Antioqueñita has left 67 comments

Antioqueñita comments on Colombian Communities in NY: Queens, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave.

SO I WENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hi Everyone...

well here is the story:

I went to Roosevelt ave. Jackson Heights but got there so early..like aroudn 600am so we walked to Cositas Ricas and yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ate breakfast there. I loved it. The service was great! the food .........delicious! we had a calentao con chorizo, maduro, arepa de chocolo con quesito, jugo de tomate de arbol, cafe con leche, buñuelo.. I even took some pstries to go..we were so full.

Unfortunaly it was too early and everything was closed! except for a few restaurants. WE wnated to stay and eat lunch there but there was nothng to do snce it was so early! :( so I walked and took pictures and saw Tierras COlombians, Pollos Mario , Pequeña Colombia and allof that but again coudnm't eat there :( we were there for the weekend and Ineeded to see manhattan and all of that! so we left aroudn 830am.

But again thanks to everyone ;)

I did see many ecuadorian and mexican restaurants but mostly colombians so I was glad aboout that :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Colombia in books and film

Chrisw1- That movie is Maria Full of Grace Is a very good movie, and Catalina was nominated for Best actress in the academy awards for this movie. Yes, mostly filmed in Ecuador but they made everything looked Colombian...aslo filmed in NY in Jackson Heights.

I also recommend : La Vendedora de Rosas - The flower seller...this was totally filmed in Medellin in the very bad & poor areas but it shows that side of Medellin... the actors are real street kids and the girl in the movie killed a taxi man( in real life) and is in prison for like 20 years! and most of the actors are dead.. but is a very good movie!

someone mentioned La virgen De Los Sicarios.. I liked that one too a lot.. especially the actingn and sarcasm on the older guy! LOVED IT AND LAUGHED A LOT even though this a sad movie as well in the sense that it shows the problems with the gangs in Medellin.

Rodrigo F is also a good classic medellin movie.

There was one called: Victorino, Victorino, Victorino.. this was more of a TV show but it was sooooooooo good that I heare they have it on DVD.. very Good .I watched it. It was about three guys that were born in Bogota with different social status.. they were all named Victorino and for some reason ( something to do with brujeria) they were told if they ever ran to each other they would die.

So they show thier lives,, one living in a poor barrio, another middle class and the rich one. Very Good. and there was another one I think it was called " amar y morir" ..

anyway.. books! yes Gabriel Garcia Marquez!!!!!!! read the one about his life..I am reading "El anuncio de un secuestro". very cool!

Also there is a wonderful book "LA REBELION DE LAS RATAS" ( the rebelion of the rats) ..the writer SOTO. THis is my fav. book! loved it! worth reading about Colombia situation on the 40's & 50's.



"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Colombian Communities in NY: Queens, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave.

wow you guys are great! Is 400pm and my flight leaves tonight ! So I am priting my guide ( all of your recommendations) and I will take it with me!

I will let you guys know how my trip was and post some pictures:)


I AM VERY EXCITED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS EVERYONE :) :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on About How Much Money DVD's Cost in Colombia?

THANK YOU SPIGRIMACE! I WILL CALL YOU WHEN I GET TO MEDELLIN :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

PLATANO NOT A ALL! YOU MADE ME LAUGH! I am a paisa so you know we are some of the most sarcastic people in the world and I thought it was funny :)

and of course you didn't offend me at all! It will take a LOT more than that for me to get offended.

So please don't take my joke back as offeding when I called you sarcastico... I was just joking back :)

AMIGOS ;) ?

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on PBH member's photo blogs

Yeah Of course I figured she was Otherwise why would you be here in the forum..

WEll thanks again for the compliment.

So she lived in Medellin...cool! Do you know what part?

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

jajajajajaja PLATANO SARCASTICO! YOU ARE RIGHT ! I MEANT TELENOVELAS.....

BUT SINCE I LOVE TO READ BOOK AS WELL I can surely use the information you gave me ;)

Thanks Platano!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

Mrs. Gomez The names sounds sooooo good!

I can't wait to be there and watch Novelas...

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on About How Much Money DVD's Cost in Colombia?

Thanks Claudia :) WOW DVD's are expensive... here I can least get the deal sof like 3 for $20 or the previosly watched blockbuster cheap too!

I surely will take some there and make sure I get a DVD with mulitzone!

Thanks :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on PBH member's photo blogs

Thanks Utopiacowboy! I assume your wife is Colombian?

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Colombian Communities in NY: Queens, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave.

well everyone provided good info:) even you Elche!

Yacosta I probably will! Is hard to choose one restaurant!!!!!!

Is seems that there are at least 4 I should try:

Pollos Mario, Cositas Ricas, Tierras Colombianas, La hacienda, and La Pequeña Colombia!

what to do ..what to do....

maybe a poll?

Where would you guys go? I think I may go to Cositas Ricas for breakfast but for lunch I am having a hard time .....

IS there shops there?

Thanks again guys! I am sure I will have lots of fun... after that I am gonna go to Manhattan and see times square and all that good stuff!



"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on About How Much Money DVD's Cost in Colombia?

Hey Tonelo So pirateados are not too bad quality?


My brother gave my mom a DVD player so I assume since he bought here in USA should work fine.... would pirateados work fine on an USA DVD player ( by the way I never knew there were differences) ...

I just feel bad buying pirateados... by I am not rich and the actors are ..right ?

THanks for your help everyone!


"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

jajajajajaaj I watched it last night --the Pedro one It was good actually but gosh you are so right about his hair!

I was laughing so hard!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Gift for host.

it all depends .... Perfumes are so much more expensive there....

For the Hostess, she would love ( any woman) a set of Lotion, Body Spray, Shower Gel from Victoria's Secret. It ususally comes in a little purse she can use as well.. here you may pay about $25.00 ..there this would cost about $50.00 if found!

For him ...not sure... since I am not a man... but Good Pens for business man or a nice portfolio would be nice.

Do they have any kids? ( If they do they will appreciate more gifts for them than themselves)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Colombian Communities in NY: Queens, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave.

Thanks Rubiazo & CheAmericano and everyone else!

I can't wait to be there...........

I will be there for breakfast and lunch ! I wonder what time shops and things like that open?

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on PBH member's photo blogs

I posted some of me "Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Names of Mixed Drinks in Colombia

some drinks: TENSIÓN ABSOLUTA
melocotón Schnapps de la vodka/1 onza de 1 onza Asolute
jugo de arándano del jugo de piña del 1/2 /1/2
hielo ()/oscila de la sacudida o mezcló congelado

TRAVESÃ?A DE AMARETTO (1RA)
ron de Schnapps/el 1/2 onza del melocotón del 1/2 onza Amaretto/el 1/2 onza
1/3// 1/3 jugo anaranjado/1/3 jugo del sweet'n'sour de arándano/
mitad de 1 onza y media crema (en tapa)
rocas o mezclado congelado

TRAVESÃ?A DE AMARETTO (2DA)
No Alcohólico
mezcla 1/3// del melocotón de la mezcla/1 onza del amaretto de 1 onza de la mezcla del sweet&sour
1/3 jugo anaranjado/1/3 crema del jugo de arándano//1 onza (en tapa)
rocas o mezclado congelado

EL CHOCOLATE DE BAILEYS CUBRIÓ EL MELOCOTÓN (1R)
1 onza nata de cacao (oscuro)
crema del irlandés de 1 onza Baileys
mezcla terraplén del melocotón de 2 onzas con crema
hielo rocas o mezclado congelado
(agregue el helado o la mezcla de 2 cucharadas)
POR LA PISCINA (1RA)
licor del melón de la vodka 12 onza de 1 onza
Melocotón Schnapps Del 1/2
sprite del jugo anaranjado el 1/2 del 1/2
hielo rocas
Agregue la mezcla o Schnapps del sabor de 2 onzas para una cereza,
Zarzamora, frambuesa, fresa o
Wildberry Por La Piscina

LIMONADA DE CALIFORNIA (2DA)
vodka de 1 onza
mezcla 2/3 mezcla del melocotón de la mezcla 1 onza de la cereza de 1 onza de la limonada
1/3 jugo anaranjado
hielo () oscila de la sacudida o mezcló congelad

REFRESQÚESE DE LA TARDE (1RA)
melocotón Schnapps del ron 1 onza de 1 onza
1/3 jugo de arándano 2/3 jugo de piña
hielo rocas o mezclado congelad

VERANO SIN FIN (1R)
melocotón Schnapps de la vodka 1 onza de 1 onza
mezcla 2/3 de la fresa de 1 onza de la mezcla de la limonada
1/3 jugo anaranjado
hielo () oscila de la sacudida o mezcló congelado

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Names of Mixed Drinks in Colombia

Peter Miami: Cranberry juice: Jugo de Arándano Not very common in Colombia because I send to to my mom for her liver problem, this juice is good for that of course. She found it once somewhere very expensive and this is how they called it.

The fruit cranberry is Arándano

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on giving children english names

jajjajajajajaaja Is so funny because there are so many: Anderson as a first name.... and so many bad spelling.... Maicol ( micheal) and some stuff like that.

I was named an english name because I have an english last name and thank God my parents were smart enough to spell it right!

But it is true...

When the Golf war with sadam bussein was going on this lady named her kid Michael sadam buseim , no joke! he was on the news! the Michael was for Michael jackson :0

Also I knew a girl named: Ibone ( supposed to be Ivonne) another one was esteici ( stacy) so they pronounce the same just diffrent spelling!

But gosh The poor Jean Pool! ahhhhhhhhhhhh poor kids!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Colombian Communities in NY: Queens, Jackson Heights, Roosevelt Ave.

Muchas Gracias! I am so pleased with the information ! De verdad, thanks!

So if I get there around 700am to queens is any place open for like breakfast?



"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Gifts for Family in Colombia

"Lance Armstrong" wrist bands? Excuse my ignorance... but what is that?who is that? etc.

I am going soon to Colombia and it seems I must take these ones and I am not sure what they are?

Thanks,

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Gift ideas to bring *back* from Colombia

where is the post about what to bring to Colombia? I am going in October and wanted some suggestions.


Thanks :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Los Dichos Colombianos - Colombian Sayings

Colombiche is that the answer? "Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Gift ideas to bring *back* from Colombia

I was gonna say the Balcones They are very delicate but well wrapped in bubble wrapping they will be fine. All the artesanias, like a Chiva are very cute! There are also small artesanias of like little colombians with aguardiente...
oh a bottle of aguardiente for the adults... Ron De Medellin!

Colombian braceletes.. there are some Juanes braceltes out there that say "Se Habla Español" because of the shirt he wore one time and "La Camisa Negra"...

Bring a "Costal de Cafe" there are the bags that they put the coffee inside.. they make a nice decoration.

The Confites as mentioned earlier.. Bon bon bunes.. umm!

Arequipe definetly!

Bring a "Olla para hacer Chocolate" .. I have been looking for one for years! THey are extermely rare ..aslo a parrila para arepas.

But as far as gifts, artesanias ( hand crafted work), Candies, & Coffee!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on colombian slang

vacana is very colombian I use that word so much!

I would say if you really wanted a colombian tattoo just do the flag! or the Escudo...I think tattoos that are sentences or words are ugly but of course it all depends on what you really like.. Here is L.A. mostly the cholitas ( mexican gang girls) have those patriotic tattoos with writings.... but again, is a personal choice and you came for ideas not for judgements.

If I was going to have a tattoo like that I would use my nick name : Antioqueñita! I do have that n the back of my car.

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Juanes Triple Winner

NelcyJuli The Ekhymosis CD I bought it in Tower Records here in California.. where do you live?

I am sure is released everywhere..... the DVD has just 3 vidoes but is worth it! :)


"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

The Escamoso novela seems very interesting! I looked up pictures of Miguel Varoni with the mullet! que risa! but reading about it I can see why he needs this "look" for this novela.

Univision is a Huge Novela chanel and is too bad I have not been able to watch many here... I know I watched "los Parientes Pobres" "cara sucia" and a few others ..this was many many years ago.

But I am sure once I get back.. it will be at least one novela daily! ;)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Something from another forum

Gosh so is she like perfect then? This was something interesting to read but yet so critical and weird at the same time.... yes, many things she says are the truth but others are just exagerations and they do not define all the people but I guess she hated Brazil and hates where she is at...

I would love to talk to this woman...and she her life is like.

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Panama Vs Colombia...

So Colombia lost? I still do not see a clear answer

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR NOVELAS IN COLOMBIA RIGHT NOW?

Thank you Carolain11 :) I will check the sites...

Interesting an Argentinian Novela1 I am not sure if I have seen one ever from Argentina.

I know what you mean about being hooked to novelas..here in the US I just don't have the time..anytime I watched one it was crazy! my life would revolve around it ! I would have to tape it then spend the weekend catching up !!!!!!! crazy! but they are so good, such an enjoyable sin ;)

The last one I watched here was a mexican one ( I live in L.A) and it was :AMARTE ES MI PECADO..... I loved that novela.. I even had my Hindu boyfriend hooked on it! ( he speaks & understands spanish)

did you see that one?

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

Thank you so much utopiacowboy! THIS IS A GREAT FORUM TO POST AND REPLY TO!

YOU GUYS ARE GREAT :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Shakira Live 8 Clip

I just realized I mispelled that word! "imprescindible"

yeap ! she surely is Imprescindible... Platano, what is the english translation for that word?

I am listening to it right now :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

Your are Welcome Desi! I was happy to see and read this post and I think is a great contrubution to the forum.

It is very important and educational for people to know that false idealization of the Cartel and being a sicario or something in that sense. I am glad I never got involved myself but I did have friends who did and it is just sad... young men wasting their lives...and all for what? a cool pair of shoes? a motorcycle? one guy I knew did it to get a motorcycle and guess what? The gangs or mafia didn't kill him but a bus killed him in the motorcycle he bought with the dirty money he got...IRONIC ! and is to hard to get out! Once you are IN you are IN. Is not the easy way to get things..

I like your stories too Desi. I will write some other stories about my friends there and myself. I began to write a book about my teenage life there and in the computer got deleted :( ( so many hours wasted) but I think I may still do it.

Mrs Gomez' story was a tear breaker and so true! I had some friends who lived where streets were not paved and it was amazing to see how hard their parents worked to pay for their education. They went to private schools and I think it is truly the best gift they can give their children because they get good friends and good influences and hopefully they do not fall in the vicious circle!

The guys they drop school and then they have nothing else to do but to steal or do bad things... and why do they drop from school? many reasons but one is they know how many taxi drivers are in Medellin with degrees and masters even! The lack of good employment! is like : "why go to school if you are gonna have to work in a taxi anyway..." but what they need to learn is that they go to school not just to get a good job... but to be a wealthy person in knowledge, to keep your mind occupied and keep growing as a person! To be able to speak about different things and eventually get good connections that may get you the job! See in Medellin is all about who you know not how much you know, we call it "ROSCA" and how do you get the connections? by relating yourself to people with money, business, education! Seriously.. I just wish they could see it this way but I know when you are starving and sitting in a classroom desk it may be hard to be able to think about all of this .. you just want to know how you will get the money today to kill the hunger ...... IS A COMPLICATED SITUATION!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Los Dichos Colombianos - Colombian Sayings

LA CORBATA???? JAJAJAJAJA ;) this was an answer to COlombiche's riddle :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Los Dichos Colombianos - Colombian Sayings

LA CORBATA? ;) JAJAJAJAJA "Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Shakira Live 8 Clip

SHAKIRA'S FIJACION ORAL 1 IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OKAY FIRST OF ALL:

1) She didn't gain weight...if anything she lost weight. but she looks gorgeous either way.

2) She is not just HOt and a "shake ass" pop star.

3) Her new CD is amazingly incredible

I listen to it every day as I am right now... Shakira has gone very far with this CD. Elevator music? no way.

Let's start with the fist song:

1) En tus pupilas........she begins to sing in french with the most beautiful soothing voice ever! The song's lyrics are amazing and the song WOW .. beautiful. a love song that is so deep and just gorgeous... "cuando miro en tus pupilas se que Dios no dejo de existir, tu lo haces vivir" ( when I look into your eyes I see that God has not stopped existing, you make him live) Of course, it takes love for music and love for love to appreciate this.

2) La Pared..........wow! This is the shakira with the ardiente passion and pain! she has 2 versions.. the accoustic and the regular one. The lyrics amazing, the voice wow, the music awesome! very powerful

3) La Tortura.. I am sure all of you have heard it ...graet beat, great voice, great duet! 5 estrellas

4) Obtener Un Si........Bossa Nova as its best! yes shakira has done a Bossa Nova just to show her very rich music knowledge. This song is so nice and soft and romantic.... love it!

5) Un Dia Especial......... Song recorded with el maestro del Rock en español : Gustavo Cerati ( Soda Stereo) This song has very nice guitar cords, the voice, the lyrics of course as all her other songs... this song makes me smile everytime.

6) Escondite Ingles : this is the one they say it sounds like B52's ..........so what? she likes them. To me this song is more of a "Ska" type of music. I think is so rokcy and Fun! I can't wait to see her perform it.

7) No...... is the new single....WOW THIS SONG HAS QUALITY WRITTEN ALL OVER!!!!!!!!!!!! IS ALWAYS TOP TEN EVERY DAY ON THE SPANISH STATIONS HERE IN L.A. -----TORTURA WAS #1 ALSO PRETTY MUCH EVERYDAY.. NOW BOTH SONGS ARE LIKE ON THE TOP!

8) Las de la intuicion...........such an electric song! awesome.. makes me want to dance ! and yes shakira "las mujeres somos las de la intuicion"

9) Un Dia de Enero................beautiful sweet song dedicated to Antonio...sounds like the old shakira from Pies Descalzos

10) LO IMPRESINDIBLE ..........MY FAVORITE SONG! is like an industrial rock song.. the lyrics so strong! she even sings part of it in german... love her ability for languages ! This song is amazing!

so ..this Cd has great reviews. and is doing great! Topping chrts in switzerald, germany, spain, colombia, argetina, USA ( her video is always top ten), and France and many other places.. her album had gone platimum before it came out ( pre-orders) and she is doing great...

her dance move of la Tortura?/ her original move! love it! yes it grabs your attention and try to do it and see if you can... shakira is unique and all she cares about is giving her best.. as far as music inlfuences? well, everyone has them... if we were to look at latina artists there are very few that are true to themselves and sing their owns songs....

the only downside of the album? that is TOP quality and very musically rich that many people who just like music that is POPULAR won't appreciate ...... but for those who know MUSIC ... you guys know what I am talking about...

"Que Viva Medellin!" y QUE VIVA SHAKIRA UN ORGULLO COLOMBIANO MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUY GRANDE :)

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

Well yes thanks! But also there are nice stories too.. I mean, for me, personally I had a very happy life there.. there were things here and there of course and I was there during the search for Pablo and was touched in someway by these events but I loved my life so much there I am going back to live there for a while just so my daughter can get that wonderful experience :)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Los Dichos Colombianos - Colombian Sayings

it is a fun riddle! I am trying to think if more riddles... hmmmmm


"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Reaching into its past, Colombia steps forward

I hope they come back! I was a Nacional fan as a good paisa and Leonel Alvarez & Higuita were like Gods for us and I met them both...

Who can foget the Scorpion Kick by Higuita?



"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Joe Arroyo - Best Ever!

UYYYYYYYYYYYYY SI FRUKO IS AWESOME! "El Prisionero" is such a cool song to dance.. I know it was also the amthum of the sicarios but all their songs are soooooooooooo awesome..!

I just saw them in concert last year in the Colombian Festival here in L.A. and wow ! Niche was there too! ;)

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

So true so True Cockney A lot of those guys from the Barrio are either dead or just living like losers... I am glad you got out of it before it was too late!

I feel so bad for the moms because they have to see their sons die so young.. and the worse thing yet! is many of them used to tell me .. " yeah I will be lucky if I make it past 20 but before that I will have a son to revenge my death" that to me was the most weird thing ever!

Pero I hear things are better and again.. this was just a part of Medellin.. where I lived was a nice middle class neighborhood but next to it was like a bad one so I got to see both sides of the coin.

I hope to hear more stories.. :) very entertaining!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on Joe Arroyo - Best Ever!

Medellin loves salsa too When I used to live in Medellin my friends and I listen to a lot of salsa... Not all necessarily Colombian though.. we listened to like : El gran Combo, Oscar D'Leon, Willie Chirino ? is that his name?, Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Tito Puente, tito rojas.. many many.... there are a lot of songs I know but don't know who sings them but are classic salsa songs....like someone posted :"La temperatura" ..I love that song.. "cada vez que yo te veo y no importa donde sea.. se me quiere salir los ojos con tu belleza que hasta pierdo el control "

And of course Joe Arroyo ! and Fruco y Niche!

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

A true story about a Friend's family I figured I would post about my friend's family because they had a more dramatic life involved with violence for those looking for a true story with more action.

Place : Medellin - Barrios Los Alcazares, Los Colores.
Time : 1980's -1990's
Social -Ecomomic Status: from middle to high to low
( I will change names to protect identities)

Doña Maria married a man that was very street smart ( Miguel) and very popular in the barrio. She married him when she was young ( 18-20) and they had 3 children. The first one a male Esteban, middle one a girl Paulina, and the small one Javier. They lived as middle class in the barrio and had a small house ( 2 bedroom) but lived comfortably for Colombia that is since they still did laundry by hand, used cloth diapers, ate lots of frijoles con arroz but had a TV, and a few other things.

They were happy but the dad's cousin had gotten into the mafia and began smuggling drugs into Miami. He began making lots of money! and soon Mr. Miguel ( the dad) got tempted and wanted more money so he got involved as well. He began doing the traveling and smuggling coke in his shoes and other things.. soon he decided to stay living there in Miami.. he had a mistress who lived on the Colombian Coast and with her had a daughter. He needed to support them too. The boys grew up having lots of material things and even a microwave ( back then wow this was a luxury) 1980's. They had atari games, american clothes and moved to a nice house in Los Colores where is a richer area in Medellin. Maria sold the house to her sister. They were having a good life but of course the dad began to get into problems with enemies and the cousin married an american lady who he took to Colombia and had a child. THis guy had the type of Paisa attitude like pablo escobar. He wanted to be UN DURO and be feared and have a status of DON"T mess with me and be popular so he would throw Huge parties, dances in his house, aguardiente everywhere... mujeres… there are some chicas there who want to go out with the mafiosos so they can buy them nice clothes... so he was famous in the barrio by then.

Soon Esteban was a teenager and craving more and more money so he talked to the dad's cousin and he got him involved too. He began by stealing cars and things like that but soon he was doing the jobs in Medellin like transporting the coke from one place to the other, watching a place with the merchandise overnight ...stuff like that! He too soon began to gain respect of the gangs in Medellin and the family began to be known but as more money and deals come also more enemies come so he went away for a while because they knew they were looking for him to kill him… the dad in USA found another woman and stopped sending as much money… he was tired of working like this and being in USA he felt he had a chance to get out and not being killed but that meant less money for the family ... So Esteban began making all the money and of course Javier grew up watching him. But the worse thing happened... his dad stopped completely to send money and the police caught Esteban when he returned to Medellin and went to jail. Before this Esteban had gotten his GF at the time pregnant and had had the party of his life… he would take all his friends to San Andres and pay for it all! got a car.. got many things but all the money went mostly to clothes, women and hard partying... so the mom had to make empanadas and sell them and move into her sister's house ( that used to be hers) the sister had opened a small store in the house with like small office suplies, stationery, etc. So they all had to live in the 2 bedroom place because they couldn’t pay off the other house and lost it. Paulina and her mother prayed a lot and were always afraid for Esteban and little Javier. By the time Javier was 13 he was already getting into trouble because he was popular due to his dad's cousin being one of the biggest traketo's in the barrio and his brother also known as UN DURO (like "the man") so he began doing stupid little things. His brother still in jail was making him do deals and talk to people...Esteban had many enemies and was better off being in the prison VELLAVISTA than on the streets.

Javier had a little gang and began smoking pot and stealing things etc. Paulina was still going to school but Javier had long dropped off since 6th grade. Doña Maria went to church everyday to pray for his boys who she had lost control over... Paulina became her best friend and she was a good girl. Soon Maria’s sister moved to Venezuela and left her the store. She worked hard selling empanadas and patacones on the street while her sons were doing nothing and the husband had long lost contact... so she would just try to make Javier go to school but by then he was too violent and would hit his sister and would attempt to hit his mother and they were afraid of him.

So Javier got involved and got into many troubles... enemies… one day his friend who had borrowed his jacket was knocking on his door and he got killed because they thought it was him. Then Paulina had 2 babies and Esteban got out of prison. One day they came to the house and they were having a party for Esteban’s 1st daughter (by then he had another baby with the GF that visited him in jail) - and his enemies came in shooting and shot the kids, Doña maria & Paulina. They didn’t die but Esteban’s daughter was in the hospital for 2 months, Paulina’s kids were there for about 2 weeks, she herlself got shot in the arm and so did the mom.

Esteban went after them... got to kill one. Later on that month they killed Esteban as well... and Javier said he would revenge his death… but before that he went to jail as well for doing stupid things (theft) and other things… he also got a girl pregnant and had a son. They used to visit him in jail... Doña Maria was very depressed for losing his son and continued to work hard selling empanadas to pay for the bills... as soon as Javier got out he went out looking for those who killed Esteban and they tricked him and he too got killed. Esteban left 2 daughters ( he died at the age of 30) and Javier left one son ( he died at the age of 24).

My friend Paulina.. she has had it hard.. ! Her dad returned to Colombia after all his depression in the states but soon found out what happened to his sons and got worse yet and sick… .now Doña Maria had to take care of him too despite what he did to her. Now paulina lives in the 2-bedroom small house (more like an apt.) with her mom, her kids, and her boyfriend. Despite it all they are happy and smile still and just celebrated her son’s first communion and this time around they are making sure Paulina's son doesn't follow their uncles steps... oh by the way the cousin of the dad got killed too and most of Javier & Esteban's friends who wanted to be cool, have money and live the crazy life.

Unfortunately, many teenagers back then thought that to be cool and popular you had to steal and do bad things… and be part of a gang… and do drugs etc. The guy who would get shot would be like “Cool� and respected. It was a time where young men were so confused and money, motorcycles, parties, women and drugs meant everything.

But again this is just one part of Colombia… and is not all like that.

When I go back to Medellin I will visit Paulina, meet her kids ( I left when she was pregnant with the 1st) and perhaps go to the cementary and visit her brothers. L

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

Nice Story Cockney I have done nothing at work except for reading this post ! everyone is gone today.. so ... maybe I will write one more..

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on A Normal Day

My Story ! Nice Post Desi :)

Well I figured I posted a Normal day for me when I used to live in Medellin:

Place: Barrio Santa Lucia- La Floresta MEDELLIN
Time: 1992
Social-economical Status: Middle Class? --not even sure.

I was 15 that year so it was like a magical age for me. I lived with my mom and my brother who was 18 at the time and had already started his career as en Electronic Engineer in the UPB. My dad lives in Los Angeles.. he had moved there when I was 7 because he had gotten laid off of his job as an Art Director of the Company : PUBLICIDAD TORO. Since my mom had a couple of sister and a bother in L.A. they decided he would come here to be able to get a life for us. And ever since he had sent us money every week and we lived off of that. My mom had part time jobs here and there but mostly just stayed home taking care of us. Our childhood was awesome! We were not rich but not very poor.. yes there were days when all we ate was rice & fried eggs but we were so happy. That is to give you a little background.
Let's begin about that day when I was 15:

Let's say is Monday : I would wake up about 530am and take a shower. By this time we had moved to a 4 bedroom house, an old house we rented but we were so happy! I had my own room :) so I had my own alarm clock and would get up and again take a shower, get ready, put my uniform and my mami would be making my arepa y chocolate caliente.. I would sit and eat my breakfast and talk to my mami, watch a little TV with her, get my backpack and walk to school. By this time I lived by my school EL TERESIANO and I loved it because all of my life I had to take the school bus which was fun but it took nearly 2 hours of my day! The school was two blocks away, so easy walk.. I would see my friends there and we could chit chat and go to the classroom. My best friend Cristina sat next to me and we would begin our day talking about the weekend. I would usually talk about my then boyfriend and the probably that we went to "El Pueblito Paisa" and ate some arepas de chocolo there, chuzos and we went in his friends motorcycle etc. Then the teacher would come to the classroom, we all get up and say: Buenos Dias. During school, I was very talkative but great student. During break all my "barrita" of friends would sit on the Cancha ( field) de basketball and eat our "mediamañana" ( midmorning snack) and the guys would come up to to talk to us through the "reja". Usually my boyfriend would come too and visit.( he went to night school) Our school was an all-girl catholic school. Then one monja ( nun) or 2 would come up and tell the guys to leave. After school my boyfriend would be waiting for me to take me home. My mami would have my lunch ready and my clothes to change into ( yes I was spoiled in that way) then we would sit down and watch the 1:30pm novela ..it was then " alcanzar una estrella 2" with Ricky Martin.. I loved that novela.. then I would do my homewok, call my friends and then we would all hang out.. so fun! we would just sit oputside someone's house and talk.. buy BON BON BUMS ( LOLLYPOPS) and laugh..tell jokes.. flirt etc. My boyfriend would usually come too..we would play music and all that.. then I would go back home and have dinner with my mami and brother.. watch the night novela.. get my uniform ready for the next day and I would listen to the radio to go so sleep... oh and talk to my boyfriend on the phone from my bed to go to sleep.

THIS WAS A TYPICAL DAY ON MY LIFE IN MEDELLIN AS A TEENAGER.

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on DID YOU SEE SHAKIRA ON MTV THIS MORNING?

THE WEBSITE WAS WRONG: SORRY GUYS

www.shakiramedia.com

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on DID YOU SEE SHAKIRA ON MTV THIS MORNING?

Shakira is amazing! The show was great! I watched and taped the MTV special. For those who missed it,it was a live concert from Spain and an MTV Diary. Both were amazing!

Shaki's concert was great, en la plaze de Madrid and gosh, everyone was singing the songs..especially "Te Dejo Madrid" of course and "La Tortura".. it was amazing.

The Diary was so cool, they showed her going to Tureky and her frist presentation of FIJACION ORAL in the German Show, then they showed her flyng to Colombia, and she took a small place to go to EL CHOCO as some of you may or may not know, El Choco, is an area in Colombia with very poor regions and very poor children...aslo most of the people there are very very dark skinned, and Shakira's foundation: PIES DESCALZOS - in case some of you don't know, she founded this on like 1995 to help children in Colombia, it began as to give them shoes and also she builds schools, provides meals and education to these children. WEll, the Choco Shcool was the first of the fundation and she went to visit the kids to make sure everything is going well. She was so sweet, you should've seen all these kids hugging her and kissing her and she even went in the playground with them and played ! They perfomed for her and she also performed for them. After that she went back to Bogota because they had a special ceremony and surprise for her. They made a huge plaque with all her Cd's ( except the very first 2 when she was 13 & 15 -those were only released in Colombia and had little sucess) and she was in tears.. they were so sweet to her... and she also performed accoustic for them. Then she went to a party and it was nice to see her in Colombia. :)

For those who really want to see it visit my colombian friend website www.shakiraisabel.com or my other friend's site : www.shakiramedia.net They have many shakira videos including this one.

For anyone who wants to know anythng about shakira, I am, obviously one of her #1 fans ! ;)

Chao,

"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on For native Spanish speakers...what novel has impacted you the most?

caulfield2 ; yes that book The 20 songs of despair!

They are all beautiful but that one makes me like gosh feel so sad!

Some people call it " THE SADDEST LINES", 'THE SADDEST VERSES", "THE SADDEST POEM"....

HERE IS THE POEM:

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.

Write for example, 'The night is shattered
and the blue stars shiver in the distance.'

The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.

Through nights like this one I held her in my arms.
I kissed her again and again under the endless sky.

She loved me, sometimes I loved her too.
How could one not have loved her great still eyes.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
To think that I do not have her. To feel that I have lost her.

To hear immense night, still more immense without her.
And the verse falls to the soul like dew to a pasture.

What does it matter that my love could not keep her.
The night is shattered and she is not with me.

This is all. In the distance someone is singing. In the distance.
My soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

My sight searches for her as though to go to her.
My heart looks for her, and she is not with me.

The same night whitening the same trees.
We, of that time, are no longer the same.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but how I loved her.
My voice tried to find the wind to touch her hearing.

Another's. She will be another's. Like my kisses before.
Her voice. Her bright body. Her infinite eyes.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but maybe I love her.
Love is short, forgetting is so long.

Because through nights like this one I held her in my arms
my soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

Though this be the last pain that she makes me suffer
and these the last verses that I write for her.

ANOTHER POEM OF NERUDA'S I LOVE IS : IF YOU FORGET ME.



"Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on El 20 de julio, el canal National Geographic presentará especial de cuatro horas sobre Colombia

thanks ! I hope I can see part of it ! "Que Viva Medellin!"

Antioqueñita comments on

I missed it! I hope I get so see it... tell us what happened? what did they do to her?
"Que Viva Medellin!"