As big as Colombia is, the expat community is relatively small. Among expats bloggers here in Colombia, we practically all know each other.
Each of us are passionate about different things and experience Colombia in a different way. As a result, we discuss Colombia through our own set of eyes. Some of us are into politics, others love to travel, and some of us see Colombia through rose tinted glasses.
If you’ve read a few of my posts, you know I’m quite keen on discussing Colombian culture and differences. I simply say it like it is. The good and the bad. Of course, my experience might not be the same as a blonde person (because let’s be honest, blondes and light-skinned people are idolized) and is probably a more down-to-earth point of view. I don’t get special treatment, I don’t get gawked and admired openly in the street. As a result, my experience is a teensy bit different. Just a tad!
Nonetheless, if you’re curious to see what other expats have to say about Colombia, here’s a round-up of 12 expat bloggers who share their view of Colombia.
1. Flavors of Bogota
Karen is an American foodie who has lived in Bogotá for a number of years and shares her culinary experiences and love for Colombian coffee around the country and within the city through her Colombian food blog.
2. Richard McColl
In addition to his Colombian blog, this Anglo-Canadian journalist discusses all issues and nuances of the country through his weekly podcast ‘Colombia Calling‘.
3. Banana Skin Flip Flops
This was the first expat blogs about Colombia I landed on before arriving to this beautiful country. Vicky writes witty and thought-provoking articles on Colombian culture and politics.
4. How to Bogota
For those who have just arrived to the capital, Naomi blogs about Bogota and will tell you everything you need to know about how to start your new life.
5. See Colombia
Current editor of the family-owned Colombian travel blog, Chris, is an avid traveler that loves to share the beauty of variety that the rich land of Colombia has to offer. Read about all his wonderful adventures as he travels and explores the country.
6. Sarepa
An Australian blogger that fell head over heels in love with Colombia and talks about all things Colombian including food and travel.
7. Life of Zach
Zach is best known for his lighthearted and fun to watch videos about his experience living and traveling around Colombia. And not to state the obvious but he’s a sight for sore eyes.
8. Cali Adventurer
Patrick is a Danish expat living in Cali who offers practical financial advice for expats looking to work or invest in Colombia. Not to mention, he’ll give you some great advice on what to do in Cali in his Colombian blog.
9. Baranquilla or Bust
Courtney is an American expat who lives in Barranquilla and shares what life is like living in Shakira’s hometown.
10. Medellin Living
A practical guide for travelers who wish to visit Medellin, Colombia. This Colombian blog shares things to do in the region, nightlife and cultural events.
11. Colombia de Una
If you can read in Spanish, consider this hearty blog written by a Spanish expat about everything Colombian related.
12. Mike’s Bogota Blog
Talks about all things related to Bogota. Mike also runs the popular Bike Tour in the neighborhood of La Candelaria.
13. Bogotastic
Although you’re already here, my expat Colombian blog shares the reality of living in Bogota. I particularly like to discuss cultural differences and see the country and people for what it is. No fluff. Although I always try to see the bright side of things.
Hope my Colombian blog roundup was useful in your research! And if you need anything, write to us, we’d love to hear from you!
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10 comments
Great blog post. Love your site!
I LOVE all these blogs (especially Sarepa), and follow a few of them regularly. My blog at http://www.katedana.com (now at lagringacostena.com), has been going since I moved to Colombia in 2014, but wasn’t selected for this list. Time to ramp up my SEO and draw more traffic!
Hi everyone…..LOVE these blogs( great when I get to laugh out loud, alone, while the kids are at school). Can anyone direct me to a blogger who writes about family life and issues in Colombia? My family will be re-locating again ( this time from China to Colombia) and I really need to hear about someone else’s experiences. Thanks everyone!
All wonderful blogs! Thank you for sharing.
I must apologize in advance and you must forgive my insolence. And do pardon my ignorance if the topic has been discussed and analyzed ad nauseam. But it is interesting to observe how in your blogs you do not refer to yourselves by the noun immigrant but rather the more posh verb, expatriate or in colloquial terms the snappy and hip moniker “expat” – how grant to live abroad, darling! (In the Queens English accent, of course) 😉 However unintentional, the historical odor of the dreadful colonialist label “expat” cannot be completely scrubbed away. The contemporary expat would certainly recognize herself in the British expat of the East India Company (later the Republics of India and Pakistan) running around with their cheap brown servants and inexpensive domestic help. Shall I be so bold as to say, “expat” has a certain, oh, je nais se quoi, perhaps temporal, and sprinkled with a little (or a lot of) white privilege. Regardless of the individual financial facts per household, the term expat has a certain undertone of wealth(ier than thou natives) – I can see the images now, the expat, a young woman, almost always white, “wealthier,” an adventurer, risk taker, who earns “badass” brownie points back home for navigating the savage and tumultuous Andean land of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria. Now, if you may, indulge me here, I’m wondering if (fill in the blank with any one of those people, you know, those people from one of those places where brown/black/Orientals peoples originate from) living in, oh, say, the U.S. or Europe, for example, are they also expats??? Of course not! – That would be silly. We know what those brown/black/Oriental folks are – regardless of their wealth, education, or length of stay in white countries – those are immigrants and they are most definitely not expats.
Although I can see why you might think that it is a somewhat “degrading” term for the “natives” of a country, it is a common term used to refer to skilled immigrants into a country. I live in Sweden (a predominantly “white” country) and refer to myself as an expat. No white privilege here. I have “non-white” friends (Indian, Arab, other) and refer to them as “expats” as well. No white privilege involved.
Also, it is worth noting that the author of this blog is probably not seen as “white” in Colombia. So it is hard to see this as a “white” person being disrespectful to the “savage and tumultuous Andean land of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria”.
Hi Anon, yes good point, I am French-Vietnamese! Thanks for pointing it out 🙂
I liked this article a lot. I particularly love Karen Attman’s blog as I love food and coffee. Her descriptions of the food and coffee scene in Bogota are wonderful
Yes, I agree!
Thanks for including Flavors of Bogota on your list! We do have a fantastic group of bloggers here in Colombia.
Always a pleasure Karen 🙂