Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

[Cryingdick]

1 hour ago, CaptainJack said:

I've read the same info. Your right on all counts.  When I get to Bogota and settle a few days, I'm looking for a lawyer.  I don't want this left to any chance after what happened in Bangkok. 

 

Can you give a little more insight into daily life? Prices of goods, restaurants and bars, variety food, what a typical grocery store is like? What are you paying night for your hostel?

 

Maybe language barrier is a problem but are people worried about neighboring Venezuela? Do you see any visible signs of people fleeing from there?

Edited March 15, 2019 by Cryingdick

[CaptainJack]

47 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

Can you give a little more insight into daily life? Prices of goods, restaurants and bars, variety food, what a typical grocery store is like? What are you paying night for your hostel?

 

Maybe language barrier is a problem but are people worried about neighboring Venezuela? Do you see any visible signs of people fleeing from there?

I can't answer all right now. I'll answer what I can.  I'm paying 150 pesos a night, about 8 dollars U.S.

 

No signs at all about Venezuela's people and their struggles. 

 

I'm in the tourist area, so it is higher here at restaurants.  Still, I can have several beers and a full meal for 250 pesos,  about 12 dollars.   

 

Grocery stores? I miss 7-11.  I've not gone shopping here, except for a few clothes.  This is not where I would live as a single man anyway,  even if everything else fell into place.   Too slow, not enough variety. 

 

I will try to answer your other questions,  but I don't think I'll be able to.  I'd probably go to Mexico City if I wanted to stay in Mexico.   

 

I run my own unique program for life rewards and money management.   Tonight,  I'm dining in a 5 star restaurant.  Exquisite international food, still half or less expensive then the USA.   Service 5 star.  I do that as my personal rewards,  the way I offset flying solo, and loneliness.   I can pay for this because I stay in hostels,  and do 12 hour layovers to get dirt cheap airfares. 

 

I am me, and I have lived a life of my own design.  I'm going to Colombia because I have a vision of what it can be for me.  Mexico,  which I love,  is not that vision.

 

You know, I know there are no sure things in life. I've know that for a long time,  but even I want, even if an illusion, some sense of predictability.   I thought I had that in Thailand.  I lost that feeling of security.   

 

Geez, I'm sorry.  I tracked off on a tangent.  I'll be able to get much better information when in Colombia.  

 

Cheers...

[Andrew Dwyer]

Although I’ve no intention of returning to SA I am avidly following this thread !
A great insight into Asia v SA and all the pitfalls re: health, visas, cost of living etc etc.

JT’s relentless research and CJ’s one man crusade to find paradise is entertaining stuff.

Hope it all works out guys and keep up the great work !!

[Cryingdick]

49 minutes ago, CaptainJack said:

I can't answer all right now. I'll answer what I can.  I'm paying 150 pesos a night, about 8 dollars U.S.

 

No signs at all about Venezuela's people and their struggles. 

 

I'm in the tourist area, so it is higher here at restaurants.  Still, I can have several beers and a full meal for 250 pesos,  about 12 dollars.   

 

Grocery stores? I miss 7-11.  I've not gone shopping here, except for a few clothes.  This is not where I would live as a single man anyway,  even if everything else fell into place.   Too slow, not enough variety. 

 

I will try to answer your other questions,  but I don't think I'll be able to.  I'd probably go to Mexico City if I wanted to stay in Mexico.   

 

I run my own unique program for life rewards and money management.   Tonight,  I'm dining in a 5 star restaurant.  Exquisite international food, still half or less expensive then the USA.   Service 5 star.  I do that as my personal rewards,  the way I offset flying solo, and loneliness.   I can pay for this because I stay in hostels,  and do 12 hour layovers to get dirt cheap airfares. 

 

I am me, and I have lived a life of my own design.  I'm going to Colombia because I have a vision of what it can be for me.  Mexico,  which I love,  is not that vision.

 

You know, I know there are no sure things in life. I've know that for a long time,  but even I want, even if an illusion, some sense of predictability.   I thought I had that in Thailand.  I lost that feeling of security.   

 

Geez, I'm sorry.  I tracked off on a tangent.  I'll be able to get much better information when in Colombia.  

 

Cheers...

 

All I need to know is it better than Thailand? This entire thread sounds like wishful thinking in reality and on the ground.

Edited March 15, 2019 by Cryingdick

[Jingthing]

  All I need to know is it better than Thailand? This entire thread sounds like wishful thinking in reality and on the ground.

 

That's pretty absurd. He's in Bogota. That's one city in one country in Latin America. You don't even need to be there to know that Bogota is relatively expensive compared to other cities in Latin America. Then consider all the numerous nations in Latin America with very different cultures. Better than Thailand based on what?  

 

As far as wishful thinking migration to a new country when not a literal refugee is going to involve hope that you may have a better life there. Reality bites everywhere just in different ways for different people.

 

 

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[CaptainJack]

22 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

All I need to know is it better than Thailand? This entire thread sounds like wishful thinking in reality and on the ground.

I won't be able to answer or give am accurate report until I get to Bogota.   Sorry,  but darn, you are right.  It is wishful thinking.  Why else would I be here?

[strikingsunset]

Hi Captain Jack - this is a superb,informative thread,thank you for your inspiring posts.


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[keemapoot]

That's pretty absurd. He's in Bogota. That's one city in one country in Latin America. You don't even need to be there to know that Bogota is relatively expensive compared to other cities in Latin America. Then consider all the numerous nations in Latin America with very different cultures. Better than Thailand based on what?   
As far as wishful thinking migration to a new country when not a literal refugee is going to involve hope that you may have a better life there. Reality bites everywhere just in different ways for different people.
 
 
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I have been to Bogota several times on business but the last time was some years ago. I speak Spanish well and at that time it seemed to be a needed ability to be comfortable there. Of course I know Colombia has changed a lot and cleaned up. It is however a relatively more formal lifestyle than Thailand and that is true for most places in SA mentioned in this thread. The costs of exploratory trips and resettlement would likely be as much as funding another 800k for a retirement extension here.

I am also following this thread with interest and appreciate your shared research and Captain Jack’s on the ground reports.


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[Jingthing]

As far as the need for at least some Spanish yes that's definitely a real thing in most of the destinations mentioned. Some places will be easier than others such as tourism hubs of Puerto Vallarta Mx and Cartagena Co. There are workarounds possible to at least get set up. Casually hire translators. Engage formal expat helper firms. Smartphone translation apps. But in the long in many of these places not becoming fluent in at least elementary Spanish would not be a happy situation at all.

 

 

Yes as I recently detailed yes I agree that the entire process including exploration could add up to 800k baht but not necessarily as it depends on so many personal factors.

 

Whether to include an abstract loss of a condo sold well under market is something I can't answer but it seems to me that's a real cost.

 

As far as exploration all of my travels in Latin America were done before I moved to Thailand. I consider those experiences useful today for how I consider Latin America even after several years . There was no one destination there that screamed out I have to live here. But I had expat colored impressions of all the places. For examples I could imagine living in Guadalajara if it became safer. I could imagine living in Lima if I could afford Miraflores. I totally rejected numerous places based on visiting such as Costa Rica, Oaxaca Mx, and Brazil. But the fact that there were some places that I have visited in Latin America that I think I would enjoy living in with some conditions gives me reason to think that there are other places there that I would like as well where the conditions were met, such as safe enough, affordable enough, air breathable, and visa possible. Or maybe not.

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[Jingthing]

I'm going to post this video here because it covers a lot of things already discussed about Colombia.

 

Namely --

Safety concerns in Colombia

Sexpats -- although this definitely isn't a topic about what clubs have the best prostitutes in Colombia (or anywhere) the relation to the general safety issue I think is on topic. 

I think it's fair to generalize that if you get involved in sex tourism or being a sexpat in Colombia it's higher risk (of being robbed or even murdered) than in Thailand.

So if that's you take that into account.

A very visible American businessman in Bogota did a video about this and was asked about safety as he rents out several long term properties in tourist areas of Colombia. So he gets reports about what happens to his clients. So it's anecdotal but he's got a pretty large sample over the years in the tourism cities. His report was that crime has not been a major problem but in the rare cases of serious crimes (murder) there has always been a sex tourism connection to the victim.

This reality may be and perhaps should be a deterrent or at least a strong caution to living in Colombia if that's the main reason you'd be moving there.

Anyway, also of interest I think is this direct comparison to world famous expat and tourism magnet big city Medellin vs. the coffee region cities, specifically the smallest coffee region city, Armenia, which this guy strangely insists on not pronouncing the Spanish way. 

It kind of expands on the theme from another video I posted from the How to Expat Swiss guy in Medellin -- move to Pereira or Armenia if you're ready and will be happy to live a BORING life. If you still want to be a party animal, there is no contest -- it's Medellin for you. 

It's also mentioned that Manizales is higher crime which doesn't bother me as Manizales is already off my list.

So here's the video, I hope it's useful for some people --

 

 

Edited March 15, 2019 by Jingthing

[seasia]

Hi

 

Fascinating thread.

 

Although Latin America an unlikely option for me, some of the areas mentioned sound seem pleasant and in fact an improvement to Thailand in some respects.

 

Captain Jack

 

I have followed and liked your posts for quite some time, enjoyed your recent post with photos on your "9 month leaving Thailand thread". Nice pics.

 

A shame some have chosen to previously attack you, seems there are always a few that will try to drag down others.

You are probably unaware but in your Cambodia/team thread, there were some posts deleted.

A fair number of posters, including myself were a bit sad when you left that thread.

 

I wish you All The Best.

 

Keep posting.

" chin up "  ( Brit expression )

 

Take Care.

[Jingthing]

This item is more about tourism than expatriation but I'm posting it to give an idea of how spectacular some of the scenery and villages are surrounding the coffee region cities. Most people would prefer to live in a city just for modern amenities, services, and convenience but this gives an idea of the type of places close by outside the cities. This particular village called Salento has become a major international tourism draw happens to be closest to Armenia than the other coffee region cities. There are expats living there as well, probably some retired people and also tourism related business owners. 

 

 

[Jingthing]

What about buying real estate in Colombia?

Hmm. 

Foreigners can buy both land and houses.

https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Latin-America/Colombia/Buying-Guide

The video before mentioned buying a townhouse in a very good neighborhood in Armenia for 70K USD. OK, not super cheap, but I have searched a bit about that and you can buy small condo units for 30K USD. Why buy? These prices I'm pretty sure are for new modern builds (there is a construction boom there). 

Well if you're going to live there you look in your housing at a time when the peso is weak. 

But retiring there you start on three years. Down the line you might be hit by visa changes and/or exchange rate moves for your next application. Anytime before you might apply for residency or citizenship. So there is that risk, owning something you can't live in, just like Thailand.

However if the visa situation worsened because of a strong peso, then, well maybe it was a good investment and you could sell for a good profit.

 

Edited March 15, 2019 by Jingthing

[CaptainJack]

Good morning, 

 

There was a lot posted while I slept. I have a few observations related to crime, personally and costs.  But first, my heart breaks at the senseless attack in New Zealand.   My mate Michael is from there, I stayed in Christchurch twice when there is January and February.  I walked past that mosque.  It was a sad thing to wake up to.

 

Last night's experience here and some other observations. 

 

I had an amazing meal and splurged.   I needed it.  I have good days and bad on this journey.   The night was alive, as is usual in many Latin countries.  It is hot in the day, but cool at night.  There were thousands of people,  musicians and many sidewalk cafes. 

 

I was standing,  listening to music, when I realized a man was staring at me,  actually glaring at me. I looked away, and when looking back, he had not stopped.  To see if it was really me,  I moved from one side of the plaza to another.   He followed me. 

 

It really does not matter if I could defend myself.   I'm in a foreign country,  and besides, even with all my training and experience in hand to hand combat, that does not make up that I am almost 67 and almost any injuries would be serious.   I spotted two municipal police officers,  and as I often do, I introduced myself as a retired police officer.  They were eager to talk, one spoke really good English,  and I did not bother to mention the stalker.   He had taken off running and was long gone.   This brings me to an observation about police and military in different countries. 

 

I have the experience of Army combat aviation and law enforcement.  It has not mattered if I was in Vietnam,  China or a host of other countries, I have universally been accepted and had good experiences interacting with police and military. 

 

Thailand? I don't remember ever meeting a police officer or military that seemed approachable.   Most always seem to be frowning.  Maybe I've just been unlucky,  but even the ones that I have talked to did not seem happy to even be bothered.  Is this just bad timing on my part?  I wonder.  I remember several expats telling me early on when I moved to Bkk to avoid contact with the police at all cost.  I'm interested in what others think,  because this goes to an underlying aspect of living in Thailand,  which in retrospect,  may have been part of my stress?

 

Regarding costs of stuff and stores here in Merida.  I need a new charger for my Samsung phone.  I have googled and mapped stores here. I'm not sure I can get one. I have a slow charge backup if necessary.  And, the things I took for granted in Bkk like 7-11. Not here.  And no Robinson's.  Mexico City is probably different.  Does not matter. Colombia is my priority right now.

 

Ones personal experience,  whether a small community or metropolis, that is unique by location and individual.  

 

My morning cappuccino? Cheaper here, but no coffee shop on every corner.  A 90 minute full body massage for 400 baht? Nope. That will be 1,300 baht here, or 60 us dollars.  Still, that is at a professional spa and it would cost 120-160 us dollars in the USA.  Actually though,  most the professional spas in Bkk were similar priced.  I was alway too cheap,  and often, despite my best efforts in both English and the little Thai I speak, ended up with an unhappy Thai girl doing my massage because I did not want an "extra" treatment. 

 

I miss the people in the LOS's. And the many conveniences.  I'm still glad I made the decision to leave.   The risk because if the stupid visa snafu was just too great.

 

I was thinking last night, laying in my bunk bed and wondering if I would ever go back to Thailand.  I could once my retirement visa is expired,  but I'd have to worry about the now often scrutiny by an IO about why I'm back wanting a tourist visa, or some other excuse to give me a hard time.  Maybe even deny me entry.  No, I won't put myself through that. Thailand would have to really change it's immigration attitude towards farrang and I'd want to see a government medical insurance program setup if they actually do go through with their draft plans to require comprehensive medical insurance for long stay retired expats.  Oh well, I was missing Thailand, my few friends and my girlfriend.  Bummer....

 

One other insight this beautiful morning.  I'm not just flying solo, I'm pretty untethered from anything or anyone right now.  I get a bit unnerved now and then, but I always bounce back.  I think the point here is other then moving to another SE Asian country, for those that desire or have to leave,  repatriation in some ways might actually be easier.  Adjusting to another culture,  especially not really speaking the language at times feels a bit daunting.

 

Oh! I miss my morning, afternoon and evening Thai food.  Breakfast was good, but was just missing those Thai flavors.  And not spicey enough!

 

Ok, that's it for now.  Y'all sleep well.

 

CJ

Edited March 15, 2019 by CaptainJack
Better wording.

[Jingthing]

I think that is any amazing thing about many areas of urban Thailand. The convenience! I should eat Thai food more often while in Thailand.

 

Captain I spaced out and called you in Bogota already but you're in Merida.

 

About that bad man stalker. Is it possible he was just into silver Daddies?

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[CaptainJack]

21 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I think that is any amazing thing about many areas of urban Thailand. The convenience! I should eat Thai food more often while in Thailand.

 

Captain I spaced out and called you in Bogota already but you're in Merida.

 

About that bad man stalker. Is it possible he was just into silver Daddies?

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Lol. I'm silver, but no daddy. You crack me up.

[Jingthing]

Lol. I'm silver, but no daddy. You crack me up.

I'm skeptical.

I doubt Merida is on this list but check this out.

https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-mexico-tijuana-violence-20190314-story.html?outputType=amp

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[CaptainJack]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I'm skeptical.

I doubt Merida is on this list but check this out.

https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-mexico-tijuana-violence-20190314-story.html?outputType=amp

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Thanks for the article.  Actually,  Merida is in the middle of a contested area. I'm way more familiar with this ongoing drug war then most because of my work in law enforcement in Texaa.  

 

There are not many really safe places anymore.  The shoot out last year in the middle of Bangkok using AK-47's where an Indian tourist was caught in the crossfire was never really explained and not another word heard about it.

 

The amount of methamphetamine produced in Myanmar,  using raw materials from China is barely reported on, and Thailand is the main conduit delivering the drugs destined for Australia and New Zealand.  This is not meant to be funny,  but I prefer to know where the war is going on. I can at least plan.

 

That old adage?

 

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer....

 

Here is the wiki on the Merida Initiative. 

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mérida_Initiative

[Jingthing]

I've read this a few places about Queretaro. I don't know if it's really true though. That Queretaro is largely free of narco violence because the drug lords there have an agreement for that to be a neutral zone because that's the place that they send their children to school. 

[Jingthing]

A few years back before the "troubles" Nicaragua was showing up more and more often, higher and higher, on the lists of best cheaper retirement abroad nations. Well, here is some good background on why it's off those lists now.

 

Quote

 

Venezuela gets all the headlines but the crisis in Nicaragua remains at the boiling point

 

To the extent that eyes are on Latin America, they are on Venezuela — which is understandable. Venezuela has come to a boil. But Nicaragua is boiling too — and we should spare a glance in its direction.

 

 

https://cuencahighlife.com/venezuela-gets-all-the-headlines-but-the-crisis-in-nicaragua-remains-at-the-boiling-point/

Edited March 15, 2019 by Jingthing

[brokenbone]

i dont see any scooter in any video, looks like its a car or walk continent, that is not a good thing for me

[Jingthing]

A detailed comparison of Medellin to a coffee region city, this time Pereira (bigger than Armenia). 

https://medellinliving.com/medellin-vs-pereira/

Someone should do a full Pereira vs. Armenia comparison. 

The best neighborhoods in Pereira are mentioned and described as similarly upscale to the famous Poblado Medellin district but significantly cheaper!

If you read through this, I think you'll get the gist that Pereira (and the coffee region) comes out sounding quite good.

 

Through this I found that apartment website for Colombia link --

https://www.fincaraiz.com.co/apartamentos/arriendo/pereira/

Columbian neighborhoods are rating with a number. The higher numbers are the better areas and are charged higher utility rates.

 

Sample listing.

Large apartment 4 rooms, 3 baths in upscale neighborhood, guessing not a new building, refurbished, average view, bigger than most people would need I would think, 432 dollars a month. Obviously you could get smaller and cheaper. Anyone packing yet?

 

https://www.fincaraiz.com.co/apartamento-en-arriendo/pereira/alamos-det-4217208.aspx

 

Edited March 15, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

9 minutes ago, brokenbone said:

i dont see any scooter in any video, looks like its a car or walk continent, that is not a good thing for me

You are wrong. There are lots of motorcycles in the coffee region cities.

An account I heard was they are rapidly increasing in Armenia because the prices are really good for good imports, and even teenagers can afford to buy them with part time jobs.

 

https://www.cybo.com/CO/armenia-colombia/motorcycle-dealers/

Edited March 15, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

I am noting a cultural difference in the Colombian apartments/condos that I had heard about before but now I can see explicitly. They have large ones and they have small ones but even with the small ones they seem to cram in what seems to me as too many bedrooms! For example a 60 sq meter unit with THREE bedrooms. Obviously very small bedrooms. I guess you could use for offices or perhaps it's sometimes a servant's quarter closet kind of thing. But I don't really like it. 

 

There are some exceptions. This seems to be good for a single person. 50 sq meters, one bed, one bath, highest level neighborhood rating, pleasant view, patio/balcony, built in wood closet, laundry area, modern bathroom. 278 dollars (8800 baht).

 

 

I'll stop posting specific listings. The idea here is to give an idea of the attractive housing values for higher level neighborhood urban neighborhood living in Colombia, at least in the coffee region cities.

 

You absolutely will not find values like this in the highest level neighborhoods in Bogota or Medellin. 

 

https://www.fincaraiz.com.co/apartamento-en-arriendo/pereira/pinares-det-4404493.aspx

 

Edited March 16, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

An addon to my last post.

From people from North America or most of western Europe, have a look at that apartment link and consider how much the rent would be for a similar unit in a vital bustling smaller/medium sized city back home that was --

 

Located in one of the very best neighborhoods (you can always tell that in Colombia based on the number rating) 

Clean and modern

Year round spring like weather (yes not even possible in most places)

Pleasant views

Large balcony/patio

Walking distance to the majority of needs, basic shopping, restaurants, services, etc. and very low cost efficient public transportation and low cost taxis/Uber to everything else

 

Contrast and compare.

 

I'm not even sure I can make that estimate for the U.S. as there is a lot of variance between cities there. But being in one of the best neighborhoods and walking distance to most everything runs a high premium in the U.S., so I'll make a rough guess, 1500 dollars? 

 

The Colombia strata system runs 1 to 6 with 6 the highest. The higher numbers are the wealthier areas. Yes, the higher the number the higher your utility costs, but I checked this and it's wouldn't be a significant burden to most expats. As a foreigner, you generally want to only live in levels 4 through 6. Lower maybe if you're married to a local. It can even be impossible to get deliveries to lower strata areas, while if you're in an upper strata area you can get deliveries to your door for almost everything. 

 

Edited March 16, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Pereira is big enough to have an expat city guide website. Armenia isn't. Not saying which is better. I don't know.

 

It describes difficult conditions in actually securing a good rental there. This isn't very surprising. Definitely a downside and curb to enthusiasm. 

 

http://www.pereiracityguide.com/

 

Spanish rental vocabulary and neighborhood descriptions --

http://www.pereiracityguide.com/cost-rent-pereira-colombia/

 

Edited March 16, 2019 by Jingthing

[CaptainJack]

Checking in. I'm going on a day excursion to stay busy. I alotted way to much time in Merida.  I'm not here as a tourist.  It is too expensive.  I had dinner and drinks last night with another American expatriate from Thailand.  We are in agreement.  Merida is to be passed up, especially if you want anything resembling Thailand's conveniences.   

 

There is a lesson here we both agree on. The people writing about how great this place is? Who are they, where are they and are we talking about the same universe?

 

Everyday is an exercise in perseverance.  Stay focused,  don't let the loss of what I love about Thailand drive a stupid decision at this point.  Stay the course and see this through.  I have enough validation and support that given my circumstances,  getting out of Thailand early was the smart thing to do.  

 

I will tell you this. While I am a very caring man, I am also a man that has survived plenty of challenges and hardships, and this program to leave Thailand and try this venture to explore living in Latin America is a challenge to stay in balance.

 

The city of Merida absolutely does not work. If I could accelerate the travel to Columbia,  I would.  Not possible at this point.  Ten days to go feels like 10 years.

 

Oh! The previous talk about crime and the drug war.  It is part of the fabric of society here.  As my new friend mentioned.  He had only just arrived and witnessed a mugging.  Thailand,  while we all know it has crime, never really feels unsafe.  Maybe thats an illusion? I should know better, if anyone.  I think this is about probability.  How often are you in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Go hang out in far south Thailand and your chances of getting killed go way up.

 

Most tourists are blind to what is going on around them.  It's probably best. If not,  they would likely drop dead from fear.  Onward.....

Edited March 16, 2019 by CaptainJack
Better wording.

[Jingthing]

Yeah, I totally understand why you're finding Merida doesn't make sense even though I haven't been there. The extreme heat much of the year without a beach is enough for me to know. 

 

I'm assuming you won't be finding the time for a visit to Queretaro. Oh well. Like you, Colombia in general is on the top of the list but I still am Queretaro-curious. I guess you'll never know if that would have been the place for you.

 

I totally agree with you on the wisdom of leaving Thailand given all we know now, so kudos to you for actively pursuing a decent alternative. I also agree with you what you're doing (and presumably some others to follow) will be quite difficult. You speak Spanish and have a great pension -- think of those much earlier in the Spanish with a much lower income. Yes, go ahead, feel superior!

 

Anyway I have picked up from your posts that you like the nightlife, so checking out Medellin makes perfect sense for you. Have you considered also checking out Cartagena? It's more expensive than Medellin but also active nightlife and the Caribbean vibe, hot weather yes but on the beach.

 

As you've probably read I've been talking about the coffee region cities. I think Armenia is definitely too slow for you but maybe Pereira would work? There is nightlife there. Just how much nightlife do you need? I may be wrong but I'm starting to see Pereira as kind of half way point between Medellin and Armenia. It doesn't sound like you need the lower cost part but consider that with the even lower cost than Medellin with your ample pension income you could be living the high life even more so than Medellin. 

 

Just some thoughts. You do you, Captain. 

[Cryingdick]

Quick question... anybody know if you can actually own land and if so can you also own waterfront property? 

[Cryingdick]

22 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I've read this a few places about Queretaro. I don't know if it's really true though. That Queretaro is largely free of narco violence because the drug lords there have an agreement for that to be a neutral zone because that's the place that they send their children to school. 

 

Some of the things being said are a little disturbing. You would move to an area that is safe largely because of a truce between drug cartels? One bullet changes that whole scenario.