Hello everyone !! I'm going to visit my girlfriend in Manizales & this will be my first time in Colombia. Have lived most of my life in Chicago but was born & raised in the Philippines so I do know a little bit about Latin culture minus the language. Based on the internet I see a lot of similarities between Colombia & the Philippines.Any advice would be greatly appreciated (thankyou Gator). Salamat ....
By lakbaydiwa on Aug 27, 2005, 19:40 in Friendly Talkzone.
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adrimm says on Aug 27, 2005, 20:07: I'm not all here today but off the top of my head..but from what I know of Philippino culture you will see some similarities.. of course it really isn't too different from being under the microscope elsewhere.
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miamimike says on Aug 27, 2005, 20:20: Always close the Bathroom Door after You Use IT !! This Drives me crazy as it is (for the most part just the opposite practice)of what we do here in the House. We here in the states leave the Door open after we use it so the NEXT person can SEE its un-occupied. If there is a closed door, for us here in the USA, thats a signal(unspoken)that you shouldn't enter or even knock(like maybe mom and dad are "busy"). If I had a dime for every time I walked in on someone sitting on the "Throne" I would be rich; sometimes its funny(maybe interesting if its the opposite sex), sometimes its not-I always try to make a joke out of this if I catch someone with "The Pants Down". I am never embarrassed myself as its happened to me also and I take no umbrage or insult. If you are with a big group eating out, Never ask for Seperate Checks as they will think you are cheap or tight! Never leave more then a 50 Cent tip as you will be accused of spoiling the Help for the Natives. Invite your Novia to Monserrate-Not. Guess this is bad luck! If someone starts to ask you how much you earn, I would artfully dodge THIS question and change the subject-thats private for most folks)I'm sure there are more things others will suggest to avoid these are my favorites. Oh, by the way-Never Ever Slam the Taxi Door Shut when entering the Taxi-this may get you tossed out of the Cab; at the very least you will get a Dirty Look from the driver! No tip for him anyhow! jaja My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Maliz says on Aug 27, 2005, 22:14: Insider´s info Hi! I´m Colombian so here´s a bit of insider´s info:
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kernow62 says on Aug 28, 2005, 04:05: Hey Mike, I always close the bathroom door after I use it, but I leave it open while I am using it so that people know it is occupied. That doesn't go down well in Colombia I can tell you.
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aztec says on Aug 28, 2005, 05:37: All good advice Here's a few other small things that I have done that irritated some of my friends and family. Colombians are generally gracious and so will not tell you of your faux pau.
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2retirensa says on Aug 28, 2005, 05:54: This bathroom door thing is a killer!! No one told me, so it took awhile to figure out. In a house full of people, you initially think its always occupied. I was counting people to try to figure out if it was available or not!!
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Aug 28, 2005, 06:51: if you say "thank you, this is lovely" it is interpreted as if you hated it but were just mouthing a polite answer. (But you already knew that, didn't you?). "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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aztec says on Aug 28, 2005, 08:14: Desideria "Be prepared for the cheerful invasion of your private sphere. People ask all kinds of questions about you, your family, your life; you get a full interview any time you meet somebody new. They're not invading your privacy, just being politely interested."
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 28, 2005, 08:15: Again it depends on the person. With my wife, ahora really does mean now, punto! And you better have your trasero ready, buddy! Although I don't know how she did not manage to go nuts down there. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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kernow62 says on Aug 28, 2005, 08:19: Also don't mention you have diarrhea; the entire extended family will try to resolve your problem with all manner of remedies, soon it will be known all over Bogotá that you have diarrhea. I speak from experience.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Aug 28, 2005, 12:32: your wife, Utopia has to be one in a million. Of course, there's a difference if you just say..."ahora..." or AHORA! Given the right emphasis it means "ya!" (With another type of intonation it might mean "yesss, quit badgering me!) "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 28, 2005, 13:30: I don't even own a watch but she lives by her watch. If you arrange to meet her at 4 PM, you better not show up at 4:02 because you'll hear how she was there at 3:45 waiting for you. She's freaking compulsive. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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kernow62 says on Aug 28, 2005, 13:34: I am a great believer in herbal remedies, in fact I use them all the time, but sugar in beer is nasty!
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miamimike says on Aug 29, 2005, 00:19: Jim Great Idea-Jim Those doors are a PITA anyhow!Maybe someone needs to market some those little sliding signs like on the Buses or Airliners that say Occupied/Un-occupied when you close the door.Problem is many times in Colombia, the people using the BR don't lock the door so we just walk in. Not many in the US knock on the BR door before entering and herein lies the problem. My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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flaleo says on Aug 29, 2005, 07:23: Not Americans Colombians aren't Americans, I never agree with that line of reasoning seen here before. Sure, they are "South Americans", the same that people from the USA are "North Americans" (but then who uses either label?).
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tomtom33 says on Aug 29, 2005, 07:58: Bathroom door I took the door off the master bathroom in my apartment in Cartagena. Those bathrooms are too small. Any guests who visit my bedroom probably don't need the door anyway.
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toneloc24 says on Aug 29, 2005, 15:20: LOL!!! "Then the clear glass shower enclosure provides better viewing. What are the dos and don'ts about watching a guest showering?" "Don't tase me, bro!!!!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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cam0940 says on Aug 29, 2005, 16:50: If you are the visiting boyfriend, whatever you do, don't appear to be cheap. "Duro" has more than one meaning, one good and one bad.
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tomtom33 says on Aug 29, 2005, 17:21: Thanks, Tone Check my image gallery on that first DO.
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poco says on Aug 29, 2005, 19:13: Bobo whatever you do, don't appear to be cheap. "Duro" has more than one meaning, one good and one bad. "When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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tomtom33 says on Aug 29, 2005, 19:24: Right on Poco I'd rather be cheap than broke. It took about 6 months for the regular street people to stop asking me for money. If I had ever given them any, the asking would never have stopped.
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cam0940 says on Aug 29, 2005, 20:27: Yes poco I meant in regards to the tag-alongs. The fact is people will invite themselves to come along.
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litost says on Aug 29, 2005, 21:04: I (a colombian) disagree with flaleo on the "American" issue... yes, it's a technicality which many may overlook, but certain people do appreciate at least the recognition that colombians are also americans even if not usually reffered to as such, for belonging to the american continent.
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adrimm says on Aug 29, 2005, 21:44: American = Matter of perspective I say pot-ah-to, you say pot-ai-to.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Aug 30, 2005, 09:43: yes, it's a matter of perspective. Historically and culturally, Colombian and Brazilian, Chilean and Salvadorean, Mexican and Canadian, Gringo and Dominican etc etc.are just some of the diverse peoples of the Americas. All American. (As in not being European, Asian, Australian or African). It's really quite simple. If you want to specify, then it'd be North, South or Central American. If you want to narrow down to a specific country then it'd be Colombian, Brazilian, Dominican, Gringo. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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flaleo says on Aug 30, 2005, 12:54: OK, fair enough, I do agree with those points...
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Aug 30, 2005, 13:06: oh, no question about it flaleo, I am well familiar with the usage of the word "American" in USA. It's used in the narrow sense of identifying the country of origin, not the continent. But it can also be used in the wider sense and it's there where all peoples of the Americas have a claim on it. It's a justifed claim too; it's also time-honoured. That's what Panamerican movement is all about. So, when a Colombian says "I'm also an American" that's what he/she means. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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platano says on Aug 30, 2005, 13:37: In Colombia I would never say "Soy americano".... I sometimes said "soy norteamericano" (which could mean I am Mexican or Canadian), but to be perfectly clear I learned to say the word (it's not really that difficult) which precisely expresses my political identity: "soy estadounidense" (my accent guaranteed no confusion with "estadounidense mexicano").
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 13:55: Residents of the US are not the only people who refer to residents of the USA as "Americans". The other English-speaking countries also refer to us that way and they don't seem to have an issue with it - maybe because there is not an English word like "estadounidense" that seems suitable. The Panamerican movement would seem to be strictly a South American thing. Both Mexico and Canada have no desire to be part of any Panamerican movement which would have them swallowed up by the United States. In fact I don't even know why the South Americans would want to become part of Greater Brazil? Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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platano says on Aug 30, 2005, 14:13: Points of view of residents of other countries run the gamut... with "Yankee Imperialist Pig" being a recurrent theme. I suppose the correct form would be "American Imperialist Pig"?
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flaleo says on Aug 30, 2005, 14:20: So, who other than some of our neighbors in the hemisphere use the term 'Americans' other than to identify US citizens?
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litost says on Aug 30, 2005, 14:40: Yes yes yes... I know as well all the other colombians that the USAGE of the word "american" for people of the United States of America is both historical and wide-ranging. We doubt this will ever change, at least not in the english speaking world where there is no suitable substitute. The POINT is that it is a little annoying for all of us from other american countries to have millions of gringos saying "I am an American", "I love America", etc... or worse when the word comes out of Bush's mouth such as "America is the greatest nation on the planet". I know trying to change this would be an uphill battle, so all I say is that at least when visiting another country in the american continent, unitedstatians be aware of this!
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 15:16: Nice touch, Litost. "unitedstatians" sure rolls right off the tongue. But then we get into the problem of which United States? The United States of Mexico? They have signs when you enter Mexico saying welcome to Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Good thing Brazil gave up the name Republic of the United States of Brazil in 1968. And Venezuela gave up the name United States of Venezuela in 1953. Maybe Chavez can resurrect it to thumb his nose at W. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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aztec says on Aug 30, 2005, 15:32: American "so all I say is that at least when visiting another country in the American continent, unitedstatias be aware of this!" litost
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Copete says on Aug 30, 2005, 16:43: names As far as I know, in the UN it says "United States" on the desk of the delegation from the USA, and "Mexico" on the desk of the Mexican delegation.
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Rubiazo says on Aug 30, 2005, 19:29: I saw some graffiti on carrera 7 today ¨GRINGOS HIJUEPUTAS¨
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platano says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:09: Rubiazo, that graffiti you saw is shocking and an insult to... putas everywhere!
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:13: I agree, Copete. We should have taken the name Columbia. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:13: I agree, Copete. We should have taken the name Columbia. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Lostgringo says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:14: slamming the taxi door damn I can't stop doing this. The doors on the taxis must only weight 1 lb. Hm wait a minute, the taxi only weighs a pound lol. I got a bad comment today from a taxi driver..I just smiled and said gracias...later my novia told me he was not happy with me. I felt a little stupid. Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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juanalejo says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:20: Cultural do´s and dont´s I think the title of this thread is do´s and dont´s in Colombia, so if America or not America is not the point, why don´t you just learn those do´s and dont´s. When in Colombia, people from the United States of America are generally referred as "gringos" (not offensive at all), Norteamericanos (does not include Canadians or Mexicans) or Estadounidenses. So regardless if some of you guys like or not, a general do not in Colombia is to call your self Americano, and really strong do not is to say you come from a country called America. You come from "Los Estados Unidos" or "Los Estados Unidos de America" if that pleases some of you guys more.
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:26: Unfortunately or fortunately, the Canadians frequently get lumped in with the Americans or should I say the Columbians. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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platano says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:31: juanalejo, I wouldn't make a blanket statement that... the term "gringos" is not offensive. It all depends on the tone and context. Many times I have heard the phrase "pinches gringos" or "gringos hijueputas" and it was intended as an insult. Other times, the word "gringos" is merely used in a descriptive way without any emotional charge behind it.
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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:40: A Mexican will never use the word "gringo" to refer to a US resident unless he/she intends an insult. I've heard it used so much in Colombia that it's lost its barb and sometimes I'll refer to myself as a gringo in the presence of Mexicans. They will wince when I say it and quickly move the conversation along. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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platano says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:50: Frank, you really do have to work on being conscious of how... you close the taxi door. Make it a "door-closing meditation", purposely, slowly, and even dramatically move the taxi door close to the body of the car, then give it a push until it latches. If it doesn't latch sometimes the taxi driver will reach back, open it and then with a weak pull, close the door. They sometimes will try to do this before you have a chance to close the door, as a preventative measure. But you'll be sure to get a smile if you show them that their taxi door is important to you and you are treating it with kid gloves, so to speak, so as not to diminish the value of their asset, which is their livelihood. It really isn't that the taxi doors are lightweight: they are Daewoos, Hyundais, etc. manufactured to standards. You just may be used to another kind of taxi. I know in Victoria, BC they use Toyota Prius for taxis and you can slam those babies shut without problem. Just try to be more loving toward the taxi doors and you will not make any enemies of taxi drivers. This is an opportunity to show that you are sensitive to the fact that you are a guest in their country and care about them.
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kat1 (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 05:26: rubiazo I seen some Graffitis in Colombia where it said "Yankies go Home"
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kat1 (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 05:46: Lakbaydiwa First we don't start christmas in September so don't star singing christmas Carol just yet, like in the Phillipines.jeje
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flaleo says on Aug 31, 2005, 05:55: "When in Colombia, people from the United States of America are generally referred as "gringos" (not offensive at all), Norteamericanos (does not include Canadians or Mexicans) or Estadounidenses."
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Tinto (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 07:36: Which reminds me... ...of a humorous anecdote I read in some financial newspaper.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 07:38: graffiti I've seen "Gringo go home", "Gringa stay here!" "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Diez Y Siete says on Aug 31, 2005, 07:48: Hmm just a thought Well i read alll of these things about not calling yourself "american" and i agree, that was the 1st thing i was taught to not say when i visit, and for all the people who wonder who labels us by continent, dont you call someone asian or african? maybe we dont do it here in the EEUU but the point of this was to know about the do's and dont's of THEIR culture, the point of this was to learn what they do diffrently, and you are trying to say "well thats not how we do it here" EXACTLY, we wanted to know what they do THERE!
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Diez Y Siete says on Aug 31, 2005, 07:48: Hmm just a thought Well i read all of these things about not calling yourself "american" and i agree, that was the 1st thing i was taught to not say when i visit, and for all the people who wonder who labels us by continent, dont you call someone asian or african? maybe we dont do it here in the EEUU but the point of this was to know about the do's and dont's of THEIR culture, the point of this was to learn what they do diffrently, and you are trying to say "well thats not how we do it here" EXACTLY, we wanted to know what they do THERE!
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kat1 (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 08:11: In Spain they called South-Americans, Sudakos, and they don't say suramericano, they said sud-americano
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poco says on Aug 31, 2005, 10:05: Depends on Location I seen some Graffitis in Colombia where it said "Yankies go Home" "When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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kat1 (Moderator) says on Aug 31, 2005, 11:54: Poco I though you were Colombian, what was I thinking?
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adrimm says on Aug 31, 2005, 16:29: Gee Platano, You get around..... Colombia, Canada, US, all over the place it seems. But on the taxi's you forgot about the Renault taxis in Colombia.
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