10 Things I HATE About Living In Colombia

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[@WheresWes]

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[@mmfong297]

I like how honest you express yourself without worrying about all the hate you gonna get here.. Mexico has similar issues as well (except the food part), it's part of the Latin roots. Everything is tranquillo or tell a white lie and calm things down even if your boat is sinking.. It's a love and hate feeling. I think this is part of the reason why many gringos cannot last more than a few years there

[@WheresWes]

the love hate feeling is so real lol

[@CoachatCole]

One sure fire way to repel People from hitting you up for money as a foreigner is always make sure you ask them first (even though you don’t actually need money) . They always get dumbfounded and It shocks the hell out of them. You have to ask with a very serious and str8 face. It’s like going to the bank for a mortgage and the loan officer hits you up for 20 bucks. Very frustrating!!

[@casamurphy]

I educate my Colombian friends and business associates with this letter. It has worked wonders for me: There is something very important to understand about professionally educated people and North Americans, North Asians, and North Europeans in general. They attach a great deal of importance to appointments. For them, appointments are all about social status and interpersonal respect. It is considered normal for a North American to terminate even long-standing relationships if appointment etiquette is neglected. First of all, they will feel insecure if they do not have a set appointment. They are very uncomfortable with open-ended arrangements because they feel that such arrangements devalue their time and thus themselves as a person. Without a set time they are also uncertain about how they will be able to successfully meet their own etiquette requirements. Because appointment etiquette is so important, people as a matter of course, prepare contingency plans to make sure they never violate that etiquette. Using yesterday as an example, if you were a Northerner, you would have created a profile for me so that you could quickly call me the moment you lost control of your schedule. You would have also memorized or written down my number on paper so that in case your phone malfunctions you could give instructions to someone else to make the call. It is considered normal good manners to confirm one hour before the appointment that all is well, and then for the traveling person to send a notification when they are in transit. That way the waiting person can assume that if the other person is more than 20 minutes late and has not sent a transit update, something serious has happened. In that case, the waiting person is morally free to cancel the appointment and/or contact others who might know what is happening (secretary, business associate, family member). Because of this strict attitude about appointments, excuses for being more than 20 minutes late without update communications, must be very serious such as a car accident where a person is incapacitated, etc. To give an inadequate excuse is considered more insulting than to give no excuse at all. For example, if you totally forgot about an appointment, it is best to not give an excuse because you cannot lie and say you were in a coma in a hospital. Instead, you would directly apologize and beg forgiveness listing the many ways you value the person and how terrible you feel to have disrespected them. Also, don't expect to be able to just say, "I'm sorry", without also being able to list all the ways your failure to have a communication contingency plan was disrespectful. The Northerner you hurt needs to know you have reflected on your failure. They want to feel secure that you won't make the same mistake again. That they are respected and not being taken for granted. If they question you about what priorities you held above them in that circumstance, then you must be honest and accept the end of the relationship if the person you disrespected does not forgive you. Few Northerners would forgive you more than once. At your second "no show" they would end the relationship completely.

[@DerekSantaMonica]

This is exactly how we think.

[@DerekSantaMonica]

Upon reflection, I am actually quite curious as to what the Latin perspective is on timelines. It would be great if someone could explain.

[@ishbautista1941]

Thank you so much for this! I'm Southeast Asian and my partner is Colombian. We're going to visit his city next year: Baranquilla! Watching your videos is super dope and gives me insight into Colombia. I feel you on the lack of diversity in food! My partner always eats that combo and can see how it'll be a common combo in Colombia. You seem really cool and i'd love to drop by your restaurant in the future. Keep making such informative content, more power Wes.

[@luisgarciam1929]

Estoy muy de acuerdo con tu video, siendo colombiano. Trabaje y estudie en corea del sur, aprendí e intente adoptar las buenas practicas que vi de la cultura coreana, aplicarla en mi vida profesional y personal.

[@amonzart2379]

People is so much relaxed here. Our awareness about being late is real however we tend to avoid accountability. Me as Colombian that BS gets me on my nerves, specially when I´ve planned to hang out with some friend and this one is not even dressed or showered when the time comes up. In other hand about the fake politeness matter, is not only to get something from someone but sometimes avoiding problems with problematic people we just prefer to keep it cool and move on in life. The "Don´t mess with me and I Won´t screw you" rule.

[@WheresWes]

nice comment

[@FABIANOWARIOR]

Im colombian I really like how you are expressing about my country,well neither country is perfect

[@rickhall8119]

You forgot how LOUD they are! Like ridiculously loud and all hours. Especially on the coast. But I've been in the country in a cabin chilling and all the sudden, music blasting from across the valley. Colombians, it seems, go to the countryside to blast music like they do in the city- not to have peace and quiet and enjoy nature.

[@WheresWes]

you are so right, I thought about that after I made the video

[@LifeandHealthLiving]

@@agudecar My experience has been that Colombians tend to speak softly in public. I haven't been to the coast yet, but I heard they are kinda like the Italians of Colombia. I've noticed Foreigners being obviously foreigners by their loud behavior in public.

[@amirsimantov1]

USA people talk really loudly, shouting almost. The paisas are quiet.

[@rickhall8119]

I'm talking about hiking in Parque ARVI and having Colombians carrying boom boxes blasting music, Living in Laureles and having neighbors who vibrate the walls starting at 7am and going until 4am.

[@RosaSalinass]

@@agudecar En Colombia generalmente la gente es muy ruidosa con la música no solo en la Costa si no en todo el país en general. Pero lo del ruido de los estadounidenses si es terrible. Nosotros ponemos un parlante a sonar con música y en cambio ellos parecen que se hubiesen tragado uno, siempre gritan.

[@keine031]

As a Colombian living in Germany for well over 8 years now... a lot of these things seem more like a global issue than only Colombian. The superficiality takes other forms in different countries. Conformism can be seen in Europe or the US too, just in a different way. I agree on bad punctuality and food being too monotonous. On laziness: do you know how much the average Colombian works in comparison to the average German/European? On bureaucracy: have you ever had any experience with European governments/agencies at all? On customer service: in my experience Colombia (and the US) have a good customer service, miles above anything in Europe (exception maybe Spain) On people wanting things from you: doesn't that happen literally everywhere? And men objectifying and picking women for their looks is also supposed to be specific to Colombia? Have you forgotten what the previous American president said about women? There are a lot of things I do not like about Colombia (for me #1 are loud and chaotic motorcycles everywhere), but a lot of the things from this video seem to just be general to pretty much everywhere. Since you are a foreigner with the ability to look into the culture from the outside, it is easier for you to identifiy the specific Colombian manifestations of the global issues. Same thing for me in Germany.

[@WheresWes]

Fair enough. idk about Europe but coming from the US these are things i see as issues. that's my only reference point

[@jasoncarretino1121]

You missed his point

[@rickhall8119]

After being here for 3 years, I agree with all of this.

[@WheresWes]

Cheers bro

[@casamurphy]

Instruyo a mis amigos y socios comerciales colombianos con esta carta. Me ha funcionado bien:Hay algo muy importante que entender acerca de las personas con educación profesional y los norteamericanos, norasiáticos y noreuropeos en general. Le dan mucha importancia a las citas. Para ellos, las citas tienen que ver con el estatus social y el respeto interpersonal. Se considera normal que un norteamericano termine incluso una relación duradera si se descuida la etiqueta de la cita. En primer lugar, se sentirán inseguros si no tienen una cita establecida. Se sienten muy incómodos con los arreglos abiertos porque sienten que tales arreglos devalúan su tiempo y, por lo tanto, a sí mismos como personas. Sin un tiempo establecido, tampoco están seguros de cómo podrán cumplir con éxito sus propios requisitos de etiqueta. Debido a que la etiqueta de la cita es tan importante, las personas, por supuesto, preparan planes de contingencia para asegurarse de que nunca violen esa etiqueta. Usando ayer como ejemplo, si fueras norteño, me habrías creado un perfil para que pudieras llamarme rápidamente en el momento en que perdieras el control de tu agenda. También habrías memorizado o anotado mi número en un papel para que, en caso de que tu teléfono no funcionara bien, pudieras darle instrucciones a otra persona para que hiciera la llamada. Se considera de buena educación normal confirmar una hora antes de la cita que todo está bien, y luego que la persona que viaja envíe una notificación cuando esté en tránsito. De esa manera, la persona que espera puede asumir que si la otra persona tiene más de 20 minutos de retraso y no ha enviado una actualización de tránsito, algo grave ha sucedido. En ese caso, la persona que espera es moralmente libre de cancelar la cita y/o comunicarse con otras personas que puedan saber lo que está sucediendo (secretaria, socio comercial, miembro de la familia). Debido a esta actitud estricta con respecto a las citas, las excusas por llegar más de 20 minutos tarde sin comunicaciones actualizadas deben ser muy graves, como un accidente automovilístico en el que una persona queda incapacitada, etc. Dar una excusa inadecuada se considera más insultante que no dar excusa en absoluto. Por ejemplo, si te olvidaste por completo de una cita, es mejor no dar una excusa porque no puedes mentir y decir que estuviste en coma en un hospital. En su lugar, te disculparías directamente y suplicarías perdón enumerando las muchas formas en que valoras a la persona y lo mal que te sientes por haberle faltado el respeto. Además, no espere poder decir simplemente "lo siento", sin poder enumerar todas las formas en que su falta de un plan de contingencia de comunicación fue una falta de respeto. El norteño al que lastimaste necesita saber que has reflexionado sobre tu fracaso. Quieren sentirse seguros de que no volverás a cometer el mismo error. Que se respeten y no se den por sentados. Si te cuestionan qué prioridades tenías por encima de ellos en esa circunstancia, entonces debes ser honesto y aceptar el final de la relación si la persona a la que le faltaste el respeto no te perdona. Pocos norteños te perdonarían más de una vez. En su segundo "no show" terminarían la relación por completo.

[@nathancasey7712]

🤣

[@rickhall8119]

I know where the money goes: into corrupt politicians' pockets.

[@WheresWes]

u ain't wrong

[@thealternativecontrarian9936]

i get stared at a lot too as if I was a circus animal that escaped. You forgot to mention walking on sidewalks and how how people walking toward you will come straight in your direction and it's your responsibility to step out of their way. Ever get that? And other people will walk right in front of you as if you weren't there.

[@WheresWes]

I have not, in paisa areas people are very polite about that

[@thealternativecontrarian9936]

@@WheresWes I got that a lot in Laureles and Estadio which is where I spent most of my time

[@alexisalejandro832]

I would say that Paisas are very service oriented. They are very nice people. I love how people treat me in Colombia. Soy de Puerto Rico y me tratan super bien. A lot nicer than the gringos and europeans.

[@carlosmacmartin4205]

Wow. I'm actually glad I decided not to go down there. Most of what you talked about would drive me nuts.

[@jasoncarretino1121]

From a LA Latin guy lived in Colombia 17 months it’s true

[@WheresWes]

Cheers bro

[@LifeandHealthLiving]

Great summary of some of the negatives.

[@WheresWes]

thanks bro

[@MrRJS27]

If I disliked so many things about a country I might not choose to live there. None of those things especially bother me as someone who's lived in Colombia more off-than-on for decades. What really bothers me is crime and having to worry about it all the time.

[@InfernalLeo777]

I'm Colombia, but was born in Cali. I think the country is better than the other Spanish countries except Spain of course,

[@WheresWes]

Fair enough

[@eternalmystery121]

You are spot on about the laziness thing. I'm from the USA originally and I've been here close to 5 years now. I know several people here that own businesses and restaurants, including one Danish man who owns a good restaurant/bed and breakfast between Pereira and Cartago, and he's had a hiring crisis for more than a year now and has interviewed over 200 people and only 4 of those people stayed. What I've noticed about most Colombians is that they choose only one professional skill to have and to them that's "what they are", and they will absolutely not learn anything else other than that even if it pays more, so they'll just go unemployed for forever until something comes up that fits "what they do" instead of saying "you know maybe I should learn something else". The wealthier Colombians I know have a completely different mindset entirely. Almost all of the ones I know are constantly looking for opportunities and have no issue working 2 or 3 jobs if need be. While I don't like a lot of the classism here I do understand why upper estrato Colombians do look down on average people here and there is truth in the thing they say about them a lot: "Son pobres porque quieren". It's harsh but it is the reality. They are also very easily offended on the job as well. Any time you try to explain to them about standards they just get pissed off and usually just walk out. They just want an easy and quick payout is all unfortunately. Even at the local SENA tech school I know a bunch of instructors there and they tell me that half to 3/4 of their class will just drop out because they just don't wanna learn anything, and some of their students that did get certified in their fields from their classes went on to get permanent jobs with contracts in excess of 7 to 8 million pesos per month. Even that doesn't entice a lot of people here.

[@WheresWes]

thanks for the comment bro

[@Bogotaeverything]

I think that your comment is really classist, even if you say you do not like the classism here. I had to drop out of Sena because I had a baby and while it is true that a lot of people were not interested to begin with and dropped out after a couple days, many of them were really poor (to the point of coming to class with broken shoes) and did not have the money for food, transportation, etc. They had to find ways to support themselves while in school and many did not. I ended up graduating from college later on, so it was okay for me. But back to the point, having money to support yourself while in school is a big issue here. You will probably say that they should "get a job". Sure, many do. In a call center. Working long hours, only one day off, taking crap from yelling customers, going to the bathroom only when their supervisor authorizes it. And they have to be extremely nice to every Karen or Karl out there because they might get fired for talking back to one, as each of their interactions is recorded and scrutinized. Wealthy people here do not work two or three jobs, that is not even possible as most jobs are full time in regular working hours, late night shifts are only common in call centers and security. As for the Sena graduates making 7 - 8 million a month, those are very few. I only knew a case of a lady who graduated in hospitality and landed a job as a hotel manager right away and she was only like 20 years old. Most companies will not even consider you for a position if you do not have a university degree and plenty of experience. And even those with a hotel administration degree from a university will not get that lucky. Many Sena graduates from many fields work doing other things like customer service.

[@elvdell5582]

Down the line you hit them all. Not a lot of people talk about the different flavors of Spanish. I applaud you on that one. I've had people get upset with me for not understanding them, when the reality is especially on the coast, you have one person that's a Paisa, another a Costeno, another Venolozano, and another from Cali. And each one speaks differently. In truth, I've even heard other Colombians say they had trouble understanding people from other areas. It's difficult. Frustrating. But it is what it is. It's no different here in America if someone from up North is speaking to someone from the deep south. Oh and the bureaucracy... yesssssss..... you went all in. Really man I gotta applaud you. So many make it seem like Colombia is this paradise. I'm not saying it's all bad, but it isn't perfect. More people need to say this to let people know what they are getting into. If you can accept these things, you're good. One thing you did not mention I wonder if the same is true in Medellin. I think it is based on the videos I've seen. THE NOISE. Oh my gosh, I love music, but walking through the streets or relaxing in your spot and it can be a real exercise in noise tolerance. It is nothing for someone to start playing music at 1am. And just from store to store to store, all of them can have music blaring out, or the guy on the speakers trying to attract people in or shouting out his wares. Of the Latin countries I've been to, and there are many, Colombia is by far the loudest. In all honesty, I'm more surprised when it is quiet, than when it is loud.

[@WheresWes]

Cheers bro

[@chefnic4763]

Factsssss...we have Colombian friends and they are always LATE. I hate it.

[@WheresWes]

lol

[@leapsandbounds01]

Just found your channel mate, quality vids 🤙

[@WheresWes]

Thanks bro

[@SaraBurdick]

Haha.. great list.. ive gotten used to all this 🤣... we are on vacation and everyone has stared at me like im an alien😂...

[@WheresWes]

cuz we r lol

[@SaraBurdick]

@@WheresWes 🤣🤣

[@alexisvega7701]

I'm a Venezuelan guy and have to say that although Venezuelans and colombians have pretty much the same cultural failures so to speak; we, at least those with some degree of education, don't have the awful habit of staring at people as they do in Colombia, except, as elsewhere, poorly educated people of course !!. Some years ago, I had the chance to live in a border Town called San Cristóbal nearby Colombia (about 1 hour drive) in which most of its inhabitants are of colombian descent and several times i had to over and over again deal with the same issue all the time getting stared at as being a kind of an outer space creature, and what is more paradoxical i don't have any sort of either european or asían look at all !, I'd even say i can perfectly come across as colombian, but despite this people kept on acting strange towards me getting stared at as if i were from another galaxy! I have lotssss of AWESOME stories to tell about it very similar to those related in the above comments ! ...I definetly brlieve that all this freaky attitide is a result of years of isolation and social breakdown....I can't find any other reason for this nonsense!..if u find another one just share it with me!....what a primitive, freaky people!

[@the1andonly]

I've spent time in Colombia and have to agree with some of what you say, but to me they're minor. I live in Canada and almost every single one of your points apply here too, except everything costs more and the weather is colder. Colombia isn't perfect, but still a pretty sweet deal.

[@WheresWes]

fair point, thanks for the comment

[@adultarado]

hey man just watched a bunch of your videos because i was tying to do some research and see if i could recommend someone whether or not it was a good idea to move here from the US (i’m colombian). The conclusion was a nope. However i really appreciated your work and videos and just wanted to say that if you ever come to Bucaramanga and want to hang out and try some restaurants you’ll be welcomed!

[@WheresWes]

thanks bro!

[@danevans2397]

I'm moving from PA to Cali for a woman. Of all the 15+ cities I've researched Manizales seems most appealing. I'll look you up if I get her to move out of Cali.

[@WheresWes]

cheers bro

[@goldboateng8073]

As a Ghanaian watching this video, when you showed the example potholes in the road i was still waiting to see the potholes and i realized you meant the cracks and little holes... lol These aren't potholes

[@WheresWes]

lol all about perspective i guess

[@goldboateng8073]

@@WheresWes jaja that’s true… and I hope to visit Colombia soon and I will visit your restaurant too. A mí me gusta mucho tu contenido 👍🏽 keep it up

[@claudiaskaggs4399]

The service in the states is terrible too, unless you go to a upscale restaurant.

[@rich5759]

Based on my experience living in Colombia for 2 years (mainly Medellín), I'll have to agree with everything that you said. Yes, there are some exceptions of course, but for the most part you hit the nail on the head.

[@WheresWes]

Cheers bro

[@miami21hurricanes29]

What type of work do you have to do for a living in Colombia in order to live here permanently?

[@WheresWes]

i recommend online work, digital nomad stuff

[@user-DVpazyamor]

Hey my name in the building!

[@jonathondreyer8644]

You forgot the public nose picking in Latin America in general lol. All of the things you mentioned can pretty much be applied to anywhere in LA, but I felt like Colombia actually had some of the best customer service I've seen in LA except for maybe Mexico. I only say this as a tourist in Colombia and I never lived there but if you want to see bad customer service go to anywhere in Central America hahaha. Thanks for the great videos. You and David do great work that helps people get an idea of what they're getting into if they want to live in Colombia.

[@WheresWes]

lol that happens in Asia too

[@Chris-fy5mk]

I like Colombia. Some of what you say is true. They are not punctual but a lot of that is because most people use public transportation and well the traffic is kinda bad. It’s not as exact as USA. It is loud. Everywhere. If it gets quiet, someone will create noise. Haha. But I like it. I have very blonde hair so yes I get the gringo stare and the price but my fiancé is Colombian so I just hide in the car while she makes the deals. The time it takes to go only a few miles in the mountains is frustrating but you just gotta go with it and enjoy the scenery. And for sure it is beautiful! All in all compared to USA some finer things are missing but the simplicity is great to me! And the people are a little reserved with me until I speak first then it’s all good!

[@bernardotorres4659]

I am a Colombian that has lived in the United States for 30 years and I agree with everything you said , that you hated about Colombia . You were honest and forthright in what you said .

[@WheresWes]

cheers bro

[@jasoncarretino1121]

It’s mainly all true what you said

[@Allan_Flows]

Bro, a lot of these complaints are actually the same, if not worse, in the US. Hate is a strong word and unless you’re providing a solution

[@WheresWes]

definitely not true. infrastructure, weather, the punctuality of the people, the states has different problems

[@kennethbrettel8762]

Potholes 😮 are you joining.... The only thing are potholes continuous 😊

[@Stezworld]

Good content. Everyone and every country even back in USA with many immigrants living in the states have their likes and dislikes. All depends on personal preference.

[@WheresWes]

yup take the good with the bad

[@silvanariveros4226]

I am Colombian and is 100% the truth, I feel that I don't belong here

[@Xian127]

No , fuck that shit, you belong hun! people of all cultures go to different countries and settle it’s been happening since the beginning of time , in my country USA people come here and benefit from the resources which is fine, so one ☝🏾 has the right to go to there country or any counry but and fresh fruit off the street for 45cent I don’t have have friends or no one like me it’s not about that I am enjoying a cheap life right now and loving it! Find your community their , and mingle with each other in whatever country you travel, that’s what people do USA , i lived nyc , they have Chinatown , Indian town Haitian town etc etc etc , find you tribe and enjoy a cheap life , don’t let cold stares run you off, Americans cold stare prior too , and they still there

[@crazyzabo]

The money for roads goes to corrupt folks.

[@sticksteves7499]

Don’t forget that lying is an accepted part of the culture in Colombia….

[@latinreuben]

I can add hate when you're involved with a women in Colombia, you become the family savior. Also, i hate that scope is being used to rob people of hard earned money.

[@WheresWes]

it depends on the women you're looking at

[@cbttrainee5961]

Good to know. Eye opening 👁

[@CamilaRiazaPalacios]

me crié en Medellin y Cali, y en todo lo que dices tienes razón. saludes.

[@WheresWes]

saludos

[@lollywalsh]

Many of these are super common in the US as well. That pothole is nothing compared to the craters I've dodged in many cities. Where do you experience efficient and on schedule road (or other) construction projects that make these seem so slow to you?

[@Kozette007]

I’ve noticed priced difference too and I’ve only been here since December.

[@WheresWes]

yeah it's been pretty crazy

[@George-Aguilar]

Live your honestly. Are you from Ca? What are your top destinations, if you leave Columbia?

[@Lu.palacio.s]

am Colombian and I think of the thumbnail that says that Colombia is not perfect and in reality no country is, we have China that eat animals however it is not perfect but it is a culture just like everyone has their cultures in their countries without offending please, the United States that eat a lot of fat, etc. They are not perfect, Colombia is only rich in some things that other countries do not have. but it's your tastes, good video ❤

[@WheresWes]

gracias por el comentario

[@nickybutt9733]

What up homeboy Wes

[@mahlince]

You are totally right about so many things, however, if we compare Colombia to USA I can tell you that north America has similar things jajajaja. Base on my experience here in Texas, we have similar issues and the first point to mention, is the customer service. It is bad so unfriendly since people here that's not care about you. They smile but everybody knows it is fake 🤥. Food in the USA is the worst food ever if we talk about traditional dishes " burgueses & more burgers" . About documents and all the legal process, I can tell you, it is a mess since filing any document takes hours and at the sametime it is costly. So, legal processes are hard and stressful. I am totally agree with you and all the point to mentioned are valid and I feel ashamed of that. I love my country and my city, but the peaceful here, talking financially, is something that I can not get in my "pueblo". I know it is possible but the lack of opportunities are more. Saludos, parcero, espero esté pasando una chimba en mi Manila. Picos para todas las malditas de mi ciudad.

[@wesley7879]

I have a red beard. The staring thing straight up. But I love it.

[@nameless1724]

those arent pot holes playa.... you've never seen southeast dc roads huh lol ---- love the content man

[@WheresWes]

cheers bro

[@picudopr]

I have to disagree with you in many cases,,, for example, service in RESTAURANTS and stores is incredibly friendly, I have been to a friend house where he was expecting an electrician,,, and he got there EXACTLY on time. I don't know where in the USA are you from,,, but in the almost 14 years I have been visiting Medellin I have never heard of a GUN SHOOTING in the Metro like it has happened in NYC recently. You can't blame a city because it rains when you want to do something, I believe the weather can not be controlled anywhere... remember the tornadoes in the USA.

[@WheresWes]

bruh do u even live here lmao

[@jakoflynn2560]

Also the form is more important than the function …especially in Medellin. Untested theory is they have lived so long with violence and fear that you have to observe the niceties and formalities of fake politeness, like a ritual but if you don’t follow that slow and pain in the arse norm, then they get offended. They look for offence sometimes and quickly flip from fake friendly to “victim” and enraged indignation. Like they only have 2 gears, fake nice or victim angry vengeful escalating

[@WheresWes]

fair point

[@amirsimantov1]

Haha, only two gears - a great one!

[@Dan-od3xn]

Where's your restaurant?

[@TheSlashSlingingSlasher]

Seems like you are getting inpatient with colombia after a couple years?

[@WheresWes]

Pros and cons just like anything

[@TheSlashSlingingSlasher]

@@WheresWes that makes sense, it sure beats middle America Minnesota. People here are cold like the weather.

[@WheresWes]

can agree with that

[@TheSlashSlingingSlasher]

@@chiefenumclaw7960 yeah its not really "nice". Just passive-aggressive people trying to act nice. It's a very left wing high crime state. Slowly turning into mini Chicago

[@christopherhouse7937]

I like Hiking, inexpensive or cheap Rent, Gyms, and Hot Springs! Between Armenia, Ibague, Manizales, and Pereira which city should i pick to live long term or as a good base?.

[@WheresWes]

visit all of them yourself and see. I think you'd like Manizales

[@rosa50230]

Unfortunately, you are so right about everything. When I went there, I noticed almost everything that you are saying in just 10 days, it's very sad that they don't even try to get better. Thank you for sharing!

[@WheresWes]

thanks for the comment.

[@donalvarito3165]

"They don't even try to get better". You speak from a 10 day experience, it seems too little of an experience to argue such a thing.

[@rosa50230]

@@donalvarito3165 FYI I have many friends who are going and coming constantly to Colombia, they just keep having the same experiences, nothing is changing so far. I was my experience and it's my friends experiences.

[@arte7sol]

Although i agree with most of it... Move. Noone is saying to stay. Más quejas que no. 🤔

[@WheresWes]

lol are people not to say anything negative

[@arte7sol]

@@WheresWes from what I've seen from your videos you have a long list of negative. You can say it but just wondering why live there if the list seems to be quite extensive. 🤔 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dareasonx24]

I agree with all of this… one thing that bothers me is how much they drink mostly the men too. In my neighborhood they’re sitting in the front of their house chatting, drinking, and its not even noon yet. Alcoholism is huge here.

[@WheresWes]

alsi a very good point

[@DerekSantaMonica]

Colombian men may drink early and often, but I have to say that in stark contrast to English-speaking cultures, I see relatively little binge drinking. The typical middle-aged Colombian man might be drinking at 11am, but he probably will make it to 2pm just fine, maybe go home, take a little nap. A westerner, otoh, very well might try to prove he's a drinking super hero badass and black out for the afternoon.

[@mr.b9597]

Hi thanks for all the info. I noticed you have a dog did u get i there or at states? And are their parks that you can take your dog and feel safe walking it?

[@WheresWes]

i got my dog here, and yeah the parks where I live are super safe

[@baamonster2]

Lazy people everywhere. I'm Asian and I'm super lazy. But being on time is ingrained into me permanently from my time in the military.

[@nhlanhlaskosana5797]

Hey Wes, thanks for the channel. What do you mean the prices are cheaper for Americans? Do they check passports before u go for medical care etc, or it is cheaper if one is able to make money in America remotely from Colombia and so dollar is stronger?

[@WheresWes]

It's because of the strength of the dollar.

[@nhlanhlaskosana5797]

@@WheresWes thanks

[@professorprofessorson8795]

they are lazy cuz the pay is shit lol, even if your business pay higher, its nothing

[@groseron]

I was born and raised in the U.S., my family is mostly in Cali and the rest of the valle region. I've visited many times over there, spent long periods of time there, etc. When you mentioned the points about work ethic and how they try to take advantage of opportunities regarding business, that really resonated. Compared to the standards here in the U.S., I've noticed both Colombians here in the U.S. and in Colombia tend to be extremely opportunistic with respect to business/making money. Growing up in the 80s-90s in the Colombian community here in the states, I can't even count how many family, friends, or acquaintances that were involved in some sort of illegal activities to make money. Everyone sorta knew that about each other, but it was like, "meh, oh well", gotta make money somehow. I think there's this hardcore survivor mentality ingrained in many Colombians, where you must do WHATEVER it takes to survive and prosper; and the more, "work smarter, not harder" quality it has, the better. Maybe it has something to do with trauma related to them growing up with little means, or maybe it's something simply ingrained in the culture through generations...I don't know. But that opportunism you see in many of them is something you don't see as much in Americans. Sidenote: An unfortunate quality you mentioned that I inherited - I am not good at being punctual haha

[@WheresWes]

This is a great comment, thank you for sharing. And you're right about the business thing for sure.

[@donalvarito3165]

I just want to point out a very important historical and contextual fact about our country: we have the longest internal armed conflict there has ever been in the world (+50 years). Violence has had a very big influence in our culture and we've just started to deal with this problem through the 2016 Peace Accords.

[@groseron]

@@donalvarito3165 Yes, Colombia (even before it was named Colombia) has had quite a long, tumultuous history

[@RosaSalinass]

Lo del oportunismo creo es algo de todos los países donde abunda la pobreza, no creo que sea específicamente de Colombia.

[@wesley7879]

Love waiting in lines?

[@WheresWes]

lol

[@mariagalarneaultnuggies4569]

I was born in Colombia.

[@mickeymouse8945]

So true Wes, I lived in Santa Marta for a year and I was always worried about getting gringod for anything 😂😂. Also, if a gringo pays for anything in pesos, make sure that you count your change.

[@WheresWes]

true that

[@wiggmanoriginal]

Love to see another video on Simba

[@WheresWes]

noted

[@milantabriz]

Hey buddy. Thanks for the great content, Don't let those staring really bother you much, I am from Iran, living in Thailand,and I get stared at all the time. The reason we get stared at in foreign land, it's because we are different than most there, and they are not necessarily looking down at us. It is just their curiosity, As your beautiful queen of your life said, she found something very attractive and very interesting in your eyes my friend, don't let staring bother you that much. And I did a little research why some people stare at me so much in Thailand, and I heard from some men n women and even from my girlfriend here, They are very curious or maybe attracted to your big nose which is typical obvious Middle Eastern nose🤠🤠🤠 By the way,fyi. I chose Thailand mostly for the safety and nothing else otherwise I speak fluent Spanish since I lived in Spain for many years, otherwise Latin America most probably Colombia, would be my first choice. and to be honest People have mostly women nose surgery here to enlarge it not reduce it, isn't that crazy. And by the way we have lot of Asian Latinos just go down to Peru you'll be surprised. All the best.

[@matthewflores3404]

Thinking of going to Columbia for my bday on July any advice ?? I’m going to travel solo and how many days you think is enough??

[@WheresWes]

how many places are you trying to see? I'd say 2 weeks to a month, and if you want to visit a few places 4-7 days in each place.

[@matthewflores3404]

@@WheresWes I would probably like to go to Cartagena maybe but for sure medellin and would like to meet local people as well not into the tourist areas

[@mickeymouse8945]

Good choice for your birthday but stay away from areas with lots of gringos. You will enjoy Colombia 🇨🇴 more if you are around the locals

[@LonelyGamr]

Yeah I heard the food isn't that diverse there.

[@CHodgy]

I love Colombia, but the Wifi as as rare as toilet paper-they definitely aint giving it away.

[@stevenfalcon2813]

Call that a lot hole? Come to NY

[@pablomorera5465]

Jajajaja creo que en gran parte es verdad pero también creo que te estas enfocando mucho en la cultura paisa para hablar de todo el país. La superficialidad es algo que se ve demasiado en Medellín, más que en ninguna otra parte del país, sin embargo hay temas que a mi parecer no es nisiquiera del país si no de la naturaleza del ser humano, por ejemplo eso de ser interesado y buscar relaciones para algo en concreto es real y si lo piensas todos lo hacemos para satisfacernos, así sea porque esa persona es graciosa uno quiere crear una relación porque quiere pasar un rato agradable o es que tu te relacionarias con un habitante de calle? No! Nadie se relaciona con un habitante de calle que no tiene nada para ofrecernos.

[@domenicdapice7218]

🤣🤣🤣 You nailed it Chino. It's all true. Many ladrones. But never stops us from living there.

[@andresisaza6096]

Everything you said is true and like everywhere else in the world I seen bad roads, lazy people, corruption, taking forever when building infrastructure , you call to take a service and is fast then you have a complain and it takes forever like everywhere else in the world, diversity of the food if you talking about typical Colombian food yes but you can choose whatever you want to eat just going to different kind of restaurants so there is options unless you talking about some specific area or region food. manizales is cold and rainy if you want a better weather you in the wrong city, Medellin weather is way better but what’s is cool is like one day can be a eternal spring next day you can have like a tropical storm, that’s parts of the weather and I’m pretty sure climate change has a lot to do with it. When you have a mask or not and people is staring at you i don’t know about that. If you go around recording and taking to a camera definitely people is going to look at you plus if they heard you speaking English. Inflation Hummm that’s is even high in the US now imagine in South and Central America. Argentina is 50% inflation Venezuela don’t even mention. Etc.. and pray man to not have The radical left ex guerrillero Petro president cuz more soon than later colombia is going to be another Venezuela. So I’m from Medellin I’m agree with you in some things but I think that like everywhere else in the world there is so many problems but I think is more the good people and good workers than the the bad ones.

[@WheresWes]

thanks for the comment!

[@andresisaza6096]

@@WheresWes hey man thanks to you for believe in the country and just go there and invest because I know is not easy be a entrepreneur in 🇨🇴. I know is difficult in so many ways but that’s just reality of modern world unfortunately. Plus after pandemic things got worse. So I wish you the best with your business because if you do good the country and the people around you will be good is like a chain all is connected.

[@alexisvega7701]

I'm Venezuelan and i've never Heard such a nonsense, if u think that Colombia has as Bad things as anywhere else or similar to them, you live in another world or galaxy...don't be absurd....PLEASSSEEEE!!!!

[@sticksteves7499]

Colombians love saying that “like everywhere else in the world” lol. Take responsibility for once …

[@kennethbrettel8762]

LATIN TIME .... 2 hours late😮

[@nortesur9504]

At the end life is the same burden everywhere!

[@LouieManza]

I guess you never heard of the rampant Karenicity occuring in the states? People in the states can wear very thin skins. If service isn't to their liking, a lot of people fly off the handle for trivial things. Don't even attempt to hold a polite political discussion here bc you may end up getting into a fist fight or worse! There is no such thing as a perfect culture Wes. It goes both ways.

[@WheresWes]

thanks for the comment

[@LouieManza]

@@WheresWes I do have to mention before I forget. You seem to be very honest with your opinions about both cultures. I saw you vid about when you returned to LA after two years of being in Colombia and complained just as hard. 🤣 I always value honesty first and foremost. Your comments about Colombia was pretty spot on for the most part. The only thing that surprised me was when you said you thought Colombians were lazy. First time I've heard that about them. Cheers!

[@yamicanada]

💖💖💖

[@jaydivine1769]

10 things you love coming soon 🔜 👀?

[@WheresWes]

lol how'd you know. I feel like I have a bunch of videos talking about why I love Colombia

[@jaydivine1769]

@@WheresWes lol looking forward to watching it!

[@rolandcanacolo6870]

I live in Cabacera Bucaramanga the nice part of town But I can't believe the city planners way of building things like a simple sidewalk that is basically like off road trails full of obstacles with cars and motorcycles If you were in a wheel chair you would be Screwed, Is a half meter drop acceptable for a side walk. some times side walks just ends and now your on the street. I have a little pinscher that likes to walk and I can assure you it is a battle to keep her alive with all the idiot drivers around here Covid has caused Chaos on the streets and side walks with the moto delivery drivers there is a special place in hell for these cowboys Architects and Planners vision to harmony is totally impaired, It come to mind that the whole infrastructure is like that in Colombia, where in the world do you see a intersection or a pedestrian crossing where the crosswalk is ahead of the traffic light, How are you supposed to know when the light is going to change. Colombian culture doesn't allow rights for pedestrian I have never seen a ass backward place in my life with little respect for pedestrians and the problem is the pedestrians too. Has anyone ever been taught to use a crosswalk answer is No! Its one of the first things you are taught in kindergarten in North America

[@MrRJS27]

Cabecera is like Zurich compared to a nice neighborhood in Ibagué, so count your blessings :)

[@elephantmoney]

Yes man. Horrible service and very inefficient

[@MrBodyman1962]

I think you should go home.

[@WheresWes]

I am home 🏠

[@niikolo_x]

Sounds like America 😂

[@WheresWes]

lol

[@CryptoDunker]

13 million is 3 dollars? What the hell lol

[@El_Patron2024]

$300 ish. Correction 13 mill is around 3400 usd

[@tedav4543]

Nah, mil = thousand. So, 13,000 pesos.

[@CryptoDunker]

@@tedav4543 oh lol

[@El_Patron2024]

@@tedav4543 I hope you don’t use that math when you buy something in Colombia you will be paying double . 10000 col=2.6 usd

[@RondellKB]

@@El_Patron2024 Where did you get your math from? As far as I know, in the past few years, 3000-3800 COP = 1 USD, so where did you get 1000 COP = 26 USD?

[@Asmrani1974]

Dude! You are visiting a third-world country so it is not fair to look at it with American eyes. I am from Sudan (A north African country) which comes in the same classification of Columbia and when I visit one of the so-called ( first world countries) nothing wow me out other than the Zero-corruption governmental system, So the bottom line is who corrupt is the governmental system of the country you live in ( or visit)

[@cyrolacorte6469]

It is C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A

[@danielafolsom8038]

Haha yes the staring gets uncomfortable

[@WheresWes]

true that

[@luisfelipe-jt8wh]

Tiene razon en varias cosas pero la cultura americana es un asco si nosotros somos perezosos para el trabajo ni que decir la pereza, arrogancia y mala educacion del gringo.

[@WheresWes]

solo digo lo que he escuchado de otros colombianos y mi experiencia en mi negocio

[@bokasseloreos3169]

Kinda of strange how you complain about gringo pricing and accuse Colombians of wanting to milk other people, and then you say that you charge a propina (tip) in your own restaurant. The propina is customary and it's against the law to demand one. Also, infrastructure is not great in the US. Look how Texas went under for weeks and many people died of cold because the government refused to winterize their equipment, despite the countless warnings about it over the years. Congress just passed a huge 1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Even the useless congress recognizes the scale of the problem with infrastructure in the US.

[@WheresWes]

lmao this doesn't even make sense. the tip is optional and pretty common in higher end restaurants

[@emymejia8095]

You should talk also about the good things colombia has, I can say would be much more positive than the bad things. Colombia is beautiful with all the bad things that the culture has I would live forever in that country.....Just understand and adapt to it and enjoy the good things. Good luck 👍.

[@WheresWes]

a lot of my older vids are appreciating all the things about Colombia. there are tons of videos about that online

[@jothy3686]

Virgen del Agarradero, agárrame a mí primero jeje habla muy muy rápido y no alcanzo a leer los subtitulos 🤣🤣🤣

[@WheresWes]

perdon papi jajaja

[@crazydemon3890]

Colombia it's not Japan we don't work like a robots xddd

[@WheresWes]

true

[@edwin42396]

Everything you said, In Philly it’s Worst. Just saying… roads here are the end of the world, it’s mario kart’s last level. I had to change my tire like 12 times last year. Construction is ever lasting terrible, and i-95 has been the same for decades.. Drivers want insurance money or are just super idiots when driving with space. Too much perception and generalism for what you’ve said for Colombia and Colombians . Of course they can have the tendancy to stare as asians are not in great volume in Colombia as in the U.S. And as for the Food😂✋ Colombia has to be one of the most rich diverse food heavens/cuisine countries in the world and have the most food that comes from the ground, producing world rich healthy foods at that. There’s soo much more diverse dishes in the coast and paisa regions and other regions of the nation🤯 I can’t write all the examples bc it’s too much food varieties. The only thing you said that was true was that Everywhere has pros & cons. End of story, USA is the #1 “isn’t perfect” place in the world, Holy shit.

[@thealternativecontrarian9936]

Puncuality and time. I guess Colombians still haven't figured out that money is time. I think that's been ingrained in foreigners.

[@WheresWes]

it's definitely a western thing

[@MaddCB]

So move🤷🏽‍♀️ Sounds like you have too many cultural cons for you to justify staying.

[@WheresWes]

lol chill

[@MaddCB]

@@WheresWes no biggie.

[@jakoflynn2560]

Fake nice …extract info