MY LIFE ABROAD: A PLAYLIST
It has been nearly 1,000 days since I left New Zealand in the middle of the pandemic to start my new life in Colombia. I remember walking into an empty airport full of nervous energy slightly dulled by a few pre-flight adult beverages.
At no point did I feel like this was a mistake and now two and a half years on, it most definitely wasn’t. While most Kiwis head off on their OEs in their early twenties, I waited til my early forties. I guess all those teachers were right in calling me a slow developer. 😂
Colombia, Mi Encanto — Carlos Vives 🎼
OK, let’s get right to it, I moved and now live in the beautiful country called C O L O M B I A!
It does not have a U in it, it is not Columbia, Please people spell it right, it’s not hard.
The first question everyone asks is “How’s your Spanish”? Or “You must be fluent by now, right”?
I understand that most people are simply curious or using it as an icebreaker but for me, it’s a stressful question to answer. My Spanish is ‘OK’, I would rate myself at an immediate level but it depends on the situation.
Learning a new language as an adult is HARD and despite being immersed in the language you don’t wake up one day (magically) with the ability to speak Spanish fluently. I am trying to improve every day but at times it can be overwhelming.
For example, most people see me and my beautiful hazel eyes (more on them later) and assume I don’t speak or understand Espanol. So many times they won’t talk to me or even if I say something perfectly in Spanish they won’t understand because they’re not prepared.
I’m sure many of you reading this who speak another language understand this exact scenario. It is very humbling, embarrassing, heartbreaking, and discouraging when it happens. But my battle with the Espanol continues, I won’t give up — Si se puede Davidcito!
When I told people I was moving to Colombia, they wanted to know what I was going to do for a living. Honestly, I had zero idea, I think I told myself that I could freelance for a New Zealand company or something would pop up.
It took me two to three months to find a paying gig. I started writing for a content production website, where you could log in and choose from a list of articles to write. The pay sucked but it was better than nothing, I could add things to my portfolio and I hoped it would lead to something bigger… and it did.
One of the site content managers contacted me about a big project writing 27 website pages for European camping grounds, all of which were due in a week. The deadline was insane but the pay was nearly 10x what I was making so I jumped at the opportunity. If you ever need any advice on camping grounds in Croatia, I’m your man.😂
I got my first full-time job in Colombia working as a content demand gen writer for Globalization Partners (G-P), a global employment platform that helps companies hire workers around the world. Unfortunately, just before my one-year anniversary, I was abruptly made redundant with no explanation other than “We’re realigning our marketing team.”
It was a blessing in disguise. I was able to enjoy my return home to NZ for Christmas last year without worrying about work. Now I’m currently freelancing for multiple global companies earning a great living. I work when I want and I have never been prouder of my professional career.
People Everyday — Arrested Development 🎹
We live in Suba, a suburb in the North of Bogota. It’s important to understand that Colombia has 10x the population of New Zealand and Bogota has almost 10x the population of Auckland.
Most people live in apartment complexes with security guards monitoring who comes and goes. We are fortunate to live in a nice, quiet neighborhood, with parks nearby and a mall within walking distance.
Colombians LOVE dogs, on our morning walk or run, we are guaranteed to see dozens of doggys from gigantic Bernese Mountain Dogs to Australian Blue Heelers (yup, I can’t escape Aussies) and tiny Chihuahuas.
I have never felt unsafe here but there are parts of Bogota that we avoid. I still look on in awe when I see Police with guns and security guards packing serious heat when collecting money from stores or ATMs.
The Colombian people are SO friendly and generous. Most don’t have a lot but they will give you what they have if you need it. They love to ask me what I think of Colombia and grin ear to ear when I rave about their food or culture and they laugh when I tell them how the national football team has broken my heart. 🤣
I must quickly mention that people tend to stare at me everywhere I go. Here I’m not just another white guy, I’m different. For starters, I thought it was my “model good looks” but my wife quickly informed me it was because I have hazel/green eyes which are very rare in Colombia.
Internet Friends — Knife Party 🥁
If you want to know who your real friends are move overseas. It has never been easier to stay in touch with people. Yet, in my experience, it’s out of sight, out of mind.
Since I have lived in Colombia I have heard from so few of my friends. And yes, I have made the effort to stay in touch but eventually, you just have to accept that you’re not going to hear from them.
It’s without doubt the most disappointing and sad thing I have found living abroad. (I know a million tiny violins are playing for me 🥹.) I talked to one of my friends who is also living away from his homeland and he experienced a similar thing.
Thankfully, I have met some great people (scattered across the globe) through my different jobs. The few friends I have in Bogota always make me feel so welcome and patiently try to understand my average Spanish.
The plan is to return to New Zealand one day (soonish) to live. But thanks to the current economic shitshow and NZ immigration debacle, it’s hard to commit to such a big change.
I feel very fortunate to have different options and be in a position where I can consider these exciting possibilities.
My advice to anyone reading this considering making a big change in their life is — DO IT!
It’s also important to understand you don’t need to leap before you look. Do research and start planning for the change whether it be a new job, new house, or new country.
