Posting on a members-introductions thread under the name Blastname, Bob said today he has had enough of Colorado's cold weather -- there were snowstorms there this month (May), not unusual for the hills west of Denver.
Cold weather, a marital separation after 48 years and Colorado's rising cost of living have pushed Bob toward Colombia. He wants to relocate there by early next year.
Bob's dog doesn't like it warmer than 70 degrees F. Also, Bob would prefer a pueblo or town over a big city. Those requirements appear to rule out Medellín and even most of the Coffee Triangle cities and towns.
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So where can Bob and Fido relocate?
How about Ipiales (ippy-AH-less), the border town near Tulcán, Ecuador! It's about the same altitude as Quito, a bit higher than Bogotá, and much smaller. Some quite good restaurants, good malls although not as numerous as in MDE, indoor swimming options .. and daily highs in the high 60's or 70.
There are even casinos. The one in the Gran Plaza mall is about the same size as the ones you'd find in Cripple Creek or Central City, Colorado.
To succeed in Ipiales, Bob will probably need to up his Spanish-language skills. He seems motivated enough to do it.
Where would you send Bob and his dog?
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Bob and His Dog Like It Cool But Not Cold
The only place I can think of that might fit the bill is Santa Rosa de Cabal. I've not been there but have spoken on this site with an expat who lives there. I've been looking to get out of Cali, too hot and too big, for a while. Might be worth a look. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Rosa_de_Cabal
I expect Santa Rosa de Cabal would be a big improvement weather-wise over Cali. Its location 10 miles from the much bigger city of Pereira is a bonus.
The average-high temps seem to be in the mid-70's F. -- possibly fine for Bob, but maybe a bit warm for Doggo.
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I re-checked the temps in Ipiales. They're a bit lower than I remembered from my eight-month stay in 2016-17. The average high is around 60 in most months, not high 60's. Definitely jacket-wearing weather a large part of the time, and always after dark.
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I have a wife in Funza, 3 bedroom apartment with security. 250.00 USD a month. 30 minutes outside of Bogota. You need security.
3 years now.
Being from Texas 70s sounds just fine to me. That and the small town atmosphere.
Armenia would check many boxes if he could train the dog to like 78 degrees.
loaferln wrote:I have a wife in Funza. 3 bedroom apartment 250 USD a month with security. 30 minutes outside of Bogota. You need security.
That's a good one, Loaferin. At 8360 feet elevation on the Bogotá Savannah .. Funza, Cundinamarca, might have just the right weather for Rover.
$250 a month.. you sure can't pay rent that low for a 3-bedroom apartment in metro Denver.
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Well, not my choice, she has been trying to sell her house for 3 years. I rent a nice 3 bedroom apartment for her, cheaper than moving all her furniture and the bulldog. Have been to Sincelejo, Santa Marta and Cartagena several times. All ok so long as you have a nice hotel with good AC and security. Hotter than shit on the coast and in Cartagena the street vendors bother you non stop.
That all said, there are some really nice people there.
You cannot get that price as a gringo. I was buying her some glasses in Sincelejo last year, when I got out of the taxi and went inside the price doubled, they are not shy to screw you.
Well you do get plenty of advice about why you have not got a visa for your wife. But I have yet to have anyone pay for a meal that is giving me that advice.
Maggie (AKA) Dogo, is not intractable with respect to temperature. My very real concern is to keep her comfortable hiking,
matt552 wrote:Armenia would check many boxes if he could train the dog to like 78 degrees.
Armenia came to mind first for me, also. But, as you mention, it is just a little higher than the guy desires. So, how about Rionegro? Close enough to Medellin to get everything needed but small enough and cool enough to meet his desires, I think. It tends to stay around 70 degrees, not often much higher. I've been there for a few weeks, it's a decent town, has a lot to offer, but for me the temp was just too cold, especially at night.
I spent two years in Santa Rosa de Cabal many years ago with the Peace Corps, fantastic climate on a warm day it may hit eighty degrees night time around sixty. Also ended up marrying a Santa Rosana.
Santa Rosa de Cabal climate sounds about perfect for me. When I can get back to Cali I'll definitely check it out.
Rionegro has made the list for serious consideration as a starting point. Would love to have it all psyched out from here but recognize the need for 'boots on the ground". Thank you Chip.
Any comments or insights on the possibility of Fusa. Climate, per various weather channels may work well for Maggie, aka fido, doggo, rover...at least she gives it an initial nod. I am more concerned about weather and location than with safety requirements "tourist style". Feel free to jack me up on this. I knooow it's a learning process and I sincerely appreciate your help in beginning the process.
blastname wrote:Any comments or insights on the possibility of Fusa? Climate, per various weather channels may work well for Maggie, aka fido, doggo, rover...at least she gives it an initial nod.
Fusa, aka Fusagasugá (accent on final syllable) is listed at almost 5,800 feet elevation
with monthly high temperatures averaging in the high 70's F. year-round.
Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca, is a town that attracts tourists with its warm temperatures, hotels, resorts and water parks. It is located in a warm valley between two rivers in the Andes range.
Fusa's population is listed at 134,000. The meaning of the name is 'woman who becomes invisible'. The municipality is off the radar of most Expats. The location is about 38 miles outside Bogotá in central Colombia.
The relative humidity is often about 85 percent. Six months of the year are considered rainy months.
Fusa's Wikipedia page was consulted for this post.
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Resource: google workaway.info fusa
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