At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Colombia and some of the bloggers who write about living there.
Medellin Living
http://medellinliving.com
Medillin Living devotes itself to tips and articles about living in Colombia’s second-largest city. Useful for visitors and expats alike, the range of categories will give you a good idea of all the different aspects of Medellin life and will provide all the information you could need before you arrive. The ‘Things To Do’ section highlights local places to go, night life, arts and cultural events, and the best restaurants.If you’re looking to visit Medellin before you move there, the ‘Plan A Trip’ section will help you do just that, with in-depth discussions of the accommodation and transportation choices available, as well as guides to visas and which neighbourhoods are the safest.
Flavors Of Bogota
http://flavorsofbogota.com/
A blog that focuses heavily on the local cuisine, Flavors of Bogota is a must-read for any foodie expats who are considering a move here. From the best restaurants in Colombia to the results of the ‘Chef of the Year’ competition, this blog will give you some great ideas about where – and what – to eat in Colombia. There are also articles about where to find foods from all over the world, in case you start feeling homesick for your own country’s food. The ‘Expat Life in Latin America’ section also features articles on non-culinary aspects of expat life, including guides to living in Bogota, and how to not get mugged in Latin America. Useful tips for any potential expats!
How To Bogota
http://www.howtobogota.com/
If you’re looking for a blog that gives an in-depth account of day-to-day life in Colombia’s capital, look no further than How To Bogota. Written by Naomi, a Londoner who moved there in 2013, the site is an eclectic mixture of tips for new expats and glimpses into life in the city. For those planning a shorter visit, the ‘How to spend 48 hours in Bogota’ post will come in handy, and if you haven’t yet decided on a neighbourhood, the ‘Where to live in Bogota’ article will no doubt help. With posts about street art, buskers and Parisian-style food stalls, Naomi’s blog will transport you into the world of Bogota without having to leave your living room.
Expat Chronicles
http://www.expat-chronicles.com/
An American blogger who has been living in Colombia and Peru since 2008, Colin blogs about his life as an expat in Latin America and provides helpful tips for anyone else who’s considering making the move. This is a great site if you’re looking at Latin America as a destination but haven’t yet decided on a country – providing a comprehensive guide to the good, the bad and the ugly of expat life, Expat Chronicles will help you make up your mind. There are also more philosophical articles on the experience of being an expat generally, and how to remain mindful of others whilst settling in.
Banana Skin Flip-Flops
http://bananaskinflipflops.com
Writing a blog that blurs the lines between diary, philosophical journal and guidebook for new expats, Victoria covers a lot of ground on Banana Skin Flip-Flops. A self-confessed bookworm and published writer, Victoria writes about the arts, literature, and why the Colombian way of life makes people so happy there. If you like in-depth articles rather than posts that skim the surface of a subject, and if you want to learn as much as possible about the cultural aspects of Colombia before you arrive, Banana Skin Flip-Flops is a definite must-read.
Those are our recommended expat blogs for today. Do you write about being an expat? Let us know in the comments!