Last Call To Join Us In The Land Of Eternal Spring
Following two events in Panama City, I’m looking forward to traveling to Medellín this month for our 2017 Live and Invest in Colombia Conference April 19–21.
For me, Medellín is a refreshing break from the fast pace (and higher humidity) of Panama City. It’s a city that’s noticeably clean and green… where it’s comfortable to sit out in the fresh air and enjoy the local cafés and parks.
Clean and green—a pleasant city to hang out
Medellín’s springlike climate is a big draw for expats. Darren and Wendy Howarter from Illinois were relieved to trade months of snow for a climate that allows them to sit outdoors year round. But weather alone isn’t enough reason to choose your new home overseas. And Medellín has a lot more to offer…
When full-time expats Steve and Patricia Turney spoke at our event last year, they said it was the Colombian people that sealed the deal for them. And not just their neighbors on the streets. Steve told us how the doctors and dentists are just “ordinary guys” on your level:
“After we’d had checkups with cleaning—which, by the way, cost only US$35 for us both—the dentist mentioned one of his favorite restaurants that he thought we might enjoy…
“Before we left, he called the restaurant for us and made a lunch reservation. Can you imagine your dentist in the United States doing that?”
The couple have their son to thank for their discovery. After a year traveling through South America—during which he was most impressed by Colombia—he persuaded his parents to come back with him and travel around Colombia. The three of them backpacked through the country, sleeping in hostels and taking buses from village to village and on to bigger towns and cities.
Medellín was their last stop on the tour—their son set it up this way, expecting them to appreciate this city above all. And they did. On the way home, Steve discovered Live and Invest Overseas—and was just in time to join our first Live and Invest in Colombia Conference in 2012. After that, there was no going back.
The couple bought two apartments on their next trip—both of which they put on the rental market. Today, they continue to rent out one, while the other has become their full-time home.
The big message they like to share with potential expats is how important it is to make connections and build lasting relationships in your new neighborhood overseas.
“One of the best things we did in Medellín was to join a hiking club,” said Steve. “We were one of the few English speakers in the club, and the locals were so welcoming. On these hikes, you pile onto a bus at 6 a.m. and drive for about an hour before stopping for breakfast. Then back on the bus to reach your destination in the mountains. We’ll usually hike for three or four hours. When we reach a waterfall or river, everybody jumps in. Then we stop again for a snack on the way home. It’s been a great way for us to make friends and learn more Spanish. Once you look around, there is a lot of opportunity here to connect with others.”
Charming and sophisticated Medellín has a distinct European feel
Five years on from when Patricia and Steve joined us as newbies at our first event in Medellín, is there still opportunity for the expat?
Absolutely, yes. You’re not too early (the path has been paved and help is available to guide you through your move). Nor are you too late. The exchange rate here is still dramatically in your favor.
All that’s left is to come down here, see it for yourself, and tap into our friendly network of experts and expats who can prepare you for a smooth, safe, and highly satisfactory move.
If you’re not already on the list to join us this April 19–21, it’s not too late. We still have a number of seats left.
Our mission as always is for you to come away from the Live and Invest in Colombia Conference knowing if Colombia is right for you… and whether you’d be happy living or investing here.
And, should you fall under its spell, you’ll have all of the information and local contacts necessary to help you follow through on your own plans.
Go here now to reserve your seat in Medellín—use Coupon Code COLCONFIDENTIAL to avail of your exclusive reader discount.
I look forward to welcoming you to the City of Flowers.
Valentine Fouché
Editor, Live and Invest Overseas Confidential
