The architecture was a great mix of styles from Spanish colonial, to deco, to modern, all thrown together. Lush plant life, nestled in the mountains. Not too polluted and pristine in parts. There were the usual disparities of income you find places but people seemed happy and like they were doing okay for the most part. I couldn't guage what cost of living or rental might be for reasonably safe place with comfortable conditions. Food and drink seemed reasonable, even in higher end places, but our hotel and most of nicer hotels were on par with London costs. I think it was so pricey because of the security measures which were needed.

By day we never felt unsafe, in fact things were quite laid back..but my work colleague and I dressed down and mostly wandered the safer streets and areas. Police with their dogs had a visible presence around town. By night, even the locals warn of going out at night without an official cab secured. I've known many who have worked/lived there without incident and 'loved the city. I have also known of an acquaintance who's high level executive brother was shot and killed, and another who suffer badly from an organized vendetta crime of such sheer brutality I don't want to go into it. So, I dunno..I feel like they have gotten much of the bad stuff under control and enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the place. I'd go back and in fact I am going to later on. I'd probably even enjoy working and living there a while. People really were so sweet.

During our free day, we ate ajiaca (a hearty soup that is typical for the area) as well as other regional delights, drank Columbian beer, wandered the old town, went up the mountain (Monserrate) to tour the church and gardens, viewed some art, went into a couple of artisanal shops, saw a llama munching in the park, sipped local fruity cocktails out of cocuma shells, went for a last night out and dinner at Andres D.C. where we salsad like the other 98% of the population in attendance, only less skillfully. Think you get kicked out of the country if you don't at least try. We also drank fire water (aguardiente). Bogota and Cartegena would be worth a visit. I'm sure other places but those are the only two places I've been so far.