Irritated! (a Colombian reply)

poco says on Apr 13, 2005, 19:30:

Politics Is where you should post feeble attempts to elicit responses.

If anything,, try to be more like Elmo.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

dwmte says on Apr 13, 2005, 19:45:

a gentlemans offer, sr tertius... and by the way, you've an interesting name...

tete-a-tete, vis-a-vis our mutual irritations (if you will) experienced at the hands of our ex-patriot host. yours, mine. mine, yours.

yes i believe it to be a fair and worthy duel, between worthy opponents. as i've previously vollied my irritations, now, i'm all ears to hear more of yours.

nothing better than favorable sport between gentlemen.

regards,

douglas

platano says on Apr 13, 2005, 19:50:

Twenty things that surprised me in gringolandia include... 1. Being asked where you are from because of your accent. (I thought gringos respected privacy and didn't pry)

2. Eating in the car instead of going in and sitting at a table. (of course they do everything else in a car, including procreate.)

3. Having parties with no music and having parties that last 2 or 3 hours (actually I've gotten used to the early to bed syndrome as I get older) Having parties where people just sit around and talk and don't even tell jokes.

4. Being super-punctual about the work thing. I mean we are human, things happen, maybe you have to get to work 5 or 15 or 45 minutes late.... but not in gringolandia.

5. The whole dysfunctional family thing seems really widespread in USA and many families show very little affection. (I have met a few that do hug each other...gingerly and quickly!)

6. No prima, no aguinaldo, no natilla, no ajiaco, no lulado, no cholados de Jamundi con crema de leche, etc. etc.

7. Treating Semana Santa like it was a regular work week, even on Good Friday.

8. Related to number 7, there are definitely not enough puentes!

9. What up with the obesity thing, especially in cities like Houston.

10. The accelerated pace, multi-tasking, work-obsessed mentality drives me nuts.

11. Nobody just drops by to chat for a while at the kitchen table over agua panela. It's like you have to schedule social visits in your calendar and be on time or people get offended.

12. Why this super-strict traffic nonsense. I mean if you can see no one is coming then slowing down for the red light should be good enough.

13. There are more "gente loca" here and they are walking the streets instead of getting the help they need.

14. People here are armed and dangerous. Combine that with number 5 and number 13 and it doesn't surprise me they shoot their teachers and classmates, go "postal," masacre in the workplace, bomb abortion clinics and kill doctors, bomb federal buildings, masacre religious minorities like at Waco, Texas, have drive-by shootings, and send death threats and hate mail to whoever disagrees with them like they are doing to that Ward Churchill guy. And that's not to mention serial killers and domestic violence. Gente loca!

15. Oh, yeah, and where I live there are potholes in the streets and the kids are taking drugs like there's no tomorrow. And they told me in the United States you pay taxes but you get services. I don't see it. Services are getting cut, including libraries, fire dept. and police dept., social services (mental health, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse counseling, etc.)

16. Corruption. I really didn't believe it happened here.

17. Littering along certain highways and byways (though in general it's cleaner than Colombia and people don't litter as much)

18. The birth tax: every child born here owes US$34,000 in national debt.

19. People who don't use deodorant and smell of "chucha"

20. People who think "Latinos" are ruining the country. The gringos are doing OK in that department by themselves.


Bueno, I think that's enough. I can't wait to get back to Colombia!

Plátano, who in spite of everything loves the American people but not their militaristic government

P.D. For balance I add one thing I wish Colombia had: an efficient national system of public and university libraries with interlibrary loan. In the USA I can get access to 120 million books through http://redlightgreen.com (compared to 3 million books at amazon.com)

plátano

dwmte says on Apr 13, 2005, 20:12:

you're right platano, all that adds up... to one giant pain in the ass. i'm going through it while we speak. this makes the 'tough' times in colombia, like a beatriz potter novel, where all my friends are groovy and aint out for blood. yep, now you see why a few sensible gringos can see the differences that exist in your country...vis a vis ours...and have sort of re- patriated themselves to your home. not a bad choice in my estimation, but that's just my opinion. other's will certainly find flaw and conflict in these observances.

thanks for the post,

dw

Sr Tertius says on Apr 13, 2005, 20:17:

Ha ha! Poco: I see I touched a sensitive nerve. Didn't mean too. I hope it wasn't the belching, or the PJs.

Douglas: As long as this tit-for-tat results in something constructive, I'd be willing to continue... but I ran out of aggravations, except for platano's #3: that's a killer! Advice to those celebrating your Colombian friend's b-day: put some danceable music on, and make sure there are drinks.

Curiously, when I tell people that I am Colombian, I'm rather surprised that noone makes any of the drug/guerrilla-related comments that many of us would find uncomfortable (that is, until I invite such comments).

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

Mateo-FL says on Apr 13, 2005, 20:36:

Where shall I start(coming from a gringo) 1. Cars with enough bass in them for them to blow the windows out of the space shuttle while it is orbit.(and by the way I like Rage against the Machine)
2. The use of cell phones. Especially nextel walkie talkie things. I do not want to hear your damn conversation.
3. Gold teeth
4.Lack of affection in families
5.People wearing jeans/shorts hanging off their ass(buy a belt)
6.Seeing puddles of spit from chewing tobacco(may only apply to the south?)
7.Country music
8.Taco Bell
There is much more, just can't think of it now

kernow62 says on Apr 13, 2005, 21:07:

TACO BELL!!! You commie bastard! What is wrong with Taco Bell, the only fast food place a Krishna can get a few veggie delights (I don't tell them that the refried beans are probably cooked in lard. ;-)

1. Giant bleached white choppers like a row of shiny tombstones.

2. Giant SUVs with one person, usually a 4 foot tall woman behind the wheel, yapping on her mobile.

3. Terrible drivers, the driving test is a joke, 3 minutes round the carpark and you can drive.

4. Punks on motorcycles who don't have to wear a helmet or carry insurance (Florida)

5. Littering

6. Bush/Cheney bumperstickers.

7. TV shows that are copies of UK shows but fail miserably when adapted to US characters, Coupling, The Office etc..

8. People who think if you didn't serve in the military you have no rights.

9. The possibility of hunting feral cats in Wisconsin, I hope the mice and rats eat the crops and the millions of extra birds shit on their cars.

10. Voice mail that never gets returned.

11. Telemarketers.

12. Junk Mail

13. Lack of vacation time.

14. Thinking the US is the center of the world.

15. My neighbour's bright blue shiny house!

16. Rap music where every other word is an obscenity or talks about skrewing some ho.

17. White people who think they're black.

18. Vegetables that have no flavour.

19. Crappy beer

20. Crappy cars.

Now, would anyone like to hear all the wonderful things about the US?

platano says on Apr 13, 2005, 21:22:

Kernow62, about the wonderful things in the United States... Yep! I'm with you! I could make a list as long or longer about all the things I love about the United States. Ultimately having lived in both places it comes down to an emotional reality that can't easily be put into words.... I just feel more "at home" in Colombia even though it is not Disneyland and even with the guerrilla kidnapping and killing that has become an industry.

It is an intangible feeling of HAPPINESS being in Colombia that makes me believe the World Happiness Survey that ranks Colombia right up at the top of the list, ahead of Denmark and Switzerland!

Plátano, smiling at the thought of returning to Colombia, a thought that keeps me sane (though Desi and others have already doubted my sanity)

plátano

Sr Tertius says on Apr 13, 2005, 21:34:

RATM, The good things "by the way I like Rage against the Machine" Me too: they should get together again and make a CD that explodes if you play it in a Hummer or SUV, or if you use it as a ringtone.

Junk mail!! Forgot that one... and noisy Harleys!!! Are there no rules about how much noise your vehicle can produce? I used to live in a part of Long Island densely populated by middle aged men suffering what appeared to be horrible cases of middle age crisis. And, of course, their crises trumped my sleep, so I had to put up with their lack of muffler every night.

"would anyone like to hear all the wonderful things about the US?"

I wouldn't mind. In fact, I have one: in few places aside from the US I can make a living out of doing what I feel passionate about. That's the greatest luxury ever. There are many, MANY more, of course.

Platano: I hear you.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

kernow62 says on Apr 13, 2005, 22:54:

Great things about the USA.

1) sell anything on eBay

2) buy anything on eBay

3) library that mails the books, CDs and DVDs to me (free)

4) interlibrary loan

5) Taco Bell (just kidding)

6) Can return crap to the stores easily for refund

7) Gadgets, digital cameras, PCs, etc. cheaper than elsewhere

8) Lots of different cultures

9) drag racing

10) easy to get credit and then declare you are bankrupt.

----------------------------------------------------------

kat1 (Moderator) says on Apr 14, 2005, 03:39:

What irritate me in the UK everybody complains.
pubs close at 11pm.
shops close at 5.30pm
people doing D.Y. CR...P on sundays
too many people exploiting the benefit system (lazy B...tards
tony blair
the queen
my mother in law (se queja mas que una caja de pollos)
david beckam + wife
unruling kids
The transport system in small towns
petrol prices
WEATHER
Reality TV shows

engage brain before opening mouth

dwmte says on Apr 14, 2005, 04:38:

don't like the motorcycles? ha!!! you ain't seen nothing yet. come to daytona beach during bike week or biketoberfest.

in february--bike week--500,000 or more cycleists (sp) converge on daytona...a city of about 250,000. the nightmare from hell...24-7 the bikers are reving their motors, racing up and down the streets and making life miserable for the locals. this happens twice a year.

culture in daytona: motorcycles, tattoos, nascar, body piercings hang on i can probably think of more. at least botero can paint.

babygirl says on Apr 14, 2005, 06:01:

Pet peeve about my US neighbours.

Babygirl says: Thank you so much for your help today, I really appreciate it.

American response: uh huh

What's up with that?

PS: I've worn my pajama bottoms out before..hahaa, I even have some with Hello Kitty on the ass.

cheers - babygirl

cheers - babygirl

Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 14, 2005, 06:20:

curious these are fun to hear. Please tell where in the US you are

dwmte says on Apr 14, 2005, 08:16:

hollywood and babygirl... whom, pray tell, are you referencing?

dw

miamimike says on Apr 14, 2005, 08:17:

A few More...Things that work.... ATMs that work 99.9% of the time.
Air Conditioning.
Standard Prices for everyone(meaning if you want to take a Taxi, buy/rent a house or apartment--it is THE SAME price for everyone, irrespective of your Nationality.
Discont Coupons-most stores accept 'em.
Standards of Cleanliness in Restaurants(at times they leave a little to be desired but are much better then having no standards)
Small Claims Court-ability to seek redress in court for small filings under $5000.
Mail/Postal System--for .37--still a bargain and mail first class still arrives usually in 2-4 days nationwide. Good Bargain.
Gas/diesel Prices-still Cheap-Relative to European Fuel Prices.

Ability to Drink water from almost any Tap anywhere in the USA and not get Montezuema's Revenge and the Runs.
Ability to breathe Clean Air-not perfect but pretty good in most places.
In a Man neglects his Children in a Divorce the Woman can go to Court for Redress and receive court ordered child support for the children(not a perfect system but better then most countries)

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 14, 2005, 08:26:

don't get me wrong platano, I haven't doubted your sanity, ever! It was something else that prompted my pm to you in another thread, something that didn't make sense to me, but the inconsistency that caught my eye had nothing to do withyour sanity:)

tertius, fair and square! I think all you Colombians took my thread about things that irritate us foreigners in your country really well. I thought that you meant (in your initial post) things that we foreigners do when visiting/living in Colombia that would irritate local Colombians rather than things about the US that irritate everybody. I'd love to hear more on that.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

william_andrew_channell says on Apr 14, 2005, 08:31:

Platano wrote:***3. Havin Platano wrote:

***3. Having parties with no music and having parties that last 2 or 3 hours (actually I've gotten used to the early to bed syndrome as I get older) Having parties where people just sit around and talk and don't even tell jokes.

Who said that parties are only about music and dancing? What about spending good quality time talking to your friends and family, reminiscing about old times, strengthening your relationship and bonding. How much meaningful interaction and communication can you have listening to loud music and dancing all night? I mean, it's cool sometimes, but not the same thing every party.

***4. Being super-punctual about the work thing. I mean we are human, things happen, maybe you have to get to work 5 or 15 or 45 minutes late.... but not in gringolandia.

It's something called responsibility and respect for others.

***6. No prima, no aguinaldo, no natilla, no ajiaco, no lulado, no cholados de Jamundi con crema de leche, etc. etc.

In Colombia: No BBQ, no catfish, no crawfish boils, no hushpuppies, no country ham, no chitlins, no collard greens, no fried okra, no grits, no sousse, no breakfast sausage, no biscuits and gravy, no buttermilk, no fried green tomatoes, no boiled peanuts, no sweet potato pie, no gumbo, no muscadines, no meatloaf, no peach cobbler, no home-made ice cream, no chicken pot pie, no pecan pie, no chili (fresh made, not from a can), no boiled cookies, no venison, no fried chicken livers and gizzards, no chicken fried steak, no gravy, and etc, etc, etc...


***12. Why this super-strict traffic nonsense. I mean if you can see no one is coming then slowing down for the red light should be good enough.

So, let me get this straight. You would rather have more traffic accidents and have people die and get injured because somebody was too impatient to wait at a red light? It's only a few seconds. I had a good friend who died because somebody driving late at night who thought like you ran a red light because he "didn't see any other car coming". So just keep your typical latin impatience, irresponsibility, laziness and lack of respect for rules, laws and other people and maybe the next person to die in an accident will be your mother, uncle, sister, cousin, best friend, girlfriend, or some other loved one. That'll change your attitude real quick.

***13. There are more "gente loca" here and they are walking the streets instead of getting the help they need.

Yeah right. Have you even tried walking 10 blocks in Bogota? See how many crazies you see.

Mateo wrote:

***3. Gold teeth

I would rather see gold teeth than no teeth, yellow teeth, brown teeth or black teeth, like you see in Colombia.

Kernow wrote:

***16. Rap music where every other word is an obscenity or talks about skrewing some ho.
AND
17. White people who think they're black.

What about Colombians who think they're black, wear FUBU (For Us By Us; not For Colombians By Us) and listen to rap music where every other word is an obscenity or talks about skrewing some ho, even though they don't understand a word and try to act like they're straight outta compton or the bronx and think they actually know what the rap/hip-hop culture is about.

That reminds me of Colombian Skinheads. I mean a COLOMBIAN SKINHEAD??? Think about it.

Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 14, 2005, 08:57:

Explanation My request above for people to say where in the US they live is because a list of things that bug you about NYC is going to be very different than the things that bug you about Mobile, Alabama. So I'm curious to know the geographic framework for these complaints.

One thing I think Tertius wrote was the "God Given Right to talk on a cellphone". I think that's not a US or Colombian thing but simply a curse that has grown up in recent years. Colombians I know all feel perfectly free to interupt a meeting or dinner to answer phone calls, as if a call from Tio Jaime somehow trumps everything because it comes over a phone.

ColombianoX says on Apr 14, 2005, 09:09:

"Boiled cookies?"

I was thinking the same thing Tinto! And who says you can't make home-made ice-cream in Colombia?

CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

poco says on Apr 14, 2005, 09:54:

Invitation or ??? (that is, until I invite such comments).,

Irritated!!!!

I was going to say "bureaucracy"

Submitted by Sr Tertius on Sat, 04/09/2005 - 22:28.

But things have improved a bit lately. I'd have to say the annoying Uribe fans that keep asking me what do I have against their idol. Oh, wait, wrong forum...

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

utopiacowboy says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:21:

I was amused to see the reference to "parties" without music. My wife says those aren't parties (fiestas) - they're meetings (reuniones). We turn a lot of these "meetings" into parties by bringing our own Elvis Crespo cds and starting the dancing.

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.

miamimike says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:26:

Hollywood on those Cell Phone Calls... A year back I went out with a Colombiana here in South Miami and her phone rang no less then 19 times during a 2 hr date-the date may have lasted longer but after 10 calls I knew this first date was doomed.To me it is the epitome of Rudeness and inconsideration to take non-essential numerous calls during dinner dates, movies,ect.
Punctuality-well that is one reaon the US leads the World in efficiency and production output. Also another reason people immigrating to the US find work at reletively good pay.Countries in which workers show up whenever also can find a correlation to low productivity.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

ColombianoX says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:29:

"Punctuality-well that is one reaon the US leads the World in efficiency and production output. Countries in which workers show up whenever also can find a correlation to low productivity."


You said it Miamimike, it's that stupid THIRD WORLD mentality that holds countries like Colombia back. I can't believe that after living here in the USA for so long, Platano hasn't learned this.

CX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:37:

Fight back A good thing to do with people like Miamimike's date, who keep interrupting your face time with cell calls, is to wait until they're on a call, walk into the next room, call them on their cell and interrupt THEIR conversation. Then you say, "I'm sorry, I just kept getting interrupted by your phone so let's just talk this way."

Sr Tertius says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:46:

Miamimike I agree with your observations, except for:

"Standard Prices for everyone(meaning if you want to take a Taxi, buy/rent a house or apartment--it is THE SAME price for everyone, irrespective of your Nationality."

I haven't had that experience. For some reason, the cab I used to take in L.I. from the train station to my place varied in no particular order from $7-$10. Worse yet, it seems to be a local practice to charge more for rent to foreign students because of (this are the words of a landlord) the "liabilities" implied.

"Ability to Drink water from almost any Tap anywhere in the USA and not get Montezuema's Revenge and the Runs."

In Phoenix you can't even swallow the water.

I must also admit that I've seen more than one Colombian in the US enthusiastically embracing the habits that they would otherwise find annoying, like the cell phone thing. I find myself burping more than usual, but that could be my new diet.

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

kernow62 says on Apr 14, 2005, 12:15:

WA I don't like obscene rap music in the US, Colombia, the UK or anywhere. I only like one black wanabee and that is Ali G!

kernow62 says on Apr 14, 2005, 12:21:

Personally I like to be punctual and don't see it as a bad thing, I don't think it is why the US is so productive though, it is because they all work their asses off and don't take time to chill. I have friends who work 2 jobs and take all the overtime they can get, I will be still plugging along when they are having heart attacks and other stress related problems.

There used be a joke at British Leyland that the employees no longer clocked in but were simply invited to sign the guest book.

Lionheart says on Apr 14, 2005, 13:33:

endless lists I think everybody can make endless lists of the good and bad of every culture. My biggest pet peeve are the people that go to a foreign culture and have no respect for that culture, they behave as if they were back home ... and this is not just a gringo trait! These ignorants exist everywhere and stick out like sore thumbs when they travel ... giving their homeland a bad reputation.

babygirl says on Apr 14, 2005, 13:48:

Ditto Lionheart!! Mr Hollywood I'll remember that cel phone suggestion next time it happens to me on a date. Think he'll get the point? Dwmte, I was making reference to many phone calls I've made in the past to the states or trips down there, not one specific state or area :) I still stand there waiting for the 'you're welcome' haha.

cheers - babygirl

cheers - babygirl

william_andrew_channell says on Apr 14, 2005, 14:33:

CHOCOLATE BOILED COOKIES Never had boiled cookies?!?!? I know it sounds like a weird recipe, but you just have to try it. Forget the oven, no baking required. This is because in the hot, hot south, using the oven would turn your house into an inferno. That's why there is so much fried food in the south. Pan frying and deep frying don't produce as much heat as other cooking methods. Anyway, here's the recipe. Enjoy!!!

CHOCOLATE BOILED COOKIES

Makes about 24

2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup half and half or 15% cream
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup coconut flakes
2 1/2 cups quick oatmeal


In a thick bottom saucepan, combine sugar, cream, butter, vanilla and salt. Bring to a boil. Let boil for 3 minutes.
Stir in the cocoa powder.
Remove from heat and mix in the coconut and oatmeal.
Line a buttered cookie sheet with spoonfuls of the mixture.
Refrigerate. Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

BTW, I've never seen home-made ice cream in Colombia or any Ice Cream store that makes fresh, homestyle ice cream daily in the store. I'm missing Papa's College Custard, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Tinto (Moderator) says on Apr 14, 2005, 14:53:

Aha! Thanks I grew up in Ohio and we called those "Chocolate No-Bake" cookies. Very similar except no cream and we substituted peanut butter for your coconut.

kernow62 says on Apr 14, 2005, 14:59:

I don't know about homemade ice cream but they have helados caseros in Colombia.

william_andrew_channell says on Apr 14, 2005, 15:11:

I'm referring to the soft ice cream; the kind where the ingredients are poured together in a metal canister and you crank and crank the canister inside a bucket of ice keeping it constantly mixing until it starts to freeze. Also, a good ice cream should be made with eggs. I think the colombian process is just to mix some fruit with milk and stick it in the freezer. That's not really ice cream, it's just a popsicle.

kernow62 says on Apr 14, 2005, 19:58:

Maybe you should start exporting those ice cream makers, sounds like a potential money maker. I know the kind you are talking about, but I don't think I have ever had homemade ice cream even in the US. I have had plenty of ice cream but it doesn't taste any different from that at Mimos.

platano says on Apr 14, 2005, 20:20:

platano, I haven't doubted your sanity, ever! Forgive me, Desi, but when you wrote the following phrase Friday 3/25/05 18:19
(http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/8446)

"rompa con la cordura...instalate en la locura"

I must have misunderstood that you were referring to my sanity.

No offense taken and I appreciate your thoughtful posts always!

:-)

Plátano

plátano

Mateo-FL says on Apr 14, 2005, 20:21:

Forgot a big one :::: George Bush ::::
(Not that I would have voted for Kerry though)

Sr Tertius says on Apr 14, 2005, 21:28:

Addition It's football (or fútbol), not soccer. :P

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 15, 2005, 09:19:

platano platano platano I can't access the thread in which I wrote those great words of wisdom
"Rompa con la cordura, instálate en la locura", but they are not my own words, of course but a quote. That's something I used to read on a cement wall on the Quinta con Avenida de Colombia, a grafiti (sp?) Every time we drove by I used to think about it and saw it more like an invitation to creative thinking, a break from the conventional, hide-bound schemes and logic, an expression of intellectual freedom. Those were the days my friend....
So, as you see, it's not about your sanity at all. It's more about my own sanity, popular rethorics.
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

gstern says on Apr 15, 2005, 09:27:

Hysterical I love this thread! And I agree with about all of it (and I am an American).

HOWEVER, I have to take issue with the comments about drivers and driving. How a Colombian could find drivers in the USA bad is unfathomable to me. After 8 trips to Colombia over the last 2 years, about the ONLY thing I hate about Colombia is the driving.

- Turning right from the left hand lane
- Turning left from the right hand lane
- Trying to run over pedestrians desperately trying to cross the street (hey, you don't want want to be delayed another 3 seconds by letting someone cross, after all, everyone is SO punctual in Colombia, you can't afford to lose the time)
- Buses swerving in and out of traffic
- Passing around blind curves in the mountains, if someone is coming the other way, everyone is dead
- No apparent rules whatsoever except for the rule of the jungle: "survival of the fittest"

On one recent trip my wife and I were in a taxi on a pretty open avenue on a Sunday, the only day in Bogota where there is very little traffic. Of course the taxi driver was driving like a madman going down the empty streets at high speeds. Anyway, there was a family with small children trying to cross the road on their bicycles far up the road. What did the taxi driver do? He sped up of course! More points if you can kill small children!!! And kept going faster and faster and I am thinking, OK, when is he going to slow or brake, but he keeps speeding up. The father puts his hand up to the taxi driver to tell him to slow, but he continues until I was sure this family was going to be on our windshield and I just lost it and started screaming profanities at him at which time he SLAMMED on the brakes and narrowly missed killing them.

Why? Open road, no traffic other lane he could have moved to. But he was determined to wipe them out. Bizarre. And this is only the worst of the situations I have seen, there are a myriad of other smaller ones.

poco says on Apr 15, 2005, 10:11:

Water quality in Phoenix GREAT WATER IN COLOMBIA

Can’t drink the Phoenix water… Ha,, Ha,, thought it funny,, maybe Phoenix needs more Gourmet Water, especially the Scottsdale area.

Damn,, it’s true !!!! 17 years of documented problems and a 2005 “boil the water alert�. The water agency is out of control (gone a-muck?).
Phoenix water Quality (not good)!!

Agua Valle operates a MODERN sand filtration plant just outside Camelot and the water is spring fed.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

carter says on Apr 15, 2005, 10:40:

Australians and Punctuality Australians aren't very punctual when it comes to getting to work on time and the first 30 min - 1 hr is usually read the paper time and chat with mates.

But our minimum pay is double the states at around $12 US an hour + 4 weeks paid holiday. Maybe more Colombians should come to Australia so they can keep up the lazy lifestyle and get the money at the same time.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 15, 2005, 11:38:

maybe I should try Australia, sounds like a perfect place, but I want to keep my 6-week Swedish vacations...
I'd like to know more about what about us foreigners that live/visit Colombia gets on the nerves of the local Colombians...
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

utopiacowboy says on Apr 15, 2005, 11:57:

They hate it when we slam doors. Of course after a year living here, my stepkids are slamming doors like seasoned professionals. I wonder what will happen when they return to Colombia for the summer?

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.

kernow62 says on Apr 15, 2005, 14:22:

gstern you are correct regarding the driving in Colombia, I was cheating and bitching about it compared to where I am from in the UK. It drives me crazy in the US when you have three semis in three lanes holding up a mile of cars behind them, it is much smoother sailing in the UK where they are restricted to a single lane except to pass, same with slow cars. The other thing is stupid 4 way stops, a roundabout would be much more efficient and safer, they keep the traffic flowing.

However even though the Colombian drivers seem crazy they are quite skilled at these manouvers, I don't know many Americans that could handle driving in Bogotá. I saw no accidents in the few weeks I was in Bogotá, but I see at least 4 a day in Orlando, a much smaller city.

The flotas passing on blind curves though is a bit too crazy!

There is a reason why there are no F1 drivers from the US. ;-)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 15, 2005, 14:30:

the best drivers in Colombia ought to be the pastusos...."el carro se conoce en la subida y el chofer en la bajada",
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

dwmte says on Apr 15, 2005, 14:58:

desi... i liked your grafitti...

here are a couple shared with me from carlos casteneda...one was on an overpass in east L.A....'death must be the biggest kick of all, that's why they save it til last.' and from a wall in tangiers: "...nothing is less important in life than the score at halftime..."

dw

juanalejo says on Apr 16, 2005, 23:12:

USA 1. What`s up with No. 13? 13th floor, seat 13 on a plane, never thought a nation could be this superstitious.

2. Billboards on everycorner.

3. Ten lane freeways; with billboards in everycorner.

4. Country side dissapearing at an alarming rate as subdivision in suburban America sprawl all over the place.

5. Warnings and disclaimers for everything. Can people not be more responsible for themselves without fearing the law?

6. All the same houses, the same stores, the same restaurants, the same looking everything no matter where you land in the USA.

7. Oversize in everything, freeways, airports, malls, burgers, softdrinks, people.

8. The horrible yellow turning lane. Have people not imagined how a nice green central divider with trees instead of empty lanes for turning.

9. On ground parking. Have underground parkings not been discovered and nice park areas with cars underneath imagined?

10. Farting and burping are bodily necessities, therefore it can be done where ever.

Sr Tertius says on Apr 16, 2005, 23:58:

Two traffic mysteries There are two things about traffic in the US that are beyond my comprehension:

1. "Stupid 4 way stops" (Kernow). When are they going to get rid of this stuff! Anyone who took an undergrad psych class on perception knows that you don't use similar cues to indicate opposite responses: http://www.behavior.org/columns/index.cfm?page=http%3A//www.behavior.org/columns/columns_hardy.cfm

2. "The horrible yellow turning lane." (Juanalejo) The other god-given right in the US, aside from cell phone use, is the right to turn left wherever you can. A city like Phoenix, that is mostly built as a grid, could use the regulations that exist in Bogota (okay, nobody pays attention to those regulations, but that doesn't mean that they can be effective if they are enforced): NO LEFT TURNS (except where indicated). It's quite simple: instead of turning left, go around the next block: it'll take you 2 more minutes, but then you can get rid of those hideous turning lanes and build nice boulevards. (BTW, have you notice how many "boulevards" there are that don't even have a damn divider?)

"When the finger points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger" (Chinese proverb)

william_andrew_channell says on Apr 18, 2005, 07:09:

"4. Country side dissapearing at an alarming rate as subdivision in suburban America sprawl all over the place."

Are you crazy? If you only look at the areas around the cities you might think this, but more than 90% of the US is countryside. There are places where you can drive for hours and hours and never even see a town.

poco says on Apr 18, 2005, 09:12:

Policia Driving on the treeless boulevards in Cali where common practice is the placement of LARGE speed bumps makes driving a Hummer desirable it not necessary.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

kernow62 says on Apr 18, 2005, 12:27:

Tinto try rolling through one in a residential area, you will be paying half a paycheck for the pleasure.

Here in Orlando we have got a few really odd 4 way stops, one is down near the airport, there are 2 straight through lanes and a right and a left turn lane from each direction controlled by a 4 way stop. Shouldn't it be a 16 way stop sign! The various permutations of vehicles and arrival and departures from said intersection is mind boggling.

pepster says on Oct 21, 2005, 09:59:

Sickening I've found this thread disturbing. It seems some take to trashing America because of envy.

I love Colombia, but the list that can be created about the annoying things in Colombian society would not begin to fit on this blog.

The Pepster ColombianBlog.com

jd2342002 says on Oct 21, 2005, 10:37:

number 1? 1. Being asked where you are from because of your accent. (I thought gringos respected privacy and didn't pry)

if some one has a spanish accent you dont need to ask them where they are from just look at there car and hanging from there rearview mirror will be your anwser.

Rubiazo says on Oct 21, 2005, 11:06:

My 20 (or 14) 1) Crap food full of preservatives and other chemical nastys. A glass of milk here is more like a glass of pus and blood and antibiotics!

2) Poor public transit. Even in NYC it could be so much better than it is.

3) People who only speak half a language and are PROUD of it.

4) Total lack of etiquette and respect for others

5) People on the road who should NOT be driving. Bogota drivers may be crazy but they can generally handle it a lot better. And at least you never find someone who takes ten minutes to make a turn there!!

6) Unbridled materialism

7) Advertising everywhere polluting your brain

8) Insurance on everything

9) Having to work pretty much double time just to pay the bills.

10) The cost of everything is doubling.

11) Your $500k home is actually a dump located an hour from anywhere you have to go.

12) Children are treated like crap here

13) People with small children are treated like crap here

14) In some cases, total ignorance about the outside world.

pepster says on Oct 21, 2005, 11:23:

I can't resist 1) Crap food full of preservatives and other chemical nastys. A glass of milk here is more like a glass of pus and blood and antibiotics!

Still beats the bacteria that festers in the third world milk supply.

2) Poor public transit. Even in NYC it could be so much better than it is.

As opposed to who's public transit?

3) People who only speak half a language and are PROUD of it.

Do you mean spanglish? Blame the folks in Washington Heights...this is not a Gringo trait.

4) Total lack of etiquette and respect for others

Ever been to Paris?

5) People on the road who should NOT be driving. Bogota drivers may be crazy but they can generally handle it a lot better. And at least you never find someone who takes ten minutes to make a turn there!!

Yes, Colombian traffic laws are so well followed.

6) Unbridled materialism

Ok...now who exactly is name brand concious? Are you sure you're in Bogota. Last I was there...it's either name brand or crap.

7) Advertising everywhere polluting your brain

Ever try to watch a soccer game on TV in colombia without a commercial or ad spitting out every 10 seconds.

8) Insurance on everything

It's called order. It's called accountability.

9) Having to work pretty much double time just to pay the bills.

At least you can pay them. Try leaving on a Colombian shit salary.

10) The cost of everything is doubling.

Other than Oil...that's just not true.

11) Your $500k home is actually a dump located an hour from anywhere you have to go.

At least homes go up in value. Can you say the same in Colombia?

12) Children are treated like crap here

I guess the United States has the monopoly on Gamines.

13) People with small children are treated like crap here

Because they're annoying.

14) In some cases, total ignorance about the outside world.

Because way too much stuff is going on here to worry about elections in Nambia.

The Pepster ColombianBlog.com

Colombiche says on Oct 21, 2005, 11:39:

Pepster "Do you mean spanglish? Blame the folks in Washington Heights...this is not a Gringo trait." -- Actually, I think Rubiazo was referring to those born and bred Americans who can't even speak proper English.

"Try leaving on a Colombian shit salary." -- I think you mean "living". Uhmm, yeah, okay, sure. It's the chicanos that are screwing up the English language (?????)

"At least homes go up in value. Can you say the same in Colombia?"-- Actually, my sister bought an apartment in Bogota, it went up in value by $5,000 in a year. Are you very real estate market savvy?


"Because way too much stuff is going on here to worry about elections in Nambia." -- Yeah, you are too worried about manipulating the elections in Iraq. (By the way, the country's name is Namibia, I think you just proved Rubiazo's point here).

Ps: You can spew out all your disdain against Colombia, yet you cannot take the slightest bit of criticism against your country?

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

pepster says on Oct 21, 2005, 13:39:

It's called... It's called a type-o Colombiche.

Oooh...Bogota is just jumpin' in the real estate market.

I spew the corruption of Colombia. I spew the pain inflicted on Colombia.

I don't insult the people. I don't insult the culture. I don't reduce them to a caraciture.

You're not criticizing my country, you're stereotyping and being down right nasty calling Americans uneducated and rude.

You're ignorant.

The Pepster ColombianBlog.com

Tinto (Moderator) says on Oct 21, 2005, 13:49:

No name calling from any side, please. .

Colombiche says on Oct 21, 2005, 13:53:

Um, no... I am not calling Americans uneducated and ignorant, please show me the line in my post where I said that. I just explained that Rubiazo might have been referring to "those" Americans who don't speak properly because I know they exist. Stop twisting my words, putting words in my mouth, be civil. Tell me who I am reducing to a caricature here, I don't even remember contributing to this thread until I saw you mocking Colombia's income level, real estate market..etc. We are not an economic powerhouse, whoever said we were?

When I read your post however, I thought you were the one who was expressing some ignorant, angry opinions about a country you probably know very little about, and whose culture you probably don't understand. You also seem to take the stance that Hispanic Americans are responsible for some of your country's problems (at least one). Of course, blame those "darned wetbacks", they are such an easy target.

If calling me ignorant helps you get out some steam, go ahead. I don't care, really.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

pepster says on Oct 21, 2005, 16:28:

touche' Colombiche,

The only reason I responded to this thread is to show the double standard. Don't ridicule America when your own backyard and society has it's ills.

I am American by birth. My parents are from Colombia, Barranquilla and Cartagena respectively.

I've spent most of my summer vacations there when I was in school and every other christmas/carnaval.

I never mock colombian culture nor do I think it's appropriate for anybody on this board to trash Americans. I felt I was insulted. After I said that previously, somebody just responded with more idiotic things about Americans.

What I said must have hurt you. Then you know how it feels to be mocked and stereotyped.

I didn't mean to slur Colombia's median income or lack of real estate prowess. Although, it may be true to some respect. It's no reflection on the people. I was making a statement. People who live in glass houses...shouldn't throw stones.

Otherwise, I apologize if I mixed you up with the other retarded comments made by the others on this thread.

I adore Colombia...and it is my home as well. My dad and grandfather now live there and along with the rest of my family.

The Pepster ColombianBlog.com

Rubiazo says on Oct 21, 2005, 20:00:

I can't resist either 1) Crap food full of preservatives and other chemical nastys. A glass of milk here is more like a glass of pus and blood and antibiotics!

Still beats the bacteria that festers in the third world milk supply.

NO IT DOESNT!! Give me a glass of milk from Colombia or Brazil ANY DAY. AND for my kids too.
I finally got my ex-wife to give my kids organic milk here. I don't want them growing up to be big fat blobs like half this country!

2) Poor public transit. Even in NYC it could be so much better than it is.

As opposed to who's public transit?

As opposed to ANYWHERE IN LATIN AMERICA that I have ever been, just for starters. Except Puerto Rico, but I don't count that as part of Latin America :P

3) People who only speak half a language and are PROUD of it.

Do you mean spanglish? Blame the folks in Washington Heights...this is not a Gringo trait.

People who speak Spanglish at the very least speak half of TWO languages. I was referring to unedcuated ignorant people born here who would do very well do get to the level of Spanglish!!

4) Total lack of etiquette and respect for others

Ever been to Paris?

No. But if I did I'd spend a couple months boning up on my French first, and I bet I'd get along just fine with everybody!

5) People on the road who should NOT be driving. Bogota drivers may be crazy but they can generally handle it a lot better. And at least you never find someone who takes ten minutes to make a turn there!!

Yes, Colombian traffic laws are so well followed.

Learn to read. I just finished saying they DO drive crazy there. But at least they have reflexes and don't take 10 minutes to make a turn. Now it's up three times.

6) Unbridled materialism

Ok...now who exactly is name brand concious? Are you sure you're in Bogota. Last I was there...it's either name brand or crap.


7) Advertising everywhere polluting your brain

Ever try to watch a soccer game on TV in colombia without a commercial or ad spitting out every 10 seconds.

No. I haven't watched anything on TV in months on end. But at least in Colombia you can walk a city street or ride transit without being bombarded by advertisement.

8) Insurance on everything

It's called order. It's called accountability.

It's called insurance company takes your money and then does everything to not pay out when the time comes.

9) Having to work pretty much double time just to pay the bills.

At least you can pay them. Try leaving on a Colombian shit salary.

I'd rather live on 1.5 million in Bogota than on $5000 in NYC.

10) The cost of everything is doubling.

Other than Oil...that's just not true.

In NYC it is true almost across the board, down to the price of a loaf of bread!

11) Your $500k home is actually a dump located an hour from anywhere you have to go.

At least homes go up in value. Can you say the same in Colombia?

You obviously have not been following the Colombian real estate market.

12) Children are treated like crap here

I guess the United States has the monopoly on Gamines.

Why are you putting words in my mouth? I was talking about MIDDLE CLASS children, not the down and out.

13) People with small children are treated like crap here

Because they're annoying.

14) In some cases, total ignorance about the outside world.

Because way too much stuff is going on here to worry about elections in Nambia.

Was that really a typo?? Come on now, don't try and blow smoke at us :))

Rubiazo says on Oct 21, 2005, 20:09:

For balance Things I like about the USA

1) It's a very easy place to start up a small business. You can easily grow it without some level of govt seeing it as a cash cow.

2) You can travel around the country very cheaply.

3) Ecommerce

4) Ebay

5) Cheap computer stuff

6) You can send money out of the country without getting taxed on it.

7) No mandatory military service (as of yet)

8) It's relatively safe

9) It's not Canada

Damn, I ran out.
Somebody help me here, why am I here again anyways?

Rubiazo says on Oct 21, 2005, 20:27:

Things about gringos that I could see pissing off Bogotanos (besides slamming doors)

-Talking TOO LOUDLY.
-Lack of formality in language (usted, señor/a, vos etc)
-Eating in transit or at the office.
-Rushing their lunch hour!

CaryGrant says on Oct 22, 2005, 11:53:

For those getting bent out-of-shape over "attacks" on the US or Colombia (or wherever) this thread is not a COMPARISON. That is, the OP did not ask which country we thought was BETTER. Rather, what are some things that irritate you about the country. Some people seem to have to turn everything into black-or-white, right-or-wrong, my-dad-can-beat-up-your-dad. Also, there is much room for subjectivity in this world - what is wrong to one can be good to another. Finally, just because someone says X irritates him about country A does not mean it does not mean he would not also find it irritating in another country. Grow up.

I'm a Canuck who has lived in Canada for about 34 years, the US for 8 years, and South Africa as a kid for 1.5 years.

Things that irritate me in Canada and the US:
* Tract housing, where every house has to be very, very similar
* Massive corruption at the top, and getting worse (politicians, CEOs, religious leaders)
* Lack of closeness of families and community. My Colombian neighbour has had a hard time adjusting to the fact that her neighbours will rush right by her without stopping to chat for a moment.
* Much of what Rubi said - kids are treated like accessories here
* Soullessness caused by materialism
* Role models are scary: Britney, Madonna, Bush, etc.
* Poor food quality, combined with food industry and gov't lies about same
* Mediocre healthcare system
* Feminists
* Most 'experts'
* Almost everything on television

Things that irritate me about Colombia:
* Driving habits - little respect for the lives and safety of others
* Timeliness
* Kids are spoiled, especially boys
* Kidnappers/extortionists

There is no weighting, and I would probably find more things irritating about Colombia if I lived there. And more things to like, too. :-)

esanch36 says on Oct 22, 2005, 13:40:

about the using a cell phone in the movies you have that the other way around....americans dont do that colombians do...ive been to countless movies where colombians whip out there phones and just start talking while the movie is being played....
word


esanch36

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

Cerealkiller says on Oct 22, 2005, 14:09:

Kat Im with you.. and id like to add some myself:

1. Not being able to buy contact lenses unless I am registered with the opticians.

2. The tube in rush hour.

3. Cockney accent.

4. Yorkshire accent.

5. Soap operas...Neighbours (i know its australian but it sucks)and East Enders.

6. Tabloids.


However the things i love outnumber -by far- those that get on my nerves. *wink wink*

In regards to the states:

- The Ptolemaic model that prevails in a great majority. The US isnt the center of the universe.

- The huge portions of food, just looking at them fills you up hahahaha. -same happens with bandeja paisa-

- Lager is not beer!!!

- Texas accent.

Colombia:

- Carbohydrate ODing everyday.

- Public Transport at ALL times.

- Bureaucracy.

- Bogota's weather.

- The obsession with looking European.

One more thing, in regards to oral health, and I am totally anal about it, I have to say, people in Colombia have better teeth than people in the States and Europe. Of course if youre hanging out around estrato 1 youll see a lot more people with cavities and all that. But compare middle class colombians with middle class americans and europeans and colombians do have better teeth.

I think thats about it.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

CaryGrant says on Oct 22, 2005, 15:59:

Cerealkiller Did you say you're anal about oral? It could that elmo flu has mutated and is now transmissable to humans....

[elmo - just having fun. I actually think you're very witty, rather gritty, and I admire your ability to not take things personally. I don't think I've ever seen you take offense - you either agree and take it further, or turn it into a joke.]

Cerealkiller says on Oct 22, 2005, 16:24:

Oh that was mean!! hahaha. Your definition of anal and oral are irreconcilable...not even a disease could bring them together...perhaps an extreme make over... However, I was refering to anal as in
"2: a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region; fixation at this stage is said to result in orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, compulsiveness, etc."

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

Rubiazo says on Oct 22, 2005, 16:28:

How come the most anal people are never into anal? :)

Cerealkiller says on Oct 22, 2005, 16:30:

LMAO Rubiazo. Good one :P, maybe we are beyond that stage.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

fre4077 says on Oct 22, 2005, 16:35:

The muchas gracias followed by the unadequate BUENO response happens to me all of the time in Colombia... What´s up with that?

utopiacowboy says on Oct 22, 2005, 18:18:

Yeah, Rubiazo, what's with that? In fact they are usually the exact opposite and would never permit anything to penetrate their precious anuses.

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.

Halliday says on Oct 23, 2005, 18:29:

Unusual criticisms I have enjoyed reading many of these, I find it curious, however, that some people are so irritated by some of our cultural preferences (especially when they do not affect anyone else). "Families not showing as much affection" for example. It works for us. Believe it or not, most of our families are not dysfunctional. We simply have different interpersonal preferences. I can assure you that I take no offense at families that do show a lot of affection ;)

- Oh... my #1 irritation with the US is Americans who seem to remain actively ignorent about the rest of the world.