Funny Facts about COLOMBIA

(from a stranger’s point of view)

79

Esthetic surgery is…

…everywhere

There’s no age for wearing brace

Driving is… funny, risky, crazy & well… …everyone has his own rules

The more food you have in your plate, the happier you are

But food here is carbohydrates' paradise

Dedicated people at supermarkets pack for you (one bag per item), and they can take your groceries home for you if you wish

Almost any building has his own doorman

The men bringing cash to the banks always carry pump-action shotguns ( just in case)

Most homes don’t have hot water (or only water heater)

Ladies rarely pay for their drinks

Phone use is overwhelming

Punctuality is not really part of the culture

People often say they will do something, but don’t always expect them to keep their word; it’s just politeness

National anthem is played on radio at 6am & 6pm

There are more motorbikes & taxis than cars

Greetings are often endless

Some men have different women in their lives…

School children have to wear a uniform

Soccer is more than a sport here

Don’t be surprised to be called by a nickname or your status

Car alarms are all the same. And they’re strange!

There are policemen and military men everywhere

A lot of « women » are pregnant very young

The way people talk can seem hypocrite & exaggerated

Everything you can imagine is sold on the street. You can buy unities: one cigarette, one chewing-gum, etc.

Dancing can look like people are having sex dressed

Dogs are very appreciated. They even have their own

clothes.

Malls are considerate very moderns & nice to go to on free time.

All men get their nails done

Even though they’re still a bit macho

Colombians are VERY proud of their land. And they’ll let you know about it. Watch your words.

Sidewalks are the property of the first arrived

Weather is almost the same all year long. And at 6pm, it’s dark.

Restaurants contract people to wave flags in front of the main entrance to

attract people in.

Every month has its celebration. Child’s month. Mother’s month. Friend’s month. Etc.

Radio hosts never stop talking!

Commercials are invasive.

Catholic religion is omnipresent.

Stores are often divided into neighborhoods. Pets’ neighborhood. Lamps’ neighborhood. Repair garages’ neighborhood. Etc.

They dip cheese into … hot chocolate

Some buildings have special bases to protect

from earthquakes

A lot of people have a « finca » (countryside house)

There are extremely wealthy people and extremely poor ones

Every price has to be negotiated

People all want to be your friends

At the restaurant, from the moment you finish your

plate, they clear the table.

Still at the restaurant, waiters will ask if you want

to give a tip

Even Chinese food comes with French fries

Soda is the usual drink for a meal.

Women are very vain. They’ll put some make up on and make sure they look good all day long.

If you’re offered a drink, you can’t refuse it.

You always provide your data and sign when paying by credit card. You’ll also be asked how you want to divide the payment

over time.

Many documents have to be signed with fingerprint. Some buildings’ entrances also.

So many fruits, you can’t remember them all.

Government imposes « dry rule » (no alcohol) on great occasions like elections, world cup, etc.

It allows a better security and less accidents

The « busetas » (small buses) stop wherever you want them to.

Anything can be delivered to you: food, movies, drinks, etc.

A lot of people have a cleaning lady/maid.

Sport installations are installed in the street, parks, etc.

Bogotá has the longest bicycle path of the continent. That most likely explains their success at bicycling.

People love to get up early!

At school, you’ll be charged if you fail at a subject

There are « love hotels » per hour

No alcohol is tolerated if you drive. They’re strict with this.

Local currency makes you feel like a millionaire

Colombia is the land of coffee and emeralds

Colombia is one of the happiest country on Earth.

Yes, its people makes its main strength.

You might run into a « No guns allowed » sign

You can actually reheat and eat your own food in a restaurant.

For high withdrawals of money (at the bank), policemen will walk you home

Post service is assured by several private companies.

Buses and planes are the main means of transportation. No trains here.

(only small ones for kids within malls)

Electricity and water bills are paid directly at the counter (supermarket, local store, etc.)

McDonald’s has ice cream stands outside its main restaurants

It’s not uncommon to be greeted by the mall’s

security men

You’ll find a casino & huge play area (for kids) in each mall

Dancing is innate.

People will beat around the bush to say « no » to you & stay polite

People take forever to withdraw some cash