people I barely know — telling me about some great weight loss pill or program I could really benefit from. Or that I’d really look better as a blond, that I’m wearing the wrong kind of jeans and that my career choice is all wrong. In Latin America, you can expect unsolicited advice on a relatively frequent basis. And you may find your neighbors are a little more involved than they are back home. Some call it human warmth, others call it nosiness, but whatever you want to call it, accept the fact that people, whether they know you or not, often have no qualms about asking you how much you make, why you’re dating the guy you’re dating, how much your purse cost, et cetera. Often, refusing to answers means getting labeled as cold and rude. Or in the best case scenario, a weird foreigner.

2.) Children living at home until they’re 40. This might not bother you if you’re a retiree living abroad — and it does go to show that families in Latin America tend to be close — but as a 25 year-old single woman living in Bogota, it’s never been my romantic fantasy to date a 30-year old guy living still living at home and with no imminent plans of moving out any time soon. I completely understand that wages are lower in Latin America and cultural differences mean it’s normal for kids to stay home until they get married, but being American, I have a hard time getting excited about a guy who goes home to mom’s everyday for lunch.

3.) Inefficiency. Anyone who’s ever tried applying for a business visa or gone through any other legal or immigration process in Latin America knows what I’m talking about. Person A sends you to person B who sends you back to person A who then sends you off to some remote office to talk to person C who then tells you your papers are all wrong and you’ll have to start the process all over. It can be exasperating, so mentally prepare yourself for a long and arduous paperwork journey.

4.) Men thinking catcalls involving the word “gordita” are somehow flattering. Imagine walking down the street in the United States and a construction worker yelling out “Hey fatty, looking good today!” And said construction worker grinning like he’s just given you the best compliment ever. Now imagine that happening every day. I have to admit these catcalls have grown on me a little, as some are particularly creative and inspired, but overall, being compared to one of Botero’s paintings on a frequent basis does not bode well for one’s self esteem.

5.) Deadly fear of the common cold. In the U.S., I usually caught at least one or two colds every winter. However, during my time in Latin America, I’ve realized that people seem to fear the common cold like people in the United States might fear Ebola or Mad Cow Disease. In Bogota, a cold often involves multiple doctor visits, exaggerated scarf usage and serious pneumonia fears. My grandmother (who is Colombian) cannot comprehend that I would go outside in a short sleeve shirt without a jacket or scarf, never mind that it’s a balmy 75 degrees outside.

6.) Pollution. Unless you decide to live in the countryside, pollution will become a part of your daily life. I’ve gotten used to stepping outside and a potent aroma of diesel, fried goodness, perfume and cigarette smoke filling my lungs. In fact, this smell has become so associated with Latin America in my mind that whenever I go back home and happen to catch a momentary whiff, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgic longing and am instantly transported back to Panama City or Bogota. But as a former suburbanite used to crisp, fresh air, it took me a while to get accustomed to the smog. And get used to people honking their horns for sport.

7.) The cult of beauty. So this might not be a negative if you’re a guy, but as a girl, it can get tiring. My grandmother often says she doesn’t understand how women in the United States go out in sweatpants and disheveled ponytails. She thinks everyone in the U.S. walks around looking a mess. As a woman who used to thoroughly enjoy sweatpants and disheveled ponytails, I’ve had to change my ways. Here, it seems that women are expected to get their hair and nails done at least once a week, hit the gym to fix any slight problem areas (or head to the plastic surgeon if the gym doesn’t do it), and rarely go out looking anything less than perfect. For example, take the gym: While I’m sweating profusely and looking definitively unsexy in my baggy sweats and t-shirt, the woman next to me is looking great in form-fitting spandex and casually running 6.5 miles an hour,  not a hair out of place.  I can’t compete with that kind of perfection. Now, I’m not saying all women strive to look perfect ALL the time, but beauty is definitely a bigger priority, at least in Colombia, than back home. And foreign guys will have to abandon the shorts and flip-flops unless they want to be the perpetual gringo.

8.) A serious aversion to the word “No.” Latin Americans are nice. So nice, in fact, that they hate saying no. Or telling you they don’t know. Maybe you’ve asked directions and have been confidently pointed in a particular direction, only to realize, 20 minute later, you’re going the wrong way. Or maybe you meet some friendly people and promise to get together soon but it never materializes. Just keep in mind that a “yes” in Latin America doesn’t carry the same weight as a yes in North America. Otherwise, you’re bound to be perpetually disappointed. And stood-up.

9.) Cities aren’t quite as “pretty” as back home. The roads have massive craters; the sidewalks are falling apart and uninspired concrete grey buildings from the ‘70s stand next to dilapidated colonial-era structures. Sure, there are perfectly attractive neighborhoods and districts, but for the most part, Latin American cities can be overwhelming and unorganized. It takes a while to be able to see the beauty beyond the chaotic façade, but if you look hard enough, you’re bound to see it.

10.) Social inequality and poverty. One of the hardest things about living in Latin America is having to deal with poverty on a daily basis. Economic contrasts are a much bigger part of daily life here than in the United States or Europe. While some CEOs take home six figure incomes, live in posh penthouses and go to Paris and Miami just for the shopping, maids and security guards often have to get by on $10 or $12 a day. In Colombia, 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and a strict, traditional social system means things are changing at a painfully slow pace. Frankly, the unfairness and difficulty of daily life for many of Latin America’s inhabitants can be downright depressing. But maybe one of the good things about the influx of expats moving down south is the spreading of more egalitarian social notions.

Keep in mind this list is written from the point of view of an expat woman living in Colombia. If you have a different opinion, something to add or think I’m completely wrong , I invite you to be a guest contributor and let LatinWorld know what you think.

For more of my opinions on Latin America, check out my blog or my article about reasons to visit.