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Colombia vs. Venezuela

Qué onda amigos?

Just some inputs re the differences between those two neighbors. Overall, Colombia is more refined than Venezuela, which makes it a more interesting vacation destination. On the other hand, Venezuela is twice richer - GDP per capita, PPP-adjusted -, so may be favored for job opportunities. Now the specifics:

Mentality: Colombians tend to be more disciplined than Ven. They are also far more polite -always "a la orden" or "Chévere" or "bacano" in their replies -, which may be rooted in that Ven. is more economically independent from the North, so Ven don't really care about tourists. Ven. are very laid back and exuberant, which may have to do with the more accomodating climate [vs. Bogota]. On the other hand, inequality among Colombians is the worst on the continent [along with Brazil]; there are thousands of beggars and down-and-outs in the main cities, and it seems that other Colombians don't give a damn about it, or at least that it is considered the norm. On a personal note, I regret that this outrageous inequity is no big deal for the Government and the mid-class. No wonder that the Farc has so many supporters.

Cultural aspects: Col. beats Ven. hands down with respect to pre-colombian sites - San Agustin, Ciudad perdida - and colonial cities - Catagena, Popayan - and more generally the diversity of museums, scenery and towns. In addition, Col. are more aware of cultural things. The two countries are tied in terms of college education of the average citizen [which is far below the level in US or Europe].

Chicks: Several members of this group are primarily interested in finding a soul mate. In this respect, Col. is a much better bet, since the chicks - and guys - are more willing to relate to foreigners, as previously stated. However, make no mistake: this is mainly to escape from economic hard times. Once they catch the rules of the game in their new home country [i.e., America or Europe], they may drop you for better opportunities. Further, be aware that those Ms. Right will have an education way less good than yours; this discrepancy makes a mid-term relationship [i.e., once the physical magic has gone] random at best.

Econ opportunities: Venezuela is much richer that Col., so whatever you are into [including English classes], you should get a much better salary in Ven. On the other hand, there is an exchange control - which implies that you will be able to send money home only with a sharp deduction. It is noteworthy than Caracas is less organized than Bogota, which may make the latter nicer to live in, the cool weather notwithstanding.

Hope this helps.

Bacano!
Mike

By Mike7 on Aug 12, 2004, 10:54 in Friendly Talkzone.

elmodefoque says on Aug 12, 2004, 11:29:

I don’t think Venezuela is that much better off than Colombia, maybe 20 years ago, the last time I checked (a year ago) it was about even. The level of education in Colombia is way far more superior to Venezuela and most of the other South American countries, hands down. When I was 10 years old and in school (Colegio San Francisco) in Barranquilla, I was the worst student in the history of that school. I was the Colombian Forrest Gump, but as soon as I arrived in New York I was compared to Albert Einstein, I was a freaking genius, but that soon stopped.
Yes, Colombians are more polite but not for tourism (very few tourists in Colombia) it goes back to the level of education and family upbringing. Rule #1 always be courteous and respectful no matter if you’re about to cut some guys head off with a rusty machete.
I will agree that Colombians of middle to upper class have no sympathy toward the very poor, and that I detest with a passion.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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ColombianoX says on Aug 12, 2004, 20:56:

I don't believe it! elmodefoque,

I almost can't believe it! This must be the first time I actually agree with anything you say. I also detest with a passion the apathy many colombians show towards those in need. We must learn to help each other because we're all COLOMBIANOS after all.

ColombianoX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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calena says on Aug 12, 2004, 21:33:

Acutally, Colombia is more prosperous... The CIA world factbook states the per capita GDP of Colombia is $6,300 with a total GDP of $262.5 billion .....

Venezula per capita GDP at only $4,800 with a total GDP of only $117.9 billon.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/co.html

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ShazCas says on Aug 13, 2004, 01:45:

Excellent education Colombia has an amazing education system, it really impressed me! And in Bogota, people are so cultured - it is the Athens of South America after all! I remember going in to a papeleria and asking for some photocopies int eh Candelaria district in Bogota. The owner asked me where I was from, and when I said Irish, he said, "Ah yes, James Joyce, I love his works, especially Ulysses with its stream of conciousness narrative..." and then went on to talk about lots of other Irish authors that I'd never read. I was ashamed and impressed. This is typical of Bogota as well, it wasn't just a one-off experience!

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mzzmerized says on Aug 13, 2004, 05:42:

Colombia vs. Venezuela You don't see websites like this devoted to the joys of living in Venezuela! For all the heated exchanges that take place here, one thing is apparent: we all love Colombia. I spent several months in Venezuela and compared to Colombia? B-O-R-I-N-G !!!!

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Hunter says on Aug 13, 2004, 10:17:

Gringo friends I have friends who teach or used to teach in Ven and others who work in the airline industry in Ven, but they spend most of their holiday time in Colombia.

Enough said.

Hunter

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elmodefoque says on Aug 13, 2004, 11:54:

Hey Colombiano X, nojoda pelao, is good to see that we finally agree on something. It shows that though we are from two very different cultures, you cachaco me costeño, we are united by one thing. Colombia nojodaaa!!

I'll get there, when I get there!

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poulet says on Aug 13, 2004, 17:33:

caleña, the gdp/capita merely shows the distribution of wealth divided by all the population, even though Venezuela has a lower gdp/capita, here in Colombia it's not evenly distributed that's why we have lots of beggars on the streets (as mike said).

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Hunter says on Aug 13, 2004, 17:49:

poulet Thats true but I didn't think the wealth distribution was evenly spread about in Ven either.

Hunter

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daver says on Aug 13, 2004, 19:01:

The same CIA fact sheet said that 55% of Colombians live below the poverty line.

For VEN, the number was %45.

Both terrible numbers, but it would lead me to believe that if VEN is poorer as a country, yet less of its populous (% wise) is below the poverty line, then the wealth is much better spread around.

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poco says on Aug 13, 2004, 23:54:

Wrong Just another example of the erroneous input you will read here. List or link the sources, what calculations were used, time periods, exchange rates etc.

On the other hand, Venezuela is twice richer - GDP per capita, PPP-adjusted -, so may be favored for job opportunities.

One good thing about the internet,, makes it harder to BS people.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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juanalejo says on Aug 14, 2004, 10:13:

middle class I do not know if any of you have gone lately to Venezuela, but although I agree that there are more beggars in Colombia, and you also have to take into account that we have an internal war that has displaced many people into the cities. When you arrive in Caracas, the almost absolute absence of middle class in Venezuela is terrible, you either drive through horrible shanty towns or you drive into incredible housing developments. The ammount of mansions in Caracas do not exist in the whole of Colombia. My friends in Caracas who are middle class such as me, when they have been to Bogota are amazed by seeing the ammount of new buildings for people like they or me who can go to a bank and get a mortgage for a small 100 m2 apartment. That is something not seen in Venezuela, as they either rent an old apartment or they have a family or a high paying job that lets them buy one.

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Angel_Gabriel says on Aug 14, 2004, 20:26:

El Puma Someone in or from Venezuela should start a site like this one about their country & people. The creator of this site is not Colombian & had made this place available to all of us.
My impression: the leadership in Venezuela lacks conviction & real -fU**** priorities; a place with so much to offer & no worries about guerrillas, it should be one of the better off latin countries.

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litost says on Aug 14, 2004, 20:50:

this could be the beginning of a big thing Peter, imagine poorbuthappy/venezuela, poorbuthappy/peru, poorbuthappy/argentina, etc... the "poorbuthappy" brand could be the next google.

Or do you guys figure this concept wouldn't quite work for these other countries, is this just yet another "Colombia specific" phenomenom?

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Rico says on Aug 18, 2004, 10:55:

Hmm... I like that phrase..."The Athens of Latin America." Tiene su belleza esa frase.

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