8 Things to Know Before Moving to Rural Colombia

I learned the hard way.

Mule in Jericó. Photo by me.

When I first arrived, I did not think I would stay in rural Colombia, so I never considered these things. However, I am not one to plan much of anything.

I also understand that most people do want to plan their move abroad and know some of what to expect.

Being born in the county, most do not phase me, but I have realized they might be useful if you plan to spend a significant amount of time in the countryside of Colombia! So, let’s talk about them.

Statue in Barichara, Colombia. Photo by me

Bugs, big ones, small ones, all kinds of bugs.

This morning, I was on my first walk with the dogs, and when I got home, I noticed a bug had bitten my lip. Bugs don’t bother me; they don’t bite me too often, and when they do, the redness goes away in a few minutes.

I was on the phone and noticed that my lip was getting bigger and bigger. I told my sister I looked like a botched lip injection patient.

I do not remember getting bit, but I assumed it must have been a baby wasp since other bugs do not make me swell. About a month ago…