We are about the end our first week in Bogota, Colombia. Here are some of my primary first impressions on October 2013 regarding Bogota-Life!
- CONSTRUCTION BOOM
- There is an incredible amount of construction happening in Bogota (northern part) - of very nice high rise apts. In the area where we are living, the prices are sky high - from 7-9 million COP per month for a 2-3 bedroom apt! (We also did see the apt complex where Shakira and Juanes reportedly live when they come to Bogota - Penas Blancas - where the lowest and least expensive unit on surely the lowest floors go for $15 million COP per month!)
- DRESS
- Women often dress in very short skirts, and most of the time are in high heels or high-heeled boots and tight pants. The younger people do dress more casually.
- COSTS AND MONEY
- Most things are the same price as the US though the clothing is reportedly at least double the price; there are unfortunately no price breaks as there are no places like Costco, Marshall's, TJMaxx or IKEA.
- The economic and geographical delineation of the population by stratas ("estratos") are widely spoken about - "You are part of strata 5 or 6" or "You're living in strata 5, maybe 6" (the highest stratas).
- The costs of utilities are also spoken about, where water is where the greatest costs come from - and if you live in the highest stratas, the utilities cost up to 20% more.
- When you pay for anything with a credit card, they will ask you "Cuantas quotas?" (How many payments?) We always answer "one" though I don't know if it would make any difference with our US credit cards if we answered any other number.
- DOMESTIC HELP
- This is a new phenomenon for us. Even when we were living for a few years in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we felt a little bit uncomfortable with domestic help. This feel still lingers.
- The cost of home help and childcare is quite a bit cheaper (!!!) than that in the US. At this moment we are paying a nanny 45,000 COP for 8 hours of work, and a housekeeper (and nanny) 30,000 COP for 8 hours of a work a day. (When we came to visit, we paid a very professional nanny - who was recommended and came with a CV - 80,000 COP for 8 hours of work.) We did not set any prices and just asked how much they charge. We have been told that generally nannies make significantly more than housekeepers do. A Colombian friend also told us that the normal price for full time service is $250USD per month and paying up to $400 would be pretty excessive. The other thing we were told was to make sure they cook well. We heard from one housekeeper that they received training in cooking, etc.
- This seems so far like something extremely easy to obtain, though you do have to take the time to train these individuals about your specific desires and expectations (i.e. taking care of your children). I am still thinking about the generosity or friendliness that I am showing (is it appropriate?) - when I offered to make tea for the nanny, I think she was surprised, and then she was ready to leave 15 minutes earlier than the time she was supposed to. Not sure if these two incidents are related... more later.
- WEATHER
- The weather is variable, changing every hour. It's been raining a bit quite heavily, it being rainy season, but also quite bright and sunny during other times. We have been repeated told to always carry a "saquito" (diminutive of "saco" - a jacket) and an umbrella.
- CRIME
- Never speak on your cell phone on the street as robbers will grab it out of your hand while you're mid-conversation and run. Umar did see this actually happen. Our nanny Amalia said, "Es su pan del dia" so the robbers dedicate all their time to it.
- We went to brunch today (Sunday) at this "fancy" bakery named Masa. It is quite popular and has been written up in the international travel press. There were lots of families and babies, and the women seemed very comfortable wearing gold jewelry and carrying their Louis Vuitton bags.
- FEELING AT HOME
- US (and other global) businesses we've already seen in Bogota - I'm waiting for a Cheesecake Factory to come in. We did see a small Nobu today - though obviously not of the California-based conglomeration:
- PF Chang's, a recent arrival
- Fast food: McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, KFC
- Clothing: Express, Aeropostal, Benetton. Mango
- Furniture: Bo Concept, Roche Bobois
- Toy Stores: Imaginarium
Avila
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