Job Discussion Forums

[lost_voyageur]

Hi folx,

I've been to Colombia on two separate occasions, loved my stay both times, and hope to get back there ASAP. I'm thinking of heading to Barranquilla to look for work -any recommendations/warnings? I'm also curious about how much it costs to rent an appartment in Colombia. Ya-ya, it all depends on what kind of place you want to stay in. All I want is running water, 4 walls, a roof, and a furnished kitchen. I just don't feel like staying in a hotel or hostel this time around.

Cheers.

[Euster]

I was there about 9 months ago - still one of the safest areas of Colombia as far as I could tell.

I was just wondering what attracts you to Barranquilla? I'm interested because i'm also looking to head back to Colombia in the near future, but Barranquilla is not on my list of possible places to settle in. Admittedly I spent less than a day there and so wasn't able to get a particularly good feel for the place, but as first impressions go I wasn't overly impressed. I realise though that there are some great national parks a couple of hours to the east, but did you find much going on in the city itself?

Cheers,

Ewan.

[lost_voyageur]

Hi,

I'm thinking of Barranquilla for several reasons. One, and you hit it on the nose, it's close to Parque Nacional de Tayrona. It is also between two other favourite spots of mine -Santa Marta and Cartagena. In addition, it isn't difficult to get to Venezuela -another great place to check out. The main reason though is that I might have a job lined up in advance.

I've been to Bogota, Medellin, and other inland cities, but I love the coast. I hope to see you there soaking up the rays or backpacing in the park.

Cheers.
Dave.

[Euster]

Well, if I end up taking the job in Santa Marta i'm pretty sure we'll end up bumping into one another in Tayrona. I'm sure i'd make it up there once or twice even if I end up living inland - it is indeed a gorgeous spot.

Good luck.

Ewan.

[ElNota]

In Paul Theroux's book "The Old Patagonian Express" he passes through Baranquilla during the 1970's and describes how the entire town was built on the drug trade. The neighboring town of Guajira was where they grew tons and tons of marijuana, bound for sale in the US. I don't know if its like that anymore... but its an interesting read, and if your in Colombia I recommend it.

He also describes being there during an election, where the masses are paid around $5 each to vote for a candidate, and are bussed in from the rural areas to the cities where they voted and spent their five dollars on a few days celebrations.

[mountaingoat]

I have been living in Barranquilla for 9 months. It is one of the safest places in Colombia. Everybody has been really friendly and gone out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. It is fairly quiet here, but only an hour from both Santa Marta and Cartagena.