-Where were you born?  

Bellaire, southeastern Ohio, USA

-In which country and city are you living now? 

Near Bogota, Colombia

-Are you living alone or with your family? 

With my girlfriend

-How long have you been living in Colombia? 

Permanently 3 years and much of the time for over 7 years.

-What is your age? 

67

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Colombia?  

I've been to 103 different countries and always thought I might want to live in Latin America.  I met my ex-wife on the Internet in 2003, she's Colombian, married in 2004 and decided to live here.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?  

Not necessary I'm retired - I had a Conjual Visa while married and now a Pensionado Visa, both of which are not difficult to obtain.  Don't know about work permits.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?  

Not a problem and inexpensive!

-How do you make your living in Colombia? Do you have any type of income generated?

Social Security and investment income.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Imperative to speak at least a minimum of Spanish. I am not completely fluent but not far from being so.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? 

Not much; I mostly miss sports on TV.  Soccer is the most boring sport in the world for me but it's on 24/7 here.  Direct TV provides some relief but not enough.

-Do you have other plans for the future? 

I have decided to leave here and move most likely to Brazil in a few months.  After all these years I can no longer deal with all the criminals and dishonest, irresponsible people.  It just seem to get worse.  I would not recommend that anyone who lives in a civilized country move to Colombia!  Even my girlfriend who is Colombian agrees with me and she  is ready to leave her family to move to a better place!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it? 

Renting but bought land which is now for sale - 17 acres.  Rents in Bogota are not cheap but outside the city it's very affordable. We live in a 200-square-meter house with 4 bedrooms, studio, 5 bathrooms (4 with shower or tub) at a cost of only $625 USD monthly.  In the country farther away from the city it's cheaper but a little more primitive.

-What is the cost of living in Colombia? 

About 50% less than the USA.

-What do you think about the locals? 

The vast majority will take advantage of a foreigner or another Colombian if given a chance.  This gets very tiresome! 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Colombia?

A beautiful country and relatively inexpensive but the negatives mentioned above far outweigh the positives.  NOT RECOMMENDED.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Colombia?

Don't.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Colombia?

Nothing in particular. Contact me if you want specific information regarding my experiences - I'll quote names, places and dates if necessary so that you can confirm if really necessary.