I broke out of jail and moved to Cali in October 2025. What do I think after 7 months?

I love it. Let me tell you why.

Getting Around

I live in the El Lido district, about a kilometer north of a big mall called MallPlaza, and another big shopping center called CosmoCentro. As usual, I get around mostly by walking, ride shares (Uber/InDriver), and the bus.

Cali’s Metro and Mio bus systems are far more developed than the chaotic bus “systems” in the north coast. Here in Cali, the bus stations – AND the buses! – recently started accepting regular credit cards alongside the reloadable bus cards. IMHO, this is a game changer for public transportation in a developing country.

There are bus stops all over the place (well, at least in the main city for sure, I am not sure about Yumbo or Jamundí). There are multiple bus routes, they all show up on Google Maps, and they are accurate 99.99% of the time. Since it’s so convenient for me, I ride the bus a lot more in Cali than I ever did in Barranquilla.

Some days I can visit 2-3 different places, each bus ride costing me just 3,500 (about 1 U$D) as of the date of this article.

Language and Communication

In general, the base Caleno Spanish – at least what I assume is the base accent – is more intelligible to me than Costeñol. Despite all the random slangs, specific expressions, and difficult individual accents of some specific – usually less-educated – people, my average listening comprehension in Cali is around 75%, just like it was in Medellin and Peru. I can have decent semi-deep conversations with most Cali locals almost entirely in Spanish.

In fact, my slow but steady improvements have encouraged me to sign up for Spanish lessons with Tingo Language School. I hope to boost my listening comprehension AND overall CEFR language level. Then, I will take the SIELE exam by the end of 2027, so that I can add “C1-Certified Spanish Language” to my resume and overall life skills.

The Language-learning never stops, I tell you!

Cali Cuisine

As of writing this article, I am not sure that I have tried any Cali-specific cuisine yet. Maybe I did but just didn’t know what I was eating. What I DO know is that, in general, the local food here has more flavor overall… AND there are at least TWO Indian Restaurants in the city!

Socialization, Activities, Events, and Overall Culture

For me, this is where Cali really shines. I had already visited Cali several times in the past, so I already partook in several of the many activities available here. Now that I live in Cali, I have the opportunity to do more of the same. I am enjoying:

• In-Person Language exchanges
• Shared dining experiences
• Business/Professional Networking
• Outdoor exercises (including hiking)
• Nature excursions
• (Board) Game Nights
• Museums, Art Exhibitions, and Libraries
• Special-Interest Cultural Events (like those focused on the Afro-Colombian population)

I couldn’t find nor do any of these things in Barranquilla. Three fucking years wasted, man… Just thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach 😔 Anyway… mistakes were made, dwelling, ruminating, and resenting my foolishness won’t bring back the time and money… life must go on 🙃

Here in Cali, I am also meeting a wider variety of people, both tourists/immigrants and locals. While every city has its share of bad people, I have been fortunate enough to have only limited contact with them (partly because I am old, experienced, and jaded enough to detect the bullshit a mile away, and take any appropriate precautions) 😆 Therefore, unlike in Barranquilla, here in Cali I have successfully made some real connections.

Now I have a broad social circle of fellow foreigners AND some locals with whom I can do any of those aforementioned activities, one or more times per week. Some of those people are also my small but solid circle of buddies with whom I regularly communicate, socialize, and exchange mutual support.

This is something that most people – especially Colombians – take for granted, but something for which I am grateful.

If you know Cali as the Salsa Dance Capital of the world, you’re probably asking, “Wait, your list seems incomplete… How about salsa dancing?”, to which I respond, “What ABOUT salsa dancing?” 😄 Yes, I have been told countless times that salsa dancing is a GREAT way to meet and connect with people in Cali, including a potential legitimate girlfriend, and yes I have tried many times over the years to learn salsa, but my feet just won’t cooperate.

I had a serious discussion with a friend about this.

I was trying to learn salsa, not because I enjoyed dancing, but in order to “fit in”, “integrate” and meet people. She reminded me that if my heart isn’t in it, I probably won’t learn anything… it’s best to focus on the hobbies and activities that I DO enjoy, to keep true to myself. She made a very good point!

It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t take advantage of ALL the opportunities to attend events, nor did I attend all the culturally relevant events that I could have. Besides the logistics of relocation and visa issues, I’ve been struggling with some other life issues. However, I like knowing that on almost every day or night of the week, there’s a compatible event that I can attend, or someone who wants to hang out with me.

If and when I didn’t take advantage of ALL the opportunities, that was a “me” problem, nothing to do with Cali. As they say, “Wherever you go, there you are” 😅

Being Black in Cali

Just like when I was in Lima, wherever I went in Cali (with 1 or 2 exceptions), people didn’t pay me much – if any – attention. Security people did NOT follow me around when I was shopping. Upscale restaurant staff did NOT attempt to block my entry. Wherever I went, no one assumed that I was there as a delivery driver, nor question me about my purpose for being in that space. In fact, I don’t even remember any major microaggressions 😯 Imagine that!

Obviously, Cali folks are just more accustomed to seeing foreigners and a slightly larger variety of people, food, and even fashion, than those close-minded villagers of you-know-where.

Verdict

It’s not even a contest. Cali beats Barranquilla in everything but proximity to the USA and easy access to the sea. I wish I had moved here in the first place.

Summary

Colombia is VERY regionalized – every region has pros and cons, unique characteristics and unique people. Even though I have not visited every single city or town in Colombia, I can say without a doubt that Cali is the city for me.

Safe travels, folks!