I loved Colombia, I was there in 2019 and was in Pereira and I loved it a lot. Loved the climate like you both said and the infrastructure was really impressive. I also loved Cafe Quindio as well! My next trip to Colombia will be Ibague (which is how I came across your channel...) another thing about Colombia were the people, so polite and friendly, glad you're enjoying it.
Great info. I laughed when you showed the nasty vent in the kitchen that is supposed to be a substitute for a HVAC system. Unfortunately versus more developed countries they do not leave room for ducting between stories so you have a lot of issues with moisture and breathing the cooking gasses, bathroom odors, and tobacco smoke of everyone else on your floor. And don't get me started on the single pane glass and low ceilings. 😂 The curse of working in real estate development, I know too much and tend to focus on what is wrong. 😂 And the cost to add these "amenities" in construction would be trivial, like literally just a few hundred dollars. But is is really all about appearance in Latin America, not function, or comfort. Colombia is not alone in this regard. The people don't complain so the builders continue to cut corners. Keep up the good work companeros.
@@lifetheorycouple I am more a a writer, but do love making videos! I live in San Carlos, if you guys make it this way let me know! I have traveled all over Colombia. I started coming here in 2018.. it is all magical!!!
@@lifetheorycouple I started coming here in November of 2020. I only had a tourist visa which limited how long I could stay. I got my Retirement Visa in March of this year which is the same time I started renting my apartment. And yes, the birthday parade for Armenia was a complete surprise to me!
I really enjoy your videos. I live in Santa Marta. I like that you go to other places other than the major cities. It's given me a much healthier perspective of Colombia.
AWWWW! THANK YOU! - We hope in general, that we help those who are both foreign and from their own cities/places see what beauty is right in front of them. Places to enjoy, appreciate, and not take for granted.
Great video guys!! I actually stayed in the same building in Armenia, second to the last floor facing the mountains, owner's name is Juan Manuel. Perfect place to stay!!
That's good to hear for those coming from the states! - Since we have family all over Bogota, we just end up going to Bogota every single time. Then make our escape to wherever after that.
@@lifetheorycouple I really liked how you view the total picture of how one would choose a place to live. You really create videos with valuable content.. thank you!
I stayed 4 nights in this apartment last june and it was great, but we didn't have a balcony. Parque del Cafe is another huge attraction minutes from the city.
We are recently retired and traveling between Mexico and Argentina for a few years, in search of our favorite retirement city. We are cool weather lovers and speak Spanish. Curious if you spent any time in Manizales as it is on our top 20 list easily. Armenia looks very nice but is a bit warmer, right ?
We're working on a Salento / Cocora Valley video this week. We the 7 mile hike they have. Total recommend if you're into hiking. Here's my all trails map of it: www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-c3810d4--326
In January 1999, there was an earthquake that caused serious damage to Armenia (and Pereira). So, I'm guessing a lot of the older buildings didn't survive.
It surprises me to hear that Colombian food is bland, because you always make me so hungry showing all the delicious dishes so well presented. I have been to Colombia many times with my husband, who is also American, but I don't know where to find those amazing restaurants. By the way, trout is my favorite fish, which is hard to find in USA restaurants.
Well, some of the food we show is actually not Colombian... But in general, Colombians do not put a lot of spice, if any, on their food. You can expect to go to a restaurant that serve french fries and they add zero salt... Which is like a violation of food in my opinion... - In regards to really well made Colombian food that does have flavor I suggest going to La Perserverancia in Bogota and to visit the restaurant La Esquina de Mary. They have Pacific Colombian food. - There is another restaurant in Bogota called Origen Bistro located at Centro Histórico, Cra. 4 #12 C 88, Bogotá. There they have authentic Colombian dishes and I have personally found everything there is very well made. - When I think of good and tasty Colombian food, those are the two restaurants that come to mind.
I guess 6-foot ceilings are not a problem for most Colombians. I have a friend who loves living in Armenia. It's a little cooler than Ibague', but it seems there are more bugs. It's rainy season right now, but Armenia seems more overcast year round. I would want to know more about that. I don't like grey weather. I like sunshine.
We only spent 2 weeks here... So, I couldn't say how grey or sunny it is in general. I did rain about everyday, but it was mostly like rain for 2 or 3 hours then the sun was back out. Keep in mind this was in October which is technically rainy season. - But yes, I feel you on how sun really impacts mood. We love the sun over clouds any day.
Hi Herman! - There were some shots where we had 30-40 minutes to burn... so we just walked with our packs. On this specific weekend we spent 2 days in Salento and 1 day in Filandia... So, we had 3 changes of clothes, our hygiene products, and our hiking shoes. Plus those packs look bigger than they are probably full.
Awesome video! I visited Armenia recently and I plan to go back. The botanical garden and mariposario look wonderful, thanks for the tip about the bus. Manizales is a nice city too and in that area.
Soy de Armenia, orgulloso de mi tierra cafetera , tiene mucho que mostrar a los turistas, tenemos mucha variedad de fincas ( hoteles ) campestres, hay que tener mucho cuidado con los pillos, pero los buenos somos más..vengan, los acogemos con los brazos abiertos....
You took the words out of my mouth word for word. I said exactly the same thing about Colombian food. I love the sancocho but I am returning with a bag of spices and hot sauce next time lol
Thanks for the video...and the brutally honest assessment about the bland food. As a possible future expat, I keep going back and forth on the issue of location. I love the weather in Medellin, but the city seems a bit wild for someone my age. Bogota has wild areas too, but its large and has a wide diversity of communities. I've looked into Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartegena, Manizales...and Armenia. From the videos, Armenia seems to be my speed...but, I dread bad food! This doesn't mean I need to eat out at great places all the time, but I at least need to be able to shop for good ingredients, including ethnic foods. In Bogota, I was relieved to locate more than one Asian grocery store. Apparently, Armenia has none. Bundled with your report on lousy restaurants, I think I'm crossing Armenia off the list. (So far, Usaquen is in the lead.) Thanks again!
That sounds like a challenge for sure! - To find any given Asian grocery store in Colombia. Where is this grocery store in Usaquen? That's where we were for basically 2 years. --- Armenia is still worth a day or two visit, and you MUST go to the Corora Valley, it's just about 45 minutes away by bus.
@@lifetheorycouple Hey there! I'll tell you HOW I look for Asian grocery stores (or anything) in an unfamiliar city. (BTW, I was searching the whole city...not just Usaquen. I wasn't THAT optimistic.) I Google the city or region, then choose "Nearby" in the left column. For this, I entered "Asian grocery stores". Presto! I got 10 results, all located between southern Usaquen and Chapinero, between Bella Suiza and Centro. The most popular seem to be Y&Y Asian Market and Global Gourmet Market in Chico. There are four Mercatus9 markets of different sizes that seem to offer Japanese, Thai, and Chinese groceries, gifts, and snacks. The rest seem to be international markets that offer a mix of everything. From looking at the pictures, I can tell I won't be in a "food desert". Prices seem reasonable. You're definitely not going to find the selection you would get at a Lotte, HMart, Great Wall, or a 99 Ranch supermarket. But, all the essential sauces, seasonings, vinegars, canned and dry ingredients, condiments, snacks, beverages, and even cookware seem to be available. For me, this means that all I need for authentic Asian home cooking are quality meats, chicken, ginger, garlic, chilies, and the usual local veggies. There is HOPE in Bogota!!!
Armenia is awesome! A small, but safe, clean and great city to visit, beautiful towns near and people is very nice. Love Armenia!
Yes! It felt very safe versus other cities. More in the north I will add.
I loved Colombia, I was there in 2019 and was in Pereira and I loved it a lot. Loved the climate like you both said and the infrastructure was really impressive. I also loved Cafe Quindio as well! My next trip to Colombia will be Ibague (which is how I came across your channel...) another thing about Colombia were the people, so polite and friendly, glad you're enjoying it.
Good point on the infrastructure. I totally agree... I was like, why isn't the rest of Colombia like these roads? HA!
You guys are so real and funny, thank you for sharing, I will definitely put Armenia in my top list of places to visit. 😊
Thank you! Please do, it’s a beautiful area of Colombia ☺️
Great info. I laughed when you showed the nasty vent in the kitchen that is supposed to be a substitute for a HVAC system. Unfortunately versus more developed countries they do not leave room for ducting between stories so you have a lot of issues with moisture and breathing the cooking gasses, bathroom odors, and tobacco smoke of everyone else on your floor. And don't get me started on the single pane glass and low ceilings. 😂 The curse of working in real estate development, I know too much and tend to focus on what is wrong. 😂 And the cost to add these "amenities" in construction would be trivial, like literally just a few hundred dollars. But is is really all about appearance in Latin America, not function, or comfort. Colombia is not alone in this regard. The people don't complain so the builders continue to cut corners. Keep up the good work companeros.
NOW you're speaking my language. I'm glad I'm not the only one. ~Jonny
Would an environmental health specialist speaking broken Spanish be able to get a job here? I would love to help out. Any websites appreciated.
Armenia is on my list to visit... I live in a beautiful area in the mountains of Colombia, nothing like the sunsets, and sunrises over the mountains!!
Hey Sara! I see you're a fellow UA-camr too! - What city or towns are you staying in? Or have visited?
@@lifetheorycouple I am more a a writer, but do love making videos! I live in San Carlos, if you guys make it this way let me know! I have traveled all over Colombia. I started coming here in 2018.. it is all magical!!!
Ill be promoting your videos today on Coffee Time LIVE. Excellent.
What!?!? Wow! Thank you! When are you going live?
@@lifetheorycouple Because I put a link, you might want to check your "held for review" comments
you are the best UA-cam couple - can't believe only 591 subs with all your great content
Paul, what kind words, thank you! - We'll just have to keep going and wait and see.
Great video again! I stumbled across the 133 year celebration for Armenia and thought it was wonderful. And yes, I do live here in Armenia.
We were in the same place at the same time?!?!?! - That's super cool. When did you make the move to Armenia?
@@lifetheorycouple I started coming here in November of 2020. I only had a tourist visa which limited how long I could stay. I got my Retirement Visa in March of this year which is the same time I started renting my apartment. And yes, the birthday parade for Armenia was a complete surprise to me!
I really enjoy your videos. I live in Santa Marta. I like that you go to other places other than the major cities. It's given me a much healthier perspective of Colombia.
AWWWW! THANK YOU! - We hope in general, that we help those who are both foreign and from their own cities/places see what beauty is right in front of them. Places to enjoy, appreciate, and not take for granted.
Great video guys!! I actually stayed in the same building in Armenia, second to the last floor facing the mountains, owner's name is Juan Manuel. Perfect place to stay!!
Thank you Stephen! - Yeah, it's totally a cool building.
Great video ! You can fly direct from Fort L, FL via sprite
That's good to hear for those coming from the states! - Since we have family all over Bogota, we just end up going to Bogota every single time. Then make our escape to wherever after that.
Hi, Just came across your channel and I have to say you guys do a great job.....!!! very thoughtful and great presentation.
Daniel what a great comment! Thanks SOOO much! - What was one of the top things the stuck out to you the most?
@@lifetheorycouple I really liked how you view the total picture of how one would choose a place to live. You really create videos with valuable content.. thank you!
I stayed 4 nights in this apartment last june and it was great, but we didn't have a balcony. Parque del Cafe is another huge attraction minutes from the city.
THANK YOU KEVIN! - We almost went. Just didn't have the time. But there is always next time. :-)
I lock myself on my balcony once a month in pereira. These Colombian locks will get you every time
I'M SOOO GLAD!!!... That we're not the only ones. You do it on the month? HA! - You must have a process of rescuing yourself. LOVE IT!
We are recently retired and traveling between Mexico and Argentina for a few years, in search of our favorite retirement city. We are cool weather lovers and speak Spanish. Curious if you spent any time in Manizales as it is on our top 20 list easily. Armenia looks very nice but is a bit warmer, right ?
Nice! I see you commented on the Manizales video.
I want to see valle del cocora so badly. Loved this video tho honestly
We're working on a Salento / Cocora Valley video this week. We the 7 mile hike they have. Total recommend if you're into hiking. Here's my all trails map of it: www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-c3810d4--326
@@lifetheorycouple I’ll be looking out for it!
In January 1999, there was an earthquake that caused serious damage to Armenia (and Pereira). So, I'm guessing a lot of the older buildings didn't survive.
Yes! I learned about that after I had visited. Wish I had known prior to visiting.
It surprises me to hear that Colombian food is bland, because you always make me so hungry showing all the delicious dishes so well presented. I have been to Colombia many times with my husband, who is also American, but I don't know where to find those amazing restaurants. By the way, trout is my favorite fish, which is hard to find in USA restaurants.
Well, some of the food we show is actually not Colombian... But in general, Colombians do not put a lot of spice, if any, on their food. You can expect to go to a restaurant that serve french fries and they add zero salt... Which is like a violation of food in my opinion... - In regards to really well made Colombian food that does have flavor I suggest going to La Perserverancia in Bogota and to visit the restaurant La Esquina de Mary. They have Pacific Colombian food. - There is another restaurant in Bogota called Origen Bistro located at Centro Histórico, Cra. 4 #12 C 88, Bogotá. There they have authentic Colombian dishes and I have personally found everything there is very well made. - When I think of good and tasty Colombian food, those are the two restaurants that come to mind.
Im interested to know what the both of your source if income is.
Hi! We both have corporate remote jobs.
Do you plan on taking a look at Manizales at some point?
Funny you ask. We’re in Manizales right now! This is one of my favorite cities in Colombia. 😊
~Widny
@@lifetheorycouple How does Manizales compare to Armenia? What makes it one of the favorites?
I guess 6-foot ceilings are not a problem for most Colombians. I have a friend who loves living in Armenia. It's a little cooler than Ibague', but it seems there are more bugs. It's rainy season right now, but Armenia seems more overcast year round. I would want to know more about that. I don't like grey weather. I like sunshine.
We only spent 2 weeks here... So, I couldn't say how grey or sunny it is in general. I did rain about everyday, but it was mostly like rain for 2 or 3 hours then the sun was back out. Keep in mind this was in October which is technically rainy season. - But yes, I feel you on how sun really impacts mood. We love the sun over clouds any day.
I stayed in that same exact apartment 😂
The view from that apartment is spectacular! 🤩
Why are your packs so full when you explore town?
Hi Herman! - There were some shots where we had 30-40 minutes to burn... so we just walked with our packs. On this specific weekend we spent 2 days in Salento and 1 day in Filandia... So, we had 3 changes of clothes, our hygiene products, and our hiking shoes. Plus those packs look bigger than they are probably full.
Awesome video! I visited Armenia recently and I plan to go back. The botanical garden and mariposario look wonderful, thanks for the tip about the bus. Manizales is a nice city too and in that area.
The jardín is great! - We’re actually in Manizales at the time of writing this comment. What was your favorite thing about Manizales?!?
Soy de Armenia, orgulloso de mi tierra cafetera , tiene mucho que mostrar a los turistas, tenemos mucha variedad de fincas ( hoteles ) campestres, hay que tener mucho cuidado con los pillos, pero los buenos somos más..vengan, los acogemos con los brazos abiertos....
Armenia looks so lovely definitely going to visit
Yes! I'd consider that building. Pretty cool. There might be other comparable ones in the area, not entirely sure.
I want to retire in Colombia. Find love and enjoy living at the eje cafetero.
Saludos desde Houston TX.
That sounds like a great plan!
You took the words out of my mouth word for word. I said exactly the same thing about Colombian food. I love the sancocho but I am returning with a bag of spices and hot sauce next time lol
HA! - The dancing is spicy but the food isn't! - We carry cayenne pepper around about half the time.
Thanks for the video...and the brutally honest assessment about the bland food. As a possible future expat, I keep going back and forth on the issue of location. I love the weather in Medellin, but the city seems a bit wild for someone my age. Bogota has wild areas too, but its large and has a wide diversity of communities. I've looked into Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartegena, Manizales...and Armenia. From the videos, Armenia seems to be my speed...but, I dread bad food! This doesn't mean I need to eat out at great places all the time, but I at least need to be able to shop for good ingredients, including ethnic foods. In Bogota, I was relieved to locate more than one Asian grocery store. Apparently, Armenia has none. Bundled with your report on lousy restaurants, I think I'm crossing Armenia off the list. (So far, Usaquen is in the lead.) Thanks again!
That sounds like a challenge for sure! - To find any given Asian grocery store in Colombia. Where is this grocery store in Usaquen? That's where we were for basically 2 years. --- Armenia is still worth a day or two visit, and you MUST go to the Corora Valley, it's just about 45 minutes away by bus.
@@lifetheorycouple Hey there! I'll tell you HOW I look for Asian grocery stores (or anything) in an unfamiliar city. (BTW, I was searching the whole city...not just Usaquen. I wasn't THAT optimistic.) I Google the city or region, then choose "Nearby" in the left column. For this, I entered "Asian grocery stores". Presto! I got 10 results, all located between southern Usaquen and Chapinero, between Bella Suiza and Centro. The most popular seem to be Y&Y Asian Market and Global Gourmet Market in Chico. There are four Mercatus9 markets of different sizes that seem to offer Japanese, Thai, and Chinese groceries, gifts, and snacks. The rest seem to be international markets that offer a mix of everything. From looking at the pictures, I can tell I won't be in a "food desert". Prices seem reasonable. You're definitely not going to find the selection you would get at a Lotte, HMart, Great Wall, or a 99 Ranch supermarket. But, all the essential sauces, seasonings, vinegars, canned and dry ingredients, condiments, snacks, beverages, and even cookware seem to be available. For me, this means that all I need for authentic Asian home cooking are quality meats, chicken, ginger, garlic, chilies, and the usual local veggies. There is HOPE in Bogota!!!
Thanks for sharing and honest review
You're welcome! What was your favorite part?