Hi, Alina, I hope you have a lot of fun in Colombia! I'm hoping to visit Bogota some time in the future. Take care and stay safe wherever you go!! ♥️♥️
Colombian here. Born and raised. Please, keep in mind that we are a 3rd world country. No comparisons. We are already aware of the lacks of our country. Out of that, enjoy your trip. Peace ✌
I know you will love Colombia. I lived in Bogota for 3 years quite sometime ago. Chapinero is okay, lots of colleges and a couple of State Universities. Not too far from Centro. But you are correct, the further north you go, generally the safer it becomes. Although, Bogota is a very safe city. In La Candelaria (Centro Antigua) very touristy and lots of pick pockets/scammers. But it is beautiful. Given the pandemic, it might have changed dramatically? You must visit the Gold Museum and The Botero Museum also. Parque 93 (on Calle 93) is trendy with restaurants and clubs. But Usaquen and Barrancas are nice. Another must do, is a visit to Chia , only for Andres Carnes de Res. I hope its still there? Awesome fun and food!!
@@mike2003ars There are a lot cheaper places for sure. But you don't get the atmosphere and the quality. Sure, it's not your everyday place, but the 3 or 4 times I visited, it was always great! One of my favs was on Calle 104 con Cr 9, it's no longer there I've been told, but great food, wonderful people and about the a tenth of the price, (I was there one night and Uribe came in, with about 10 others and 20 guards, we had to eat and leave) but they are two totally different experiences.
I feel that I need to do some comments here as a Colombian who has lived in Canada in the past: 1. Whoever told you Colombia is/was not requiring neither proof of vaccination nor a negative pcr test result, that’s false, it is actually the complete opposite, you need at least one of those. 2. Welcome to the country where people love making lines for everything! 3. You are in a neighborhood that may look not that good but it is actually very good, appearances are not everything. 4. Personal care products here are quite expensive, idk why, but if you wanna save some money and still get good products go check on a D1 store. 5. Most coffee you will get here is Colombian, but not all Colombian coffee is actually good. I hope that one you got is a nice one tho. 6. We don’t produce berries nor wine in a large scale, so expect both products to be quite expensive and often times from different countries. Main reason for this is that grapes and berries grow better in places where that experience seasons, that’s why most of the wine you’re going to find is from Chile or Argentina. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about living in Colombia!
Hi Alina! Welcome to Colombia and Bogotá!!! I hope that you get to see and explore the multicultural side of Colombia during your journey to South America. Like Canada, the United States, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, for example, Colombia received a substantial influx of Lithuanian émigré DPs (displaced persons) after World War II. The Lithuanian community in Colombia is relatively smaller, but continues to thrive. Likewise, there is a relatively large Ukrainian émigré population in South America - especially in Brazil, Argentina, French Guiana, Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Maybe you can find a vibrant Lithuanian and/or Ukrainian Christmas gathering in Bogotá? One prominent member of the Lithuanian community in Colombia is also a prominent and accomplished national figure. Antanas Mockus, like me - the son of Lithuanian émigré DPs, is a well-known Colombian mathematician, philosopher, and politician. Antanas Mockus has served as Rector of the National University of Colombia, was twice elected as Mayor of Bogotá, has been a leading candidate in several Colombian Presidential elections, and since 2018 serves as Senator of the Republic of Colombia. We are very proud of Antanas - a fluent speaker of Lithuanian, Spanish, English, and other languages!
One interesting fact about Bogota: there are poorer and richer neighborhoods like everywhere else, but the difference is that utilities in poor neighborhoods are mostly for free, its expenses are borne by the richer ones residents. At least it was a couple years ago. I'm looking forward to see more about this a bit unusual touristic spot and beautiful country! Hi from Ukraine!
@@andressepulveda2375 I know that in the USA, the "poorest" people (under $8000 or so) pay zero taxes. I suspect the rest of the World is very similar. What source of info tells you the opposite?
I traveled internationally a lot through the 1980's & 90's for work as a field service engineer. It was exciting and fun but I'm glad I did it when I was young. I'm 75 now and it wears me out just watching your adventures.
Wow. I'm from Colombia. I have never seen so many international comments about my country. I find it very interesting what foreigners think about colombians as well. Thank you much!
Hey, Alina thank you for the introduction of Colombia with latin music. I enjoy watching Colombian music videos. Have a great adventure and a good time with safety.
I like Bogota, Medellin, the entire Caribbean, the Amazon area, and the coffee area in Quindio is spectacular. Those places are very green, have nice weather, nice food, and wonderful views. Bogota is a huge town and traffic is chaotic but it has very interesting places to visit. Thank you for showing those videos of Colombia to the world.
Wow Colombia! This is so cool, because I happen to be travelling through Colombia at the moment, and of all countries I never thought this would be the one we'd simultaneously be visiting! Something like Russia or Romania seemed way more likely haha. Anyway, I've been in the coastal region and in Antioquia (Medellín region) for about a month by now, and it's been simply amazing. There is such a wide variety of things to see and do in this country. Hope you enjoy your travels here as much as I am 🤗
Btw if you have any travel-related questions, like where to do Covid-tests before returning home or the best methods to get your pesos as a foreigner, I would be more than happy to help out with recent info. For the more local stuff, I'm sure you have enough Colombian followers that can provide much better insights.
Hi Alina. I hope you’re enjoying Colombia, I’m Jose from Cali Colombia living in Canada, Is so cool to see Colombia from your perspective!. I recently moved to Montreal from Calgary. That Yellow fruit I think is called “Chirimoya”. There’s another fruit called “Anon” also looks almos the same. Try Zapote, Guanavana, Manga Biche, Chontaduro! those are good and the other fruit is called Granadilla, so good, The market you went it’s a little bit expensive in the “Plaza de Mercado” you will find everything more cheap and 100% natural from the farmers!. Enjoy!!
I am told Chilean wine is good quality and Colombian coffee is said to have no equal. (please do a review of the coffees there please!) The weird fruit is "dragon fruit". I'm very happy to know you made it safe. 💚💚
@@AlinaMcleod Before you eat the dragon fruit rub some cooking oil in your hand. They are sticky unlike other fruits. This make it easier to wash your hands
And depending on the individuals, it can have a laxative effective to say it mildly. In the US that can go as high as $3.99 per pound. The outside seems intimidating but you just need to cut it open, length-wide, and the flesh can easily separate from the rubbery skin. A good one can be refreshingly sweet.
Toiletries/cosmetics and wine are very expensive in Colombia, Valle del Cauca produces wine but in general de country does not have a wine drinking culture. I hope you are enjoying Colombia, it is an amazing country.
Are you crazy? Any tropical Caribbean country produce wine that’s mean they don’t drink. I went to colombia and they have imported wines from Chilean Argentina California etc
Carulla is one of the most expensive supermarkets in Colombia. if you want save some of money you can buy your stuffs in D1 supermarkets or ARA. The yellow fruit is Pitaya, you have to remove the rind and you can eat everything inside.
Hello Alina, I live in colombia and the weird fruit is called "Pitaya" many people say it's good for the digestive system. PD: If you need know more about Bogota you can ask me
@@angelenergia2163 maybe, make friends in Colombia, please don't move with expensive jewerly or your phone in your hands, if you know someone you trust in Colombia tell him/her where do you go if you take a taxi tell him/her the plaque you know in any country do you need that, and if you don't know someone you trust, tell your family PD: I love my country, I love colombia is really beautiful but we can't cover the sun with a finger, now Colombia is a little insecure
Well congratulations, you made it safe. I like Colombia very much, my favorite city is Cartagena, maybe you will visit it. Looking forward to your more adventures.
@@claudiacaicedo6849 Claudia, Thank you for your invitation, maybe I will visit, will you by my tour guide ??? I don't now Cali at all ..., but I like Colombia.
Good luck for your travels in South America. You are a brave and very confident person to go solo to a place you never been and don't speak the language! If I was doing what you're doing when I was your age my parents would freak out! Your parents are very understanding! But hey I'm now 47 so I am finally planing solo trips to Europe soon, your videos definitely inspire me! 🙂 ~Melissa
Great video Alina and be very careful. Have a nice stay in this new country. As usual your videos are amazing. Thank you very much for sharing your adventure
I am from Colombia, I recommend you visit Bucaramanga, it is a small city compared to the rest of the cities in the country, but it is very welcoming, it is known as The City of Parks
Welcome to Colombia Alina. Enjoy and stay safe. The neighborhood where you’re at (Chapinero) is good but not the best. I mean that depends if you’re more like a hippie and stuff like that. That district is more like “artistic” if you know what I mean. However it’s cool and I’m sure you’ll find where you are more comfortable. Bogota is really cool and there’s so much to do and so many places. It’s a gigantic city so look around and stay safe. God bless.
Hi Alina, I'm John from Colombia. It's amazing to watch your videos!!! Yes, you bought food in one of the most expensive groceries stores, but it is the best. The coffee although is expensive it delicious. Enjoy it. I'll continue watching your videos. Bye
happy to see you being honest about the pitfalls of traveling other travel channels make it look simple and easy enjoy your stay in Columbia it looks nice there
@@karimaogden3875 sorry I didn't mean to offend I work 80 hours or more a week I'm not a machine I get tired I make mistakes my spell check didn't show anything wrong with that but that is no excuse I should have checked the spelling in the title so from now on I will not comment anymore I don't want to offend anyone from this beautiful country take care
@@moresugartradercc2744 Apology accepted. However, I don't think you should stop commenting from now on just because of that. I realize, it's a common mistake for native English speakers to spell it phonetically with a "U" instead of an "O" since there are a lot of towns here in the U.S named "Columbia".
Went there in 2018, the immigration line was very fast, about ten minutes wait. The lady working there didn’t even look at my American passport and let inside the country. Beautiful Bogota, particularly the old town neighborhood.
I was born in Bogota, Colombia and was raised in the United States since I was 11 months old. I've never been back to Colombia and I am now 57 years old. Thanks for allowing me to see my country through your eyes. 🇨🇴 🇺🇸
Hi Alina, I just read the news, you almost got robbed in Santa Marta Colombia , so please be careful next time when you visit south America, right now we have security issues so please be informed in advance prior arriving to the destination. take in mind not to walk outside too late during the night, not to expose valuable goods such as cameras, Cellphones, jewelries etc, try to get accompanied with a local guide, not go further than the touristic places, in fact, there are many recommendations , please take care and stay healthy.
Bogota is so spread oat, I’ve had the impression that folks might live in one district and never been to many others, ever. Arr, flight delays, in flight meal, long lines, taxi confusion - then upbeat music as we are whisked along in the taxi! That series was very well done.
@Trevor Smith Merci. I played a lot of hockey here in the States. To avoid specifics; major city with many retired NHL players who were investors in a rink complex. We’d have a pickup game every morning. Me a college ‘keeper, so I could hang in with good save %: some AHL, ECHL - sticks in the middle, toss ‘em - was like a daily All Star game.
Don't forget to scoop up the free chocolate covered coffee beans in the souvenir shop at the airport. Also u might need one of those exit documents or else u have to pay a fee. I was in Bog in 2013 and 2014 visiting a amiga.
Hi, Alina, I hope you have a lot of fun in Colombia! I'm hoping to visit Bogota some time in the future. Take care and stay safe wherever you go!! ♥️♥️
Alina, welcome to Colombia. I have lived in the country for almost seven years. Here are suggestions/comments: 1) Carulla is the best supermarket and the highest end. However Éxito and Jumbo are worth checking out. 2) No Colombian wines. I also buy Argentinian and Chilean wines. Wines are expensive in Colombia.3) For coffee, Juan Valdez Cafe’s are good. Stay away from Starbucks.4) Bogota has the best variety of Restaurants in Colombia.5) Regarding other places in Colombia, Medellin is a must see/go to. So is the coffee triangle. If you like heat and humidity and Spanish colonial architecture, Cartagena and Santa Marta. You can spend a month in the country and not get bored. Enjoy!
Watched till the end and so excited to see Colombia from your eyes, Alina xxx Edited to add more comments on the tropical fruits. The yellow funky one was a dragon fruit as Indonesia also has a lot of them but in magenta color. Dragon fruit isnt as sweet but nice to be mixed with coconut milk/milk in general for a glass of smoothie. I wonder what other tropical fruits you’d find in Colombia 😄
Try drinking the juices made from lulo, guanábana and maracuya. I like them in milk. Makes my mouth water just thinking about these juices. I'm excited to see what Colombia has to offer.
In the chain supermarkets like Carulla or exito, you can't find some "exotic" fruits, the best option for this plan is to go to the market places, besides it is cheaper.
If a Colombian proposed it, he could eat different fruits every day of the year. The Alexander Von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute reports the existence of at least 400 native fruits or seeds in the country.
Hi Alina. It wasn't cheap because Carulla is the most expensive shop in Colombia for groceries is like Whole Foods and also the fruit is called pitaya.
When you look at snow falling is fun, but when you live with it, it is not fun anymore. You escaped winter in Canada is good for you. I enjoy your first Columbian video, stay safe.
Hello Alina, I was very happy to see your video from here in Bogota, I live, here, I feel happy, that you had visited my country, if you are still here, I send you my welcome and a hug ..
The yellow thingy is called dragon fruit! Just cut it in half and scoop it with a spoon or slice it, some might taste sour! It has red skin type and the best is the one is with red skin and red meat inside, enjoy!
I have gone to Bogota from Zürich several times and no problems in El Dorado Airport. I have double nationality, Spanish-Venezuelan but I have flown like Spanish. Really, I like Bogota so much.
I I’m Colombian living in USA and most people know 🇨🇴 for the bad reputation and is understandable.However you will be surprise once you get there to all different cities, towns and villages, it’s amazing how warm people is everywhere and how much culture we have to offer. Yes we have issues but as we said “Los buenos somos más”. I love my country and very soon i ll move back for good. Enjoy your trip
18:5019:09 The name of this fruit is PITAHAYA (Pitaya) and it is very sweet, it is laxative, the Japanese like it very much, I don't know why, in the past, I don't know now because I no longer live in Colombia, they imported that fruit a lot from Colombia
The yellow fruit is called pitaya. It can be found in red and yellow. In Colombia the yellow variety is more common. In some countries they call it dragon fruit
That WAS weird seeing Scotia Bank in South America! As a fellow Canadian traveller (36 countries so far) I’m never surprised to see American franchises anywhere…but when I see a Canadian one, Like Timmies etc. I always do a little happy dance 😂 for seeing a small taste of home.
Hi Alina.. I hope you're having a wonderfull time here in Colombia! the last yellow fruit is called Pitahaya, and I believe you went to the bathroom after eating it 😄 ..it's delicious and we also use it as a natural laxative 😉
Hi Alina! the fruit in the minute 18:50 is called pitaya in Spanish (Colombia) and in Englis is called yellow dragon fruit. Is very delicious and I recommend you don't eat a lot of this because is laxative. That's what my mom says
Hi Alina. Thanks for keeping this video as real as possible. Traveling is very stressful in my opinion. Reminds me of the the time when my family and I traveled to South Carolina several times over the years.(driving 18 hours with two cars over night). I give you prompts because you are doing all alone. 👏👏👏
When I was there 2 months ago, the Colombia was very beautiful county as well as peoples. I didn’t go to Columbia over 30 years people say it’s one of dangerous countries but it surprised to me no danger at all. I enjoyed so many museums and tour spot. The food was great,too. I was in bogota, Medellin and Carrara every city was beautiful especially Medellin. I am thinking go back to around February 2022. Have good time you will have good time.
Hi Alina my name is luis and I am Colombian myself Nice to meet you and thank you for share your experience In colombia. I think you are beautiful brave girl 👧 So I just want to say something and is colombia is And amazing beautiful country to visit but definitely Is much more fun if you do this trip with someone else For safety reasons and to share such lovely experience in colombia 🇨🇴 But thank you 😊 all the best Alina .
Omg that is so expensive 200.000 in Colombia just few people can afford expended that kind of money for a few articles you went to the most expensive store in Bogotá.
Welcome to my city Alina, Bogota like all Colombia you can see a lot of inequality, In bogota it's divided between North and south, the address are numerical, the further north more upscale you can see and viceversa, recommended sites: Candelaria(historic area), Usaquen, parque de la 93, calle 85. Hope you have an amazing time, in Colombia there is so much cultural diversity that it is like being among 100 countries in just one :)
...gracias por haber escogido a Colombia como su destino de vacaciones... ciertamente es Ud., muy valiente... ojalá haya sido grata su visita a Bogotá la ciudad de todos, a 2600 metros mas cerca de las estrellas... Bendiciones...
Colombian wine industry is still in it's infancy. And most of the wines are imported which is expensive. Just found your site. I love Colombia! Been there several times.
Happy to see your smiles and what you experienced on your first day there. You looked tired there, so I hope you get some much needed rest from your trip. You made it, and took care of the important things so you could have that blessed nap. ))))) Take it one day at a time and share what you can, and remember the pointers you have about safety. Keep in touch with at least a paragraph if you can't put a video up, OK? Looking forward to the wonderful journey you will take in South America. Keep smiling, Alina!! Cheers!!
Loved your video, Alina. Hopefully your visit to my huge and crowded city is pleasant till the end. Chapinero is a mixed área both comercial and residential, the sector above carrera 7 being the best. As to the wine, even though there is grape production in Colombia, with 2 to 3 harvests per year, grapes are more suitable for table use than for wine production. Some middle quality wines are produced in Boyacá, though. The 'strange' fruit you show last is called pitahaya. You can cut it in 2 halves and eat the pulp together with the seeds. It is nice and sweet. Watch out: on some people it has the effect of improving bowel movement, which is good or bad, depending on each individual case. Wishing you a pleasant stay in Bogotá. Be careful, going around in big cities involves a certain amount of risk. Best regalos, Héctor.
not me watching a whole 20 minute video just to see your first impressions of my city. I'll be going to toronto soon so your last videos have been a lot of help
Oh the joys of travel in the time of covid. Alina, I admire your strength and fortitude. I know very little about Colombia.(probably just the negative stuff) so here's hoping things go well and Colombia turns out to be an enjoyable adventure. Best wishes.
Great intro documenting your arrival in a new country. Have watched numerous vlogs on Colombia this past year and a prevailing theme is don't look 'too rich' so as to make yourself a grab and run target. Not sure how you get around that toting a camera around, but I remember our B&B host in an upper middle class area of Buenos Aires even cautioning my wife about not wearing her rings out in public! Yes, that was Argentina and this is Colombia, and is a little extreme, perhaps, but it does underscore that one needs to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Having said that, Colombia offers so much to see and there is no doubt you will meet a ton of warm and helpful people. Coincidentally, another Canadian vlogger I follow is 'Tony' from "Tony's Travels'. He just happens to be in Bogota as we speak and put a video out yesterday. Perhaps you may want to check it out. Safe travels!
I follow another youtuber who went to Columbia and while filming in public he passed a police officer who told him to put the camera away because he was making himself a target for theft. Keep in mind this guy is not a small guy and looks like a bodybuilder.
Yes it’s definitely a good idea to not look to rich here. Luckily my ‘camera’ doesn’t look like a camera being the osmo pocket. Haven’t had any issues so far.
@@MrSupernova111 first lesson to walk in any colombian town as a foreigner: dont wear sandals!, second: thiefs dont care if youre tall of you can do karate, they have guns.... So, be careful.
Good to see you're finally visiting Colombia since there are a lot of Colombians in Canada. It would be great if one of these days you could do a collaboration with a Colombian UA-camr from Montreal called Juan Rodriguez. His channel is called " Planeta Juan".
That’s a great idea, I believe he’/s currently in Bogotá. You should also visit Parkway, a cool boulevard near chapinero with beautiful cafes and restaurants
Hope you guys liked the video! Use code ALINA10 to get 10% OFF my favourite sleep masks from Manta Sleep: mantasleep.com/?Q3-sponsorship
Hi Alina beautiful place in Columbia
Hi Alina iam Malik Mubashar from Pakistan
Hello, my ex wife is colombian so i’ve been many times there. If you need any help about the right places to visit ask me 😉.
i implore you to try some of the finest cocane while you're there, don't be a bore
Hi, Alina, I hope you have a lot of fun in Colombia! I'm hoping to visit Bogota some time in the future. Take care and stay safe wherever you go!! ♥️♥️
Colombian here. Born and raised. Please, keep in mind that we are a 3rd world country. No comparisons. We are already aware of the lacks of our country. Out of that, enjoy your trip. Peace ✌
Well Said Madam. Cheers from Deutschland
Completely agree
No podías haberlo dicho mejor 👌
I feel proud that my country can offers a lot of thing to the tourists. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Colombia. Cheers!.
Hola! Do you have any tips for a woman traveling solo to Colombia? 💕
Colômbia is a beautiful country full of culture and landscapes
@Trevor Smith could you explain that in plain english?
Thank you, I can't describe how proud I feel of seeing people commenting good things on my beautiful nation. Just thanks
I know you will love Colombia. I lived in Bogota for 3 years quite sometime ago. Chapinero is okay, lots of colleges and a couple of State Universities. Not too far from Centro. But you are correct, the further north you go, generally the safer it becomes. Although, Bogota is a very safe city. In La Candelaria (Centro Antigua) very touristy and lots of pick pockets/scammers. But it is beautiful. Given the pandemic, it might have changed dramatically?
You must visit the Gold Museum and The Botero Museum also. Parque 93 (on Calle 93) is trendy with restaurants and clubs. But Usaquen and Barrancas are nice. Another must do, is a visit to Chia , only for Andres Carnes de Res. I hope its still there? Awesome fun and food!!
Andrés carne de res is so OVERRATED !! super expensive food. There are A LOT of better places with amazing food and far cheaper. Andrés is for snoobs
You will not , Venezuelans became colombia in a dangerous country good luck 👍
Andrés carne de res is so expensive, they once selled 2 arepas de choclo for 20.000 pesos when they cost 5.000 pesos
I do not recommend Andrés carne de res. There are much better and cheaper restaurants
@@mike2003ars There are a lot cheaper places for sure. But you don't get the atmosphere and the quality. Sure, it's not your everyday place, but the 3 or 4 times I visited, it was always great!
One of my favs was on Calle 104 con Cr 9, it's no longer there I've been told, but great food, wonderful people and about the a tenth of the price, (I was there one night and Uribe came in, with about 10 others and 20 guards, we had to eat and leave) but they are two totally different experiences.
I feel that I need to do some comments here as a Colombian who has lived in Canada in the past:
1. Whoever told you Colombia is/was not requiring neither proof of vaccination nor a negative pcr test result, that’s false, it is actually the complete opposite, you need at least one of those.
2. Welcome to the country where people love making lines for everything!
3. You are in a neighborhood that may look not that good but it is actually very good, appearances are not everything.
4. Personal care products here are quite expensive, idk why, but if you wanna save some money and still get good products go check on a D1 store.
5. Most coffee you will get here is Colombian, but not all Colombian coffee is actually good. I hope that one you got is a nice one tho.
6. We don’t produce berries nor wine in a large scale, so expect both products to be quite expensive and often times from different countries. Main reason for this is that grapes and berries grow better in places where that experience seasons, that’s why most of the wine you’re going to find is from Chile or Argentina.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about living in Colombia!
Thanks for the tips! I got in without vaccination when this was filmed. The rules changed 2 weeks later.
Thank you for this detailed comment! Planning my trip in March!! Can't wait!
Ok
Hi Alina! Welcome to Colombia and Bogotá!!! I hope that you get to see and explore the multicultural side of Colombia during your journey to South America. Like Canada, the United States, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, for example, Colombia received a substantial influx of Lithuanian émigré DPs (displaced persons) after World War II. The Lithuanian community in Colombia is relatively smaller, but continues to thrive. Likewise, there is a relatively large Ukrainian émigré population in South America - especially in Brazil, Argentina, French Guiana, Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. Maybe you can find a vibrant Lithuanian and/or Ukrainian Christmas gathering in Bogotá?
One prominent member of the Lithuanian community in Colombia is also a prominent and accomplished national figure. Antanas Mockus, like me - the son of Lithuanian émigré DPs, is a well-known Colombian mathematician, philosopher, and politician. Antanas Mockus has served as Rector of the National University of Colombia, was twice elected as Mayor of Bogotá, has been a leading candidate in several Colombian Presidential elections, and since 2018 serves as Senator of the Republic of Colombia. We are very proud of Antanas - a fluent speaker of Lithuanian, Spanish, English, and other languages!
yes, Lithuanian community in Colombia, I remember long ago a lawyer in Bogota named Edmundo Kamarauskas.
There's also a Greek and German community, but I believe the Greek population is much smaller.
The largest European communities in Colombia will always be the French, the Polish, the Basque (Spain) and british
Ópale eso no lo sabia
Alina, Carulla is one of the most expensive groceries in Bogotá. Im pretty sure you can find out cheapest places in Chapinero. Good luck
Usually one thinks that but depending in what you are looking for, using the app cupons it might be even cheapear than most stores.
One interesting fact about Bogota: there are poorer and richer neighborhoods like everywhere else, but the difference is that utilities in poor neighborhoods are mostly for free, its expenses are borne by the richer ones residents. At least it was a couple years ago. I'm looking forward to see more about this a bit unusual touristic spot and beautiful country! Hi from Ukraine!
Nothing is free. There are different stratus. 6 levels I think. Yes. The poorer levels pay less. But nothing is free. Lol
The Philippines is the same.. almost no charge for minimal electric use but the ones who use aircon, etc get a high bill which subsidizes the rest.
@@andressepulveda2375 I know that in the USA, the "poorest" people (under $8000 or so) pay zero taxes. I suspect the rest of the World is very similar. What source of info tells you the opposite?
Is the same in eua low income people pay less.
I traveled internationally a lot through the 1980's & 90's for work as a field service engineer. It was exciting and fun but I'm glad I did it when I was young. I'm 75 now and it wears me out just watching your adventures.
Wow. I'm from Colombia. I have never seen so many international comments about my country. I find it very interesting what foreigners think about colombians as well. Thank you much!
Hey, Alina thank you for the introduction of Colombia with latin music. I enjoy watching Colombian music videos. Have a great adventure and a good time with safety.
I like Bogota, Medellin, the entire Caribbean, the Amazon area, and the coffee area in Quindio is spectacular. Those places are very green, have nice weather, nice food, and wonderful views. Bogota is a huge town and traffic is chaotic but it has very interesting places to visit. Thank you for showing those videos of Colombia to the world.
Bucaramanda, Santander (Colombia)
Wow Colombia! This is so cool, because I happen to be travelling through Colombia at the moment, and of all countries I never thought this would be the one we'd simultaneously be visiting! Something like Russia or Romania seemed way more likely haha. Anyway, I've been in the coastal region and in Antioquia (Medellín region) for about a month by now, and it's been simply amazing. There is such a wide variety of things to see and do in this country. Hope you enjoy your travels here as much as I am 🤗
Btw if you have any travel-related questions, like where to do Covid-tests before returning home or the best methods to get your pesos as a foreigner, I would be more than happy to help out with recent info. For the more local stuff, I'm sure you have enough Colombian followers that can provide much better insights.
Thank you, much appreciated!
Hi Alina. I hope you’re enjoying Colombia, I’m Jose from Cali Colombia living in Canada, Is so cool to see Colombia from your perspective!. I recently moved to Montreal from Calgary. That Yellow fruit I think is called “Chirimoya”. There’s another fruit called “Anon” also looks almos the same. Try Zapote, Guanavana, Manga Biche, Chontaduro! those are good and the other fruit is called Granadilla, so good, The market you went it’s a little bit expensive in the “Plaza de Mercado” you will find everything more cheap and 100% natural from the farmers!. Enjoy!!
That is NOT chirimoya. Chirimoya is similar to Guanabana but smaller and is my favourite fruit in the world.
I am told Chilean wine is good quality and Colombian coffee is said to have no equal. (please do a review of the coffees there please!) The weird fruit is "dragon fruit". I'm very happy to know you made it safe. 💚💚
I absolutely will 😁
@@AlinaMcleod Before you eat the dragon fruit rub some cooking oil in your hand. They are sticky unlike other fruits. This make it easier to wash your hands
@@AlinaMcleod remember, its name in Colombia, don't know in the rest of the countries, is pitahaya (say pitaya), very rich in vitamins.
yes, it's pitahaya, or just pitaya.
The best coffee is not selled in Colombia
Hi Alina! That yellow fruit at the end was a yellow dragon fruit (also called a yellow pitaya). Enjoy Colombia!
And depending on the individuals, it can have a laxative effective to say it mildly. In the US that can go as high as $3.99 per pound. The outside seems intimidating but you just need to cut it open, length-wide, and the flesh can easily separate from the rubbery skin. A good one can be refreshingly sweet.
Toiletries/cosmetics and wine are very expensive in Colombia, Valle del Cauca produces wine but in general de country does not have a wine drinking culture. I hope you are enjoying Colombia, it is an amazing country.
Are you crazy? Any tropical Caribbean country produce wine that’s mean they don’t drink. I went to colombia and they have imported wines from Chilean Argentina California etc
Carulla is one of the most expensive supermarkets in Colombia. if you want save some of money you can buy your stuffs in D1 supermarkets or ARA. The yellow fruit is Pitaya, you have to remove the rind and you can eat everything inside.
Hello Alina, I live in colombia and the weird fruit is called "Pitaya" many people say it's good for the digestive system.
PD: If you need know more about Bogota you can ask me
Hello! Do you have any tips of a woman traveling alone to Columbia?
@@angelenergia2163 maybe, make friends in Colombia, please don't move with expensive jewerly or your phone in your hands, if you know someone you trust in Colombia tell him/her where do you go if you take a taxi tell him/her the plaque you know in any country do you need that, and if you don't know someone you trust, tell your family
PD: I love my country, I love colombia is really beautiful but we can't cover the sun with a finger, now Colombia is a little insecure
You are always welcome COLOMBIA
Well congratulations, you made it safe.
I like Colombia very much, my favorite city is Cartagena, maybe you will visit it.
Looking forward to your more adventures.
That is my next destination!
cali es nice come hire
@@claudiacaicedo6849 Claudia, Thank you for your invitation, maybe I will visit, will you by my tour guide ??? I don't now Cali at all ..., but I like Colombia.
I'm going back to Bogota after 6 years of living in NY and not traveling back.
Thank you for the video. You are gorgeous.
You have to try arepas, buñuelos and of course natilla they’re very traditional during christmas time in colombia especially december 24th
Very cool. Never heard of natilla before.
@Trevor Smith Oh boy, you really know nothing about Colombian food.
It’s beautiful to see in comments how ppl say good things about my country😍🇨🇴.
Good luck for your travels in South America. You are a brave and very confident person to go solo to a place you never been and don't speak the language! If I was doing what you're doing when I was your age my parents would freak out! Your parents are very understanding! But hey I'm now 47 so I am finally planing solo trips to Europe soon, your videos definitely inspire me! 🙂 ~Melissa
Aw thank you! I hope you have an amazing time :)
I'm only at the middel of the video and I AM LOVING THE MUSIC
Great video Alina and be very careful. Have a nice stay in this new country. As usual your videos are amazing. Thank you very much for sharing your adventure
My pleasure!
Love your videos and the way you talk ! Greetings from Atlanta ! Colombian proud here 🇨🇴🥰
I am from Colombia, I recommend you visit Bucaramanga, it is a small city compared to the rest of the cities in the country, but it is very welcoming, it is known as The City of Parks
Bucaramanga is amazing
Im traveling to Bogota in a few days. Your video was very helpful. Ty
Hope you have a great time!
Eres muy bonita y me alegra que te guste colombia, ustedes los extranjeros son bien recibidos. ❤️
I love watching your videos! Hope to see you in Australia one day.
So excited for this series! Be well, girl!
Hi. Welcome to my country. Greetings from Bogotá 🤗
Colombia is awesome, check out Medellin. The hostel scene is really great in Colombia too.
Alina, Carrulla is one of the most expensive supermarkets!
Welcome to Colombia Alina. Enjoy and stay safe. The neighborhood where you’re at (Chapinero) is good but not the best. I mean that depends if you’re more like a hippie and stuff like that. That district is more like “artistic” if you know what I mean. However it’s cool and I’m sure you’ll find where you are more comfortable. Bogota is really cool and there’s so much to do and so many places. It’s a gigantic city so look around and stay safe. God bless.
Hi Alina, I'm John from Colombia. It's amazing to watch your videos!!! Yes, you bought food in one of the most expensive groceries stores, but it is the best. The coffee although is expensive it delicious. Enjoy it. I'll continue watching your videos. Bye
Welcome to my city! I haven't been to Bogotá in 6 years, I'm so happy to see it again though your eyes ❤ 🇨🇦🇨🇴
Welcome bogota Alina Sabana de Bogota is beautiful . Thanks for show our beautiful country and enjoy 😉
happy to see you being honest about the pitfalls of traveling other travel channels make it look simple and easy enjoy your stay in Columbia it looks nice there
I agree with this comment and how Alina keeps it real!
It's ColOmbia with an "O" NOT ColUmbia! Sorry, but as a Colombian-American, it brothers me a lot when people misspell it!
@@karimaogden3875 sorry I didn't mean to offend I work 80 hours or more a week I'm not a machine I get tired I make mistakes my spell check didn't show anything wrong with that but that is no excuse I should have checked the spelling in the title so from now on I will not comment anymore I don't want to offend anyone from this beautiful country take care
@@moresugartradercc2744 Apology accepted. However, I don't think you should stop commenting from now on just because of that. I realize, it's a common mistake for native English speakers to spell it phonetically with a "U" instead of an "O" since there are a lot of towns here in the U.S named "Columbia".
Columbia NO....is Colombia.
I love Alina's videos, it shows the full experience, ...
Enjoy the trip in colombia , it is a beautiful country🇨🇴
Primer video de un extranjero en Colombia dónde no está lleno de comentario de colombianos
Went there in 2018, the immigration line was very fast, about ten minutes wait. The lady working there didn’t even look at my American passport and let inside the country. Beautiful Bogota, particularly the old town neighborhood.
Que linda! Bienvenida, que disfrutes tu estancia.
Hi Alina. Alone in Colombia is awesome.❣️
The last fruit is called "pitaya o pitahaya" even it's also called "fruta del dragón" the dragon's fruit.
LOL! Well, Toronto at -5 C and snowing is much better than Saskatoon at -50 :-D
It sure is!
Look forward to watching the videos of your journey in South America which just started😉 And I really hope you will have success and happiness there☺️
Thanks so much! 😊
I was born in Bogota, Colombia and was raised in the United States since I was 11 months old. I've never been back to Colombia and I am now 57 years old. Thanks for allowing me to see my country through your eyes. 🇨🇴 🇺🇸
Porque ya no regresaste? It is very sad to know what you have Missed all these many years.
@@karlosmuller2131 a lot has to do with economics.
Hi Alina, I just read the news, you almost got robbed in Santa Marta Colombia , so please be careful next time when you visit south America, right now we have security issues so please be informed in advance prior arriving to the destination. take in mind not to walk outside too late during the night, not to expose valuable goods such as cameras, Cellphones, jewelries etc, try to get accompanied with a local guide, not go further than the touristic places, in fact, there are many recommendations , please take care and stay healthy.
Bogota is so spread oat, I’ve had the impression that folks might live in one district and never been to many others, ever.
Arr, flight delays, in flight meal, long lines, taxi confusion - then upbeat music as we are whisked along in the taxi! That series was very well done.
@Trevor Smith Merci. I played a lot of hockey here in the States. To avoid specifics; major city with many retired NHL players who were investors in a rink complex. We’d have a pickup game every morning. Me a college ‘keeper, so I could hang in with good save %: some AHL, ECHL - sticks in the middle, toss ‘em - was like a daily All Star game.
Don't forget to scoop up the free chocolate covered coffee beans in the souvenir shop at the airport. Also u might need one of those exit documents or else u have to pay a fee. I was in Bog in 2013 and 2014 visiting a amiga.
Hi, Alina, I hope you have a lot of fun in Colombia! I'm hoping to visit Bogota some time in the future. Take care and stay safe wherever you go!! ♥️♥️
Alina, welcome to Colombia. I have lived in the country for almost seven years. Here are suggestions/comments: 1) Carulla is the best supermarket and the highest end. However Éxito and Jumbo are worth checking out. 2) No Colombian wines. I also buy Argentinian and Chilean wines. Wines are expensive in Colombia.3) For coffee, Juan Valdez Cafe’s are good. Stay away from Starbucks.4) Bogota has the best variety of Restaurants in Colombia.5) Regarding other places in Colombia, Medellin is a must see/go to. So is the coffee triangle. If you like heat and humidity and Spanish colonial architecture, Cartagena and Santa Marta. You can spend a month in the country and not get bored. Enjoy!
Very good suggestions, thank you!
Watched till the end and so excited to see Colombia from your eyes, Alina xxx
Edited to add more comments on the tropical fruits. The yellow funky one was a dragon fruit as Indonesia also has a lot of them but in magenta color. Dragon fruit isnt as sweet but nice to be mixed with coconut milk/milk in general for a glass of smoothie. I wonder what other tropical fruits you’d find in Colombia 😄
I like u
Aw thanks so much lovely! The fruit here is truly so amazing! Canada doesn't even come close in what we have available lol
Try drinking the juices made from lulo, guanábana and maracuya. I like them in milk. Makes my mouth water just thinking about these juices. I'm excited to see what Colombia has to offer.
In the chain supermarkets like Carulla or exito, you can't find some "exotic" fruits, the best option for this plan is to go to the market places, besides it is cheaper.
If a Colombian proposed it, he could eat different fruits every day of the year. The Alexander Von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute reports the existence of at least 400 native fruits or seeds in the country.
Hi Alina. It wasn't cheap because Carulla is the most expensive shop in Colombia for groceries is like Whole Foods and also the fruit is called pitaya.
When you look at snow falling is fun, but when you live with it, it is not fun anymore. You escaped winter in Canada is good for you. I enjoy your first Columbian video, stay safe.
It is Colombian
COLOMBIAN !! WITH O !!!
Hello Alina, I was very happy to see your video from here in Bogota, I live, here, I feel happy, that you had visited my country, if you are still here, I send you my welcome and a hug ..
The yellow thingy is called dragon fruit! Just cut it in half and scoop it with a spoon or slice it, some might taste sour! It has red skin type and the best is the one is with red skin and red meat inside, enjoy!
In Colombia: Pitaya
I have gone to Bogota from Zürich several times and no problems in El Dorado Airport. I have double nationality, Spanish-Venezuelan but I have flown like Spanish.
Really, I like Bogota so much.
Alina I hope you have fun in Colombia, be careful with your camara on the streets there are random thieves every where, it is a south America thing...
I I’m Colombian living in USA and most people know 🇨🇴 for the bad reputation and is understandable.However you will be surprise once you get there to all different cities, towns and villages, it’s amazing how warm people is everywhere and how much culture we have to offer. Yes we have issues but as we said “Los buenos somos más”. I love my country and very soon i ll move back for good. Enjoy your trip
I love Colombia but Bogota its Just amazing. Great People food and places to go
Oh my goodness I’m thinking of going to Colombia for the first time too …
18:50 19:09 The name of this fruit is PITAHAYA (Pitaya) and it is very sweet, it is laxative, the Japanese like it very much, I don't know why, in the past, I don't know now because I no longer live in Colombia, they imported that fruit a lot from Colombia
The yellow fruit is called pitaya. It can be found in red and yellow. In Colombia the yellow variety is more common. In some countries they call it dragon fruit
That WAS weird seeing Scotia Bank in South America! As a fellow Canadian traveller (36 countries so far) I’m never surprised to see American franchises anywhere…but when I see a Canadian one, Like Timmies etc. I always do a little happy dance 😂 for seeing a small taste of home.
Me too lol
Scotia bank bought the biggest bank in Colombia is normal see this kind of offices around Bogota
Colombia is a wonderful country. Enjoy!
Hi Alina.. I hope you're having a wonderfull time here in Colombia! the last yellow fruit is called Pitahaya, and I believe you went to the bathroom after eating it 😄 ..it's delicious and we also use it as a natural laxative 😉
19:08 its called pitaya, very sweet, and very good as a laxative too, you cut it in half and eat it with a little spoon
A nice trip in Colombia, Alina!🎄🎄❤️❤️
Hi Alina! the fruit in the minute 18:50 is called pitaya in Spanish (Colombia) and in Englis is called yellow dragon fruit. Is very delicious and I recommend you don't eat a lot of this because is laxative.
That's what my mom says
Hi Alina. Thanks for keeping this video as real as possible. Traveling is very stressful in my opinion. Reminds me of the the time when my family and I traveled to South Carolina several times over the years.(driving 18 hours with two cars over night). I give you prompts because you are doing all alone. 👏👏👏
Glad You came to visit our country, you're añwaus welcome to our mega diverse spot on earth.
When I was there 2 months ago, the Colombia was very beautiful county as well as peoples. I didn’t go to Columbia over 30 years people say it’s one of dangerous countries but it surprised to me no danger at all. I enjoyed so many museums and tour spot. The food was great,too. I was in bogota, Medellin and Carrara every city was beautiful especially Medellin. I am thinking go back to around February 2022. Have good time you will have good time.
Is Colombia, but ok
Welcome ever! 👍🏼
@SanExpreso sabia que ibas a venir con eso, sabes que cada idioma tiene su lenguaje propio,
COLOMBIA WITH O !! fuck ColUmbia !!!!
Colombia
Hi Alina my name is luis and I am Colombian myself
Nice to meet you and thank you for share your experience
In colombia.
I think you are beautiful brave girl 👧
So I just want to say something and is colombia is
And amazing beautiful country to visit but definitely
Is much more fun if you do this trip with someone else
For safety reasons and to share such lovely experience in colombia 🇨🇴
But thank you 😊 all the best Alina .
I have been to both Columbia & Ecuador & the people are kind , the food is fresh & nature is at its best. Enjoy 😃
Glad you had that experience!
I see, you might as well visit Colombia some time, it will look way different than Columbia I assure you that !
Welcome to our country!!
Omg that is so expensive 200.000 in Colombia just few people can afford expended that kind of money for a few articles you went to the most expensive store in Bogotá.
Welcome! As a Colombian I can guarantee that you'll like it. Have fun, eat an arepa con queso, and stay safe.
¡Espero que te haya encantado! Saludos desde Bogotá, Colombia 😊
Welcome to my city Alina, Bogota like all Colombia you can see a lot of inequality, In bogota it's divided between North and south, the address are numerical, the further north more upscale you can see and viceversa, recommended sites: Candelaria(historic area), Usaquen, parque de la 93, calle 85. Hope you have an amazing time, in Colombia there is so much cultural diversity that it is like being among 100 countries in just one :)
...gracias por haber escogido a Colombia como su destino de vacaciones... ciertamente es Ud., muy valiente... ojalá haya sido grata su visita a Bogotá la ciudad de todos, a 2600 metros mas cerca de las estrellas... Bendiciones...
Colombian wine industry is still in it's infancy. And most of the wines are imported which is expensive. Just found your site. I love Colombia! Been there several times.
Nice to see you traveling in me country Colombia.
Happy to see your smiles and what you experienced on your first day there. You looked tired there, so I hope you get some much needed rest from your trip. You made it, and took care of the important things so you could have that blessed nap. ))))) Take it one day at a time and share what you can, and remember the pointers you have about safety. Keep in touch with at least a paragraph if you can't put a video up, OK? Looking forward to the wonderful journey you will take in South America. Keep smiling, Alina!! Cheers!!
Thank you, Michael! I shall!
@@AlinaMcleod greeting.
Brave UA-camr...thank you for every contents, tips that you did work.really hard, sacrifice to deliver to your audience...
Welcome to my city !!!! We are so happy that gorgeous woman like you visit us!!!!
Loved your video, Alina. Hopefully your visit to my huge and crowded city is pleasant till the end. Chapinero is a mixed área both comercial and residential, the sector above carrera 7 being the best. As to the wine, even though there is grape production in Colombia, with 2 to 3 harvests per year, grapes are more suitable for table use than for wine production. Some middle quality wines are produced in Boyacá, though. The 'strange' fruit you show last is called pitahaya. You can cut it in 2 halves and eat the pulp together with the seeds. It is nice and sweet. Watch out: on some people it has the effect of improving bowel movement, which is good or bad, depending on each individual case. Wishing you a pleasant stay in Bogotá. Be careful, going around in big cities involves a certain amount of risk. Best regalos, Héctor.
not me watching a whole 20 minute video just to see your first impressions of my city. I'll be going to toronto soon so your last videos have been a lot of help
Oh the joys of travel in the time of covid. Alina, I admire your strength and fortitude. I know very little about Colombia.(probably just the negative stuff) so here's hoping things go well and Colombia turns out to be an enjoyable adventure. Best wishes.
Enjoy Colombia and love the coffee 🤓💚🤓
Great intro documenting your arrival in a new country. Have watched numerous vlogs on Colombia this past year and a prevailing theme is don't look 'too rich' so as to make yourself a grab and run target. Not sure how you get around that toting a camera around, but I remember our B&B host in an upper middle class area of Buenos Aires even cautioning my wife about not wearing her rings out in public! Yes, that was Argentina and this is Colombia, and is a little extreme, perhaps, but it does underscore that one needs to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Having said that, Colombia offers so much to see and there is no doubt you will meet a ton of warm and helpful people. Coincidentally, another Canadian vlogger I follow is 'Tony' from "Tony's Travels'. He just happens to be in Bogota as we speak and put a video out yesterday. Perhaps you may want to check it out. Safe travels!
I follow another youtuber who went to Columbia and while filming in public he passed a police officer who told him to put the camera away because he was making himself a target for theft. Keep in mind this guy is not a small guy and looks like a bodybuilder.
Yes it’s definitely a good idea to not look to rich here. Luckily my ‘camera’ doesn’t look like a camera being the osmo pocket. Haven’t had any issues so far.
@@AlinaMcleod . Great to hear! Cheers!
@@MrSupernova111 first lesson to walk in any colombian town as a foreigner: dont wear sandals!, second: thiefs dont care if youre tall of you can do karate, they have guns.... So, be careful.
Alina Colombia top selling beer is called Aguilla and their top liquor is called aguardiente.
Good to see you're finally visiting Colombia since there are a lot of Colombians in Canada. It would be great if one of these days you could do a collaboration with a Colombian UA-camr from Montreal called Juan Rodriguez. His channel is called " Planeta Juan".
That’s a great idea, I believe he’/s currently in Bogotá. You should also visit Parkway, a cool boulevard near chapinero with beautiful cafes and restaurants
The guy was detained last night in Cuba
@@felroberto WOW! Why? Haven't been watching his videos lately.
@@karimaogden3875 just joking, have a Merry Christmas 🎅
I love Medellin and a little bit Cartagena, but next time I’m definitely going to Bogota
One thing for sure Colombia 🇨🇴 produces so many great music artists.
I do not think so
@Felix Lievano why.?
Welcome to colombia ❤