Expert: MRZ - 2/12/2008

Question
I have been offered a job in Pereira. Now, I would like to find as much info as I can about the city. I am a multilingual/international person but I would like to mingle as much as possible with locals. Outside of work, what can I do/join to make friends of both sexes? I shall stay for at least two years. I am a widow, 50 y.o, in academia profesionally but I rather like to enjoy myself outside of work and I am of the outgoing type. Any suggestion? Thanks

Answer
It is strategic area for Colombia, nestled right in the middle of the Andes, it is a region rich in coffee. The flowering of the coffee plants is an event you will not want to miss. In March, the true splendor of the coffee tree becomes the sight to see. With days full of good sun and rain the coffee tree blossoms with white flowers.
  
The economic activities of the department are agriculture, cattle, industry, commerce and in recent years, the production of alcohol fuel. Their agricultural products are coffee, sugar cane, bananas, cassava, cocoa, pineapple, potatoes, corn, cotton and some fruit.

Industrial production is concentrated in the beverages, textiles, paper and coal area.

It is a department with industrial capabilities, with several clothing, footwear and food products factories. Its economy has been encouraged by the rebuilding of the city in the area known as the old gallery, which was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in January 1999.

Its weather is fair, which although about 5000 feet in elevation has that east coast heat and humidity. At night you won't, generally, require any blankets. However if you don't like heat too much a fan will be your best friend. You won't find AC anywhere around.

The downtown area is perched on a long narrow ridge, about 200 feet high, one of many ridges and valleys that ripple their way across the greater Pereira area, about as long across as it is wide, and pretty much surrounded by 3000 or so foot mountains.

Population wise, Pereira has about 500,000 people. Downtown consists of about 3, 1 mile long streets running the length of the ridge interspersed by 3 plazas. Much of the streets pavement is a reddish brick and the sidewalks are lined with small Jacaranda? trees.

On weekends Pereira becomes a big party town, bars, drinking dancing hanging out on the streets. All of which disappeared by Sunday day and evening. Not a lot of noticeable poverty nor excessive wealth. Low key, pleasant, lots of nice food choices. you will have a great opportunity to make friends, but be careful, do not go alone, a foreigner can become an easy target.

There are a lot of Americans working, living in the Pereira area, you will not have a hard time making friends fast.

If you need any help getting settled, housing, transportation, etc., let me know we will be happy to help. You can email me directly at info@colombianpossibilities.com or call 703-652-3850, this is a US based line that rings in my Bogota office.

Enjoy, you will have a great time.
Marta