COMMENT if you have any questions about what it's like living in Medellin, Colombia. 💃🕺 If you’re moving in your 20s, like my videos or just want to follow my move to NYC - SUBSCRIBE! ✅
Personally, I wouldn't go to Sydney to eat in Chinese or Asian restaurants or I wouldn't go to see spiders in the middle of the Australian desert, it's absurd. 🤣😂
Does Australia have gastronomy? In addition, we have more Italian gastronomy in all of South America than in all of Oceania, in addition to our own gastronomy, not brought from other places such as the British with its breakfast or its potatoes with oil that have already become popular throughout the world. These Brits being Brits. And complaining about everything. Although there is a large minority from another part of Europe. the attitude Includes Australian with an American and British spirit lost in another epoch.
I lived in Antioquia for 11+ years. Some of the things you pointed out were spot on……especially the women and organization. Although, as for the noise pollution, the pollution in general, food, lack of cultural things, danger, American Football. First, Medellin is one of the cleaner cities in Latin America, football is now on TV after Covid took it off the air and if you go to the typical local joints, you’re going to get the standard lunch meal. You should have been in Medellin prior to 2014 when it was like a big town. Chorizo & empanadas was it. As for dangerous, of course it’s dangerous but you don’t have to worry about getting shot in church, schools, parks, restaurants or on the metro. Before there were a lot of foreigners, parque lleras was mostly upper Colombians. Don’t blame Medellin for chasing the USD. It’s the foreigners who are looking for prostitution, sex with minors and drugs. I went to several concerts during my time there……Guns and Roses, Megadeth, and many Latin bands. It doesn’t take much to make people happy when they don’t have a lot.
Bogotá is way better for food. You want and Bogotá has it. And anything else. As for music. Mostly salsa cumbia where Medellín hss more regaeton. Medellín has better weather. If you like American sports then don't mové to Colombia you're to Americanized. 😂😂😂. I also feel Medellín has more tourist focused crime. My parents are Germán so I couldnt csre less about American culture. Glad to get away from it honestly. I will say all of Colombia is not terribly organized, Especially when youve experienced the Germán system. After saying all that I still prefer Colombia over the states. Overall a beter class of people with more depth, appreciation for culture and respect for education.
@@colinmcgrawThe list you provided contains popular fast food franchises and brands located primarily in Colombia. These include a mix of local and regional chains offering a variety of foods, from crepes and fried chicken to coffee and ice cream. Here is a brief description of some of them: • Crepes and Waffles: Known for its crepes, waffles and ice creams, with a strong emphasis on the use of fresh ingredients. • Frisby - A popular Colombian fried chicken chain. • Presto: Fast food chain that offers hamburgers and other fast food items. • El Corral - Renowned burger chain that offers a variety of gourmet and classic burgers. • Qbano: Specializes in sandwiches, particularly Cuban-style sandwiches. • Tostao’ Café & Pan - A popular bakery and café chain offering a variety of baked goods and coffee. • Juan Valdez Café - Coffee shop chain that promotes Colombian coffee culture. • Popsy- Ice cream franchise known for its variety of flavors. • Mi Buñuelo: Offers traditional Colombian snacks, with special emphasis on "buñuelos" (fried dumplings). • Mimos - Another popular ice cream chain in Colombia. • Monte Olivo - Known for its pizzas and Italian-style dishes. • Santa Helena - Bakery and coffee brand. • La Miguería- Specializes in empanadas and other baked goods. • Deli: probably refers to a delicatessen-style fast food chain. • Cosechas: juice and smoothie franchise that focuses on fresh fruits and healthy drinks. These brands are an integral part of Colombian fast food culture and can be found throughout the country. And in general, it is very internationalized worldwide, so there are also both vegan and vegetarian options. So there is a lot of variety to choose from. I already need or need to mention more private restaurants like Milagros or Cumbia house, or more hidden or less known or infrequent cafes that exist like Oma cafe, as I say there are many options. I also think that for sushi or Chinese rice there are already American industries or companies or franchises like Sarku or others like Sr Wok that I'm not entirely sure what qualifications there are or who the owners are. The only thing that I do know and that is clear to me is that Asian food is overrated or has been lost all over the world, just by saying that it is already available in all supermarkets, and that it is already starting to happen all over the world. to make strange mixtures such as mixing traditional Japanese food with Arabic food, which have no metamorphological meaning, which already loses the essence and the illusion of eating a different dish or that could even focus on it even having a flavor different.
Happy for you! I was just sharing my reasons why I moved back to the United States. I had a great 2 years in Medellin, but definitely some reasons I moved back.
I like how you deliver your video - very straightforward and no nonsense. You get right into the content instead of wasting time talking about nothing like many vloggers. And your train of thought is logical with good reasons offered.
Appreciate it! Yeah - I don;t like fluff youtubers - of course I'll throw a little humor in and an asking to subscribe, but otherwise I want to give your guys the content!
Canadian here in Medellín for most of the past 3 years ... my lady is a Paisa ... Visiting Medellín vs living in Medellín are 2 completely different experiences .... the constant noise (shitty music at all hours , dogs barking , LOUD conversations) , danger (you cannot safely use your cell phone in public spaces) , pollution and inefficient way to do just about anything gets on your nerves after a while ... you have to spend a LOT of your time waiting in lines (bank , supermarket etc) and hours sitting in traffic to go a relatively short distance .... of course , the climate is perfect , the ladies are beautiful , and it's relatively cheap .... so it's a definite compromise ... Cheers !
An excellent list. It's funny the things you fall in love with in one week, and the very same things you will come to hate in a month. The longer you stay, the more you get to really understand if you can deal with it or not. I love the coastal cities more. More diversity, more cultural activities, and the food is definitely better. BUT you nailed it on the noise. Colombia is a loud loud loud loud country. And if I didn't say it already, it is loud. Every store blaring music out the door or speakers just set up outside, announcers every 50 feet talking into a Mic. Music at the weirdest times of night coming from houses and apartments... At first the noise and action made me feel alive.... but after a month... man I just wanted to find some quiet. And that can be hard to find inside of the cities. Same for the organization. We used to see lines everywhere (at busses, banks, stores etc.) and thought my how organized they are. But then you realize the reason they are waiting is because process moves so slow and is not well organized. I still love Colombia, but I have found that I have to take it in doses.
Thanks for watching! Yes, the noise really drained me. At first I loved it - felt alive! Gets tiring. I liked living in Colombia for two years, but I found it helpful to leave the country for a few weeks. Reset, recharge, and come back.
One day I was at the bank w one of my employees and I had asked him every time we go why does it take so long? He would just shrug his shoulders. Then one day we were at the bank and the guy sitting beside us had about a 1 or 2 yr old with him. Every single employee working on that floor came over one by one and patted the baby and talked to the papi for a minute or 2. Then I started seeing it all over the place. There's a magical age where the whole community in the city area tries to help socialize the babies. Kind of cool! But after they get a bit older like 5 or so they are treated like everyone else. Been here for 5 yrs hate the food but just about everything else I love about the place.Driving a moto here if you are exp. rider is a freaking blast. No rules driving! Wrong way down a one way street fun! Ride up on the sidewalk always a blast. But bcz it is always done carefully I haven't seen one bad accident in Medellin. I did see a bad one in Santa Marta though.
It depends on where in Colombia you are, it is noisy or not, Colombia has very quiet, peaceful and low noise regions like Boyacá (Tunja, Sogamoso, Villa de LEYVA), Cundinamarca and even Bogotá (although Bogotá is less noisy, it has all the problems of a big capital city).
After 2 years anywhere, you will be happy to be back in the states. I’m in the Philippines now, it’s the same story as you just told. It’s exciting at first until it drives you insane.
The traffic,terrible air quality,food is not that good ,trash everywhere,no products last,they fall apart,noise polution everywhere,just to name a few downsides
There was a lot I loved about Medellin! I was just pointing out cultural differences that got tiring living there for two years. Appreciate you watching!
Thanks for the video, not negative at all but very honest observations. Good Luck to you. Paisas are know in the Latin world as being nice people but very centered around their Plata.
Hi Ra - thanks for the comment! Yeah, I didn't want to come off too negative because I liked at lot about Medellin. Just things got tiring and I wanted to move back to states. Again thanks for the feedback!
Fiest of all as a colombian living in the usa i can say that colombian food is far above u.s.a food. The problem is that you dont know where to look at buy at sub par places. Either you arent used to latinonstyle food but there is a large variety in colombia..the paisa regiom isnt known to be great cook but from the coast to the andes you can find a large variety of vegetable soups, meat dishes, tamales (rolled up meat with cornmeal or rice), seafood, fresh water fish, steamed dishes, fresh watee fish, and many thing different from more afro centric cultures, indigenous, or europe..then again you guys keep hanging out at the food black holes known as bogota and the paisa region. Second of all the expat and foreign tourist has gardenered a bad reputation for lookking for vices nit accepted in the usa..i have paisa friends that refuse to go by el poblado because of how bad foreigners react and the locals are getting a little fed up.
I appreciate the feedback! I didn't say colombian food was bad! I just got tired of it. From an American perspective, found it tough to go from great international food variety to colombian food. Again just my thoughts. I think food is very subjective - everyone has an opinion! Thanks for the comment. El poblado - I agree can be tiring for the foreigners (even though I am one lol). When I lived there I tried staying in more local areas (belen, envigado, etc.)
Welcome to being an immigrant. Do you know how long it takes to get a visa to go to the US? Years!! If you are lucky to even get one. The US immigration system isn't better.
I actually learned that from some colombian friends about the process; I understand how difficult it is. This was just one example of how slow they are in Colombia. You'll also find large lines at grocery stores, banks, etc., that differs from the states.
I'm new subscriberr you're strong man no need more followers before you start posting I wish you all the best stay safely may God protect you travel blogs is not easy more fun but also weird sometimes
Hi Metmi - appreciate the support! Slow and surely I'll build my channel. Right now - working on improving my videos and delivering great content. Thanks again for the sub and comment!
After 3 months in Nicaragua, Medellin it’s like coming back to civilization. There was really rice and beans every day. Here I have a lot of options and if i get bored, i can cook something good. Before I couldn’t. Nica grocery stores have nothing, meat is so lean and full of water and the few imported goods are severely overpriced. I lived in SE Asia and I got bored after a while, so I understand the feeling. The solution is going home, realize that is much worse and resume the trip.
Hey man just wondering how long did you overstay you visa to be fined 300$. I was thinking about overstaying for 6 months. I’ve heard the max fine is 1500$ which is bullshit especially when the USA is welcoming all Colombian visa law breakers and actually putting them in hotels with food.
It depends on where in Colombia you are, it is noisy or not, Colombia has very quiet, peaceful and low noise regions like Boyacá (Tunja, Sogamoso, Villa de LEYVA), Cundinamarca and even Bogotá (although Bogotá is less noisy, it has all the problems of a big capital city).
Well I’ve been waiting for citizenship from an Eastern European country based on heritage for over 5 years! But you do make some good points. I think that there is a cool feeling or vibe in Medellin which makes it special. Pollution is huge on my dislikes too as well as it is now a city of high rise apartments and few houses with yards. Density is too compacted and getting worse everyday. Expats are a mixed bag too. Some good people and many scammers too.
Dude, I really appreciated this video. Man, you make videos the way they use to be made. You're videos are the way videos should be made. I liked and subscribed because just well done. I am an American with black skin. I despise all the videos with wannabe stars. They all SUCK ! I wish you best regards.
Thanks so much James! Means a lot to me in my early RU-vid days. Trying to get better and better with every video. I want to balance between being helpful, share my opinions, and a little humor as well.
I love Colombian food haha. I’m an immigrant son, so I enjoy international food. I’m a simple guy. And I guess my time was great when I went because I stayed in the local areas, not really tourists. I’ll take Colombia and El Salvador over most of the USA.
im from medellin, lived in nyc since 9 years old. went back recently and i didnt like what the city turned into. If its for women theres plenty here and i dont gotta worry about been drugged or robbed. if you come to nyc let me know maybe we can do a video
Appreciate the comment! Hey to each their own. I was just sharing my opinion. I loved Medellin for a lot of reasons, but excited to date American women again. NYC is a whole new adventure for me - so lets see how I like it! Thanks for watching.
@@colinmcgraw np keep your eyes open there many scams here. For real estate just find apts yourself or a broker. Check on the ny state website to verify credentials
You make some valid points. The noise pollution from the food vendors became especially problematic for me during video conference calls. I never noticed the air pollution until one morning when I got stuck in rush hour traffic in a taxi driving with the windows down and couldn’t breathe. I love the fact though that it’s not “culturally diverse”. As a traveler, I hate it when I see cities have lost their identity and become americanized. Let’s keep Colombia Colombian!
1. Cheating is also very common, more common then in the states. I paid 12.00 dollars for my fee but overstayed only a month. 3 and 4 Yeah I moved out of Medellin after the first month and went up to Santa Elena. It's good hiking around though
You are good to live at the mountain alone , cose everything normal at the big cities , its complicated to you . Im lived at Miami and we have many problems right here , but , i love this city , the Country and i have open my main , and understand the culture . God bless you , maybe you have everithing on your life , thats whay dont undertand nothing outside of your confort , good lack .
As an American who has lived in Latin America for several years, as well as other international places such as Germany, Korea, and Kuwait, I can say that there are good and bad for each. If you are a white American you will have a worse experience in Latin America and a better experience in the U.S. As an afro-latino, I felt right at home in South America b/c people look like me, dress like me, and I don't have to white wash myself. It is no surprise that a white American would get tired of living in Latin America b/c it is not his native culture. He is treated like a foreigner and outsider. Even as a native born American, that is how I've been and the way most minorities treated in the U.S. Hopefully, your experience in Colombia will allow you to empathize with minorities and foreigners when you are back in the states. You've now walked in our shoes, and seen what life is like as an outsider.
Love the feedback! I think that's one of the best things about moving abroad! You're experienced to a new mindset, new way of living, new culture, and new appreciation for things.
Yup! Spot on on "Medallo!" I prefer Bogota, which has more to offer, and I do like the cooler climate. It's also more conservative, and you don't really see the prostitution scene unless you seek it out. International food is very ubiquitous in Bogota, and I can always find good imported prime cuts at Carulla. Theater and other events are abundant with plenty to do in and around the many pueblos that surround Bogotá. Traffic is hurrandeous in BG, but gotta take the good with the bad. My hometown is NYC! THE BEST! But expensive!😉
I was debating about moving to Bogota for a few months. Ended up not doing that - but I agree! The food is better there. Nice! Yeah - enjoying NYC. Definitely expensive
I lived there 5 yrs you made good points but America is 10 worst in a lot of different ways good luck with the tri state area live there most of my life haha
You seem like a good guy, but I think I would like it. Our back grounds are so different tho, I was born and raised in Chicago and also I'm 59 planning to retire in a cheap community in 3 years, find someone my age and relax , also I speak alittle Spanish and. I love to Couples dance. So between learn ing more spanish and dancing lessons . Seems like a pretty good adventure.
Vince thanks for the comment! Check out my other video on "10 reasons you SHOULD move to Medellin" --- some of those things you just mentioned are exactly my thoughts! I would say go give it a go for 3-6 months as a test run. Best of luck!
What is the noise level in Bello? I'm in bogota on my 5 week pilot trip. I like bogota it reminds me of new york....I stay away from rice and beans because it does not agree with me. I stick to middle eastern food , Mediterranean, kabobs, French, Italian and Peruvian and when I make my own food like chicken grilled nor fried. I don't drink that much. Beer does not agree with me. As far as women learn Spanish so you can date women with jobs. But find out more about the women before you meet them.dont meet her at 7 am at her house when you have not met before. Don't meet her with her male friend Juan Pablo and don't get in his car.
yes there are good points to this but its not for every one you defantly need street smarts and hold a good energy with your self. you have to know how to party. the women they are amazing some times you def have to get lucky to find a good one they do exist. i still love it here....
Do you really think in America is really organized ? I took 8 months to get my student visa and 1 year for my green card It’s not that organized … trust me
Fair enough man. The visa was just an example. I should have listed the many other ways --- like checking out in a grocery store, lines at banks, etc. Appreciate your comment regardless!
I've got 2 years in Ibague Colombia and EVERYTHING you described is the same here except sex tourism isn't a thing. I'm here for 5 things, the climate, the exotic landscapes, the cheap cost of living, I love the music, and the fresh fruits, of which there's so many, I haven't tried them all yet. I'm also retired and 60 so that all factors in to why I'm staying, at least for now. I drive here and really, that is the hardest thing for me to adapt to as these people drive as though NO ONE else is in the streets.
@@colinmcgraw It is difficult, requires a lot of concentration. However, the freedom it provides is worth it. We've been to some places in Colombia that are truly magical like Termales El Sifon!
@@colinmcgraw Yes, but in Jardín in my opinion the best things are in the surrounding areas where they have a waterfall that enters a cave and a bird watching preserve and other things!
*Moves to a second tier city in a third world country *Cultural offer sucks *Complains about not having access to fancy intrnl restaurants and concerts 😂😂 You just wasted 2 yrs of your life. Just move to a 1st class cosmopolitan city like NYC, Paris, Berlin, etc
I agree with most of what you are saying. This will blow you away My GF and me went and saw the Royal Russian Ballet here! Just street smarts been living here for 5 plus yrs never had a anything dangerous happen to me. I did have a taxi driver one time tell me my money was counterfeit and so he ended up getting about $30 from me. I love the dogs here and very seldom see a stray here. If they had to choose between abuela and dog most will pick their dogs! A few rules that will keep you safe don't miss with putas, don't miss w drugs don't go out alone and walk home alone all fcked up and you will be fine! But food is just terrible here! Are you in Colorado? looks like either Fort Collins or Golden.
Hey man - thanks for watching! The Royal Russian Balley - wow! Yeah - cultural events are there you just just need to know how to find them. Not as easy. But cool stuff man. Yes, I filmed this video out in Colorado (Boulder area) a few days after returning back to the states from Colombia.
I appreciate your video about Medellin. However I would like to respond to all of your points. 1. Women - I see where you coming from with this one. However, the same thing goes on in America. You go to a bar and most likely the men will be paying for the girls. 2. Unorganized - My bad if I come off arrogant but to me you are talking from a privileged point of view, always expecting everything right away. Have you realized that out of all Latin America Colombia has the longest immigration waiting list to ge an American visa. Don’t even mention over staying your visa in the U.S you will be either incarcerated or deported. 3. Noise pollution - I cannot argue about it but as you said this is a cultural thing. However other places of Medellin or Colombia are different. 4. Regular pollution - This has to do a lot with where Medellin is located ( in a valley surrounded by mountains) which makes it more difficult for air to circulate properly. But if you step out of the city is a whole different story, all nature. (Remember Colombia is still a “developing” country) The government is trying to come up with solutions for this. 5. Food - I’m sorry but I could argue all day about this, Colombia super rich when it comes to food but if you are only looking and trying the same things what can you expect? How can you expect to find good Chinese places in Colombia if there isn’t a Chinese influence in Colombia like there is in America? And to top it off, American does not even have any culinary richness other than fast food or name a traditional American dish? Like I say I do not mean to be arrogant or disrespectful but you are kind of giving a really narrow point of you. Your “privileged” point of you, if you really wanted to enjoy Colombia and Medellin you could’ve try way too many other things that would’ve amazed you.
Hey Gyo! Appreciate your thoughts. I know what you mean on the women - however in the states you’re more likely to get a woman who at the very least will offer to split a check on a date. As for the visa thing - this was just one example. There are plenty of other situations of how unorganized things can be in Medellin (bank line for example). And I totally understand my view is privileged. I think that’s why I advocate for people to move in their 20s. Opens you up to new experiences and meeting people with different backgrounds. Like I said I loved Medellin, these we’re just some reasons it got tiring for me. Again thanks for watching 🙏
I seriously considered the idea. But loans aren’t like they are in the US. Much more difficult to acquire as an international citizen. If you can get one the rates are much higher. You need all the money at once usually.
My man your #6 is verrrrrry wrong. There is sooooo much to do in Medellin. You just need to get into the colombian crowd and go to the local events. And the museums are absolutely amazing. Gotta not hang out with the gringos man. The other tips are fine... but #6 is very wrong
Funny that I think that dogs in the US not as well behave as when I have gone to Colombia, the dogs didnt even look and there where a lot . I think that if you are going to a country to find exactly what you left behind then what is the point?
Interesting - the dogs drove me nuts in Colombia. Of course it's not going to be exactly like the states! I loved Colombia, I was just listing things that grew tiring for me after living there for two years. I would do it all over again though. Great experience.
Just gotta leave the tourists cities bro, city life is trash in any country, i spend my time in Cordoba, Colombia, more on the country side but you don't run into to the nonsense with the bigger tourist cities.
There is some truth to things he is saying, but mostly he proves that he is a clueless dolt, and doesn't have the ability to learn mush. If you have half a brain you learn how to avoid trouble, find a good partner, and make things happen. I agree with his point about noise pollution though. There are annoying moments, but you do learn to live with it. his point about pollution is overblown. i can tell you how to avoid this. his points about food are just clueless. he doesn't know what he is talking about. About culture, again he is clueless. For a guy who lived here for two years, he didn't learn a lot. Dangerous? no. Not for the average person with half a brain. This is a guy who just didn't learn a lot. And of course there is access to American sports on television! This is a place where there is a significant amount of poverty compared to some places. you just have to understand that, and if you have the means to do so, stay in the better areas. His point about dogs is simply wrong. it is a dog culture, and most dogs are very well behaved...guess he doesn't like dogs much.
@@colinmcgraw I have been in Colombia for 6 months and I stayed in Medellin for two months and I agree on MANY of your points:) You are spot on! that said, I still like Medellin but I would not like to live there
ok so you moved from Medellin to NYC? You took a serious downgrade IMO. NYC is a nightmare city. How you would leave Medellin for NYC, I have no idea. To each his own I suppose.
Appreciate you commenting! All about the adventure for me. If I don’t like it I can always go back to Medellin! Personally enjoying football season and the colder weather right now in NYC. 🥶
Maybe he thinks that NYC is safer😂be careful with shooters and robbers 😂No pollution, no prostitution 😂 I guess this guy never have been to NYC. And about USA gastronomy?? He thinks is better and has a variety 😂😂😂Hamburgers, peanut butter sandwiches , for breakfast : cereal with milk or donuts with coffee and few more things. Only few. Unless you eat No Local food, the USA gastronomy is not more variety than Colombian.
@@rocioramirez6373 I must agree. To be honest, most gringos cannot handle being out of the US for too long, This is 90% of Americans. Once they realize they cant get 2 day amazon delivery anymore, they want to go back home. Living abroad is only for a small amount of people with a certain type of spirit. Out of all the places to move, why would anyone voluntarily move to NYC? Follow your happiness I always say...
I live here now and you are right about women here. I like to cook so I cook a lot of my own food and eat a nice lunch out once in a while. I was sick of working and wanted to retire here early so another reason I'm here. I also want to see the rest of South America as well and this is a good jumping-off point. The USA had gotten crazy with the high rent prices and unaffordable healthcare. Of course, I'm coming at this in my late 50's vs a 20-something guy. If I'd have come here in my 20's Pablo would have killed me, lol, I was a wild kid. I have a lawyer as well working on a student Visa so I can learn the language. (Did you purchase the Spanish classes first) You have to so they know you're serious about the classes and not just after a visa. I found a casino with a Texas Holdem game and some fun guys to play cards with as well. Golf here is cheap with amazing courses to play on as well. As for American sports you can get anything you want you just have to pay for it to be added to your TV No pool tables or darts anywhere which is odd, but oh well I'm sure I just haven't found it yet. Peace
