Los turistas Colombianos
My sister-in-law and her family of five along with her mother and her brother have arrived in the US. They are now in Orlando where they will be staying a week (Disneyworld!) before continuing on to Houston where we will meet them. They will then stay with us for three weeks before going back to Colombia. It should be interesting.
First impressions of the US: People are fat!
By utopiacowboy on Dec 9, 2006, 08:25 in Friendly Talkzone.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 9, 2006, 09:56: They are very observant: The US is the Cheeseburger Capitol of the World...just compare the sights in a US vs Colombia gym....most people in US gyms go there to lose 20-+50 lbs, whereas most people in Colombian gyms are there to maintain a tone body and not lose all that cheeseburger fat! jajaja....Have fun! "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 9, 2006, 10:46: They had a problem in Miami when they were trying to rent a car. Apparently it's quite common to drive in Colombia with expired drivers licenses and nobody thinks anything of it. So there they are trying to rent a car with expired Colombian drivers licenses. My brother-in-law's license was active but he had no credit card to go with it. They ended up going to the bus station to take a bus to Orlando but they found a rental car agency there that would rent them a car using my sister-in-law's credit card and her brother's license. My mother-in-law was pissed and thought the whole thing was "mal planeado". 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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Gomezman5 says on Dec 9, 2006, 11:00: No UC "Mal planeado"? No, that's just another Colombian coming here that think that rules are meaningless. Sure in Colombia, you can rent a car on an expired license without incident. Not here in the US. Never. If it does happen, it is because the rental agent forgot to check the expiration date and not because he merely overlooked the matter.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 9, 2006, 11:01: I flew to Miami one time with a partner to pick up an extradited criminal (homicide suspect) and return him to California. We went to Hertz, but my partner, being the bumbling (sp?) Keystone Cop he was, had an expired DL and they would not let him rent the car. We needed to drive to the prison to pick the prisoner up with the rental car. He had a current police id, etc, but they refused! jajaja....so i had to rent it. OH, and this dummy also left his gun behind in California!!! Never flew anywhere with him anymore! Just my opinion... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 9, 2006, 11:14: My mother-in-law was not pissed with the car people. She was pissed with her daughter and son-in-law for having expired drivers licenses. They were the ones she was griping about with their poor planning. Like my wife she likes order and precision. 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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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 9, 2006, 11:22: She had every right to be pissed. It was "mal planeado". Her kids should've known better than thinking they can rent a car in USA with expired licences. Or maybe they just thought that one valid licence and one valid credit card (don't they require at least two valid credit cards in Florida?) would be enough. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Atrevido says on Dec 9, 2006, 11:37: I don´t understand how they had expired drivers licenses. My wife and I both have Colombian drivers licences and there is no expiration unless a law is changed.
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elchantajista says on Dec 9, 2006, 13:10: hey UTC seems like u always putting down gringos why u live in gringo land why u don't live some where else why Don't u live in colombia anda de parranda en Juanchito "Vicente" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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morphus says on Dec 9, 2006, 13:15: "First impressions of the US: People are fat!"
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juanalejo says on Dec 9, 2006, 17:15: Ignorance Atrevido is right, drivers licences do not expire in Colombia unless you have a category 4 or over. Off course people like G5 who know so much about Colombia know this very well. The problem is the ignorance of the rental agent and in this case UC´s family who at that point knew nothing about it. This happens to Colombians all the time as Colombian driver licenses say : exp month/year and those who do not know think exp means expire in English when it really means expedida in Spanish. And by the way G5, if you get stopped in Colombia with an expired category 4 or over license you get your car impounded and it is expensive, very expensive to get it back. Of course you would know that if you live in Colombia, but then again you do not.
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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 9, 2006, 19:46: Seems like the family didn't know that either Of course, to rent a car in Colombia is actually much WORSE. By the time you're done with the paperwork you could have WALKED across Colombia.
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Buongone says on Dec 9, 2006, 23:14: Over Here! Right Here! Rubito, A few years ago I was in SFO with a friend of mine. We were renting a Mini Van from National. We went to the Emerald Isle. Picked out the van. I had her drive. (Had a reason). Drove up to the check out booth. I gave her my Green National Rental card. (Plastic). She tried to hand him her drivers license. He said he only needed to see the green National card. Gave us our paperwork and off we went.So it doe's happen. Now if I had went to the counter. Yes, a whole different story.
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podborski says on Dec 10, 2006, 07:39: wait 'til they get to Texas then they are going to see some BIG people, jajaja. Even I was amazed.
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podborski says on Dec 10, 2006, 07:40: p.s. she had the expired license too the rental car company would not let her drive the car
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 13, 2006, 06:13: Well, they went to Disneyworld yesterday and everyone had a good time except my mother-in-law. Her son-in-law is rather tight-fisted - I think my wife uses the word amorado to describe him, at least that's what it sounds like. She wants to go out and eat and he wants to go to the grocery store and cook in the kitchen of their suite. She is also dying to leave Florida and come here to see my wife and her kids, so the whole Disneyworld expedition has been a trial for her. Saturday, they fly in to Houston and we pick them up. 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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litost says on Dec 13, 2006, 06:53: it's 'amarrado', like 'tied down' but also means cheap/stingy.
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Cerealkiller says on Dec 13, 2006, 14:14: Thats odd, I keep reading stuff about licenses, mine expired in May 2006 and I still drive with it because it wasnt possible to change them until october when they start giving new licenses to everyone. Not that I mind much Im leaving in a week, but I know people whose license doesnt expire at all...Im confused! Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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juanalejo says on Dec 13, 2006, 18:13: Licenses If you have a gold colored license you are entitled to drive a truck that means it will expire. If you have a silver colored license then there is no expiration date but is valid only for cars and vans.
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 13, 2006, 21:34: They all, including my wife's old Colombian license, are gold-colored with expiration dates. 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 Dec 13, 2006, 21:36: Yeah, I asked my wife to spell it for me tonight. Past participle of the verb amarrar. 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 Dec 17, 2006, 16:37: Well they're here. In fact I can listen to miserable US Spanish language television as I write this. It's been a long time since anyone watched a Spanish language program in the house. I don't know how they managed to enjoy Sea World and Disneyworld in Orlando. None of them can speak a word of English. Even the kids who have been in Colombian private school studying English for several years now can't say anything in English. 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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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 17, 2006, 18:26: How is that possible??? "Even the kids who have been in Colombian private school studying English for several years now can't say anything in English." "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Dec 17, 2006, 18:35: UCHave you been to Disney UC "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Dec 17, 2006, 18:38: "They could not believe that people were actually being pulled over and given tickets for speeding. Tonight we walked around the neighborhood. They didn't understand why there weren't bars on the windows and fences topped with wire surrounding the houses." "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Dec 17, 2006, 18:59: I got category 04 it is yellow /gold and expires December 2006 ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 02:23: UTC & Simon ""They could not believe that people were actually being pulled over and given tickets for speeding. "
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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 02:26: Oh and UTC I believe that since your party of visitors incldes men, the correct title of the thread should be "Los turistas Colombianos"
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Miguel says on Dec 18, 2006, 02:48: Bars on the windows Definitely needed in Barranquilla.
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Qubo says on Dec 18, 2006, 08:04: UTC & Simon I think didn't say anything offensive and spoke the truth about some colombians. Seeing no bars on windows and people actually get punish for breaking the law is shocking to some colombians and many countries in south america & caribbean. Thus, third world mentality applies perfectly in this situation if they are asking why people don't have bars on windows. Actually, in some areas in the USA where I grew up in NJ. They are applying that same 3rd world mentality here. I went to the town where I grew up and most of the houses had bars and each respective immigrants flag hanging by the door or plastered on the window. Even driving in my old town isn't the same..People honk and have no consideration for pedestrians. Just last night a colombian chick at the gym thought that we brazilians speak spanish as our native language. Funny thing is she was telling me how educated she was and that she's from the elite part of Medellín. With that tatoo on her lower back and her way of thinking was very third world.
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juanalejo says on Dec 18, 2006, 09:17: UC I actually wonder what country your family lives in, those stupid radar guns are all over Colombian roads, and have been for over a couple of years. Maybe Cordoba is another world, I drive through the Troncal del Magdalena on my way to the coast so never really dirve around Cordoba, but plenty of radar guns around most other places, also with a ridiculous 80 km/h max speed it is very easy to speed. I even got a ticket on my way to the airport in Bogota, those who live here are familiar with radar guns on the last leg getting to Bogota airport as the police loves stopping people who are late for flights. It is over 100 USD fine for speeding around here.
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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 10:40: Qubo My reference was not regarding "bars on windows", I was writing about the traffic violations: my point there is that one absolutely *cannot* generalise. For Simon or UTC to presume that each and every place 1) is the same and 2) and that poor traffic management is 100% linked to the develpment of a nation is silly.
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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 11:14: Qubo About critisisms: There is no one "right way" to see things, the US population is 4.6 % of the world population...there are a heckuva lot of people who are in different nations and cultures. Applying different cultural expections and judgements is a pointless exercise... just look at the quandry in the middle east.
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miamimike says on Dec 18, 2006, 11:14: Want To see Bars on the Windows, Come to Miami Houses in many Neighborhoods from the Worst in Inner City Liberty City and Overtown to Coral Gables, Kendall ect. Maybe Congressman Tom Tancreado factored this into his comment when he said last week "Miami is a 3rd world Banana Republic" He only spoke the truth...LOL "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. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Qubo says on Dec 18, 2006, 11:40: Adrmin Adrimm,
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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 11:58: "But sometime you have to call a spade a spade. Alot of immigrants in my old neighborhood are doing themselves a disservice by deliberately not trying to intergrate and careless what goes on in the USA and watch telemundo all day. "
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Qubo says on Dec 18, 2006, 12:34: Adrimm,Great observation Adrimm,
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Simon says on Dec 18, 2006, 12:51: "It's sad that I had to say it but the new wave of immigrants doesn't fit the typical immigrants the USA want as a majority..just my opinion. At one time Italians were the spic of the usa and seen as non european. But once they were accepted and not viewed as guineas any longer some succeeded in the mainstream. "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Dec 18, 2006, 12:55: Adrimm, "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 18, 2006, 19:37: Thanks for pointing out my Spanish error, Adrimm. Paisa29 used to have the job of correcting gringo Spanish but it's good to see you've taken it on. Maybe Tinto or Desi could fix the title. 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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adrimm says on Dec 18, 2006, 20:47: Simon As I said earlier my response was with respect to the speeding tickets and enforcement of traffic violations... I'm not venturing into Latin American (dis)regard for rules.
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miamimike says on Dec 18, 2006, 21:59: Qubo, the name of that Bar was "El Típico" and it was on NW 36 st in pequeña Santo Domingo as the natives call it. Dominican Neighborhood of Miami. Not a bad place IF you go in with a Domicana(o). Good Merengue played there but watch who you ask to dance,,,Just up the street(17th ave) a young dominican was assassinated a few weeks ago and they found a Cache of Assault Rifles on the roof of the building where he was found(he was in a Barber shop below getting a Haircut when he was popped in the Chair a few times. Fights aren't uncommon there,,, "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. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Gomezman5 says on Dec 18, 2006, 23:24: Mike Are you really hanging out around NW 36th and 17th Ave? Has your insurance been paid up?
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 24, 2006, 14:00: I have to laugh when I think about my wife's family here visiting. Damm, they remind me of Americans visiting abroad. They don't speak a word of English but they expect everyone to understand them when they speak Spanish. They haul around all their own food while refusing to try anything here. The old expression "when in Rome, do as the Romans" certainly does not apply to them. They're Colombians by God and they're going to eat, drink and speak Colombian no matter where they are. It's hilarious! 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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chester says on Dec 24, 2006, 14:27: Fat B*stard Everytime I go to Cali, I come back at least 10 lbs overweight.
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jay1234 says on Dec 24, 2006, 21:11: Qubo I think it is helpful for immigrants to learn the language of their adopted country. However, assimilation may not be all that:
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 25, 2006, 09:49: Actually we are having fun in spite of the mayhem. I am quite fond of the my sister-in-law's kids - they are awfully cute. They get tired of watching Telemundo and Univision so last night my wife told me that they would like us to get the Dish option that gets you Colombian TV. I gave her my standard response: if you want to watch Colombian TV then go back to Colombia. The interesting thing is neither she nor my stepkids give a hoot about watching Colombian TV. 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 Dec 26, 2006, 12:19: With all these Colombians around, it's hard not to think of Billy Crystal going around saying "It's not how you feel, it's how you look and you look marvelous!". That should be the Colombian national motto. Is there another people on the planet that is more concerned with the superficialities of life? Everything is about appearance and judgements based on appearance. In fact, that and shopping is really all that concerns them. Seeing and experiencing new places is completely irrelevant. In fact my wife told me that Colombians unlike Americans don't care about doing things outside like hiking in unspoiled natural areas or walking along the beach or seeing fascinating old and historic places. The outlet malls in San Marcos - that's what it's all about! It's as though I went to Australia, skipped the outback, Ayers Rock, the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and instead went to a couple of malls in Melbourne and Sydney. That would be a Colombian's ideal trip. It's a good thing they can't get visas to visit the outside world - they have no interest in it! 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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morphus says on Dec 26, 2006, 12:37: They sound a little shallow to me. I don't think all Colombians are like that. I know a Colombiana that went to Italy and was making good money. She gave it all up and moved back to Colombia to marry a Colombiano that only makes 800,000 Pesos a month.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 26, 2006, 12:40: Yes, there are people like that in Colombia, plenty of them. A relative of my husband, a twenty-year-old girl from a modest home in Cali was invited to Italy by some long-lost relatives from her father's side that she had never met. Now we're talking about a young caleña, bachiller, rather humble home who had never been anywhere...do you think she was impressed by the Colosseum, The Plaza of San Marcos, The Vatican...."what a bunch of uninteresting heaps of old stone...not a decent mall anywhere!Italy really sucks!" "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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morphus says on Dec 26, 2006, 12:41: Tell the sister-in-law to come to New York before she goes back to Colombia. We have some of the best shopping in the country. I'll take her around. Maybe she'll let me give her the old sausage
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litost says on Dec 26, 2006, 14:40: The kind of attitude you mention, UC, speaks very poorly about your wife's family and not Colombians as a whole. I start to understand why you call this place PBsH and so proudly contribute to it being that way.
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Simon says on Dec 26, 2006, 17:24: "Is there another people on the planet that is more concerned with the superficialities of life?" "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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morphus says on Dec 26, 2006, 17:31: Bigot? I thought Utopiacowboy was pro-Colombian and anti-gringo. You also have to remember that he is a French-Canadian living under the guise of a cowboy in Texas.
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Simon says on Dec 26, 2006, 17:48: That guy is about as "pro-colombian" as David letterman! "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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miamimike says on Dec 27, 2006, 01:52: UC, I see that a lot here in Miami Only here Its the Sawgrass Dolphin and International Malls and of course, Disneylandia in Orlando. Any $$$ leftover, its on to a Carnival 3 day cruise, LOL. I feel for you LOL "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. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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aztec says on Dec 27, 2006, 03:49: Simon "Just because your wife probably comes from some LOW CLASS (chusma) colombian family (and I don't mean that economically), that doesn't give you the right to come here and make sweeping generalizations about all colombians!"
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litost says on Dec 27, 2006, 03:55: aztec, for reminder:
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Monpirri says on Dec 27, 2006, 06:25: ? Every since I know UC he has a myopic sight about Colombia, usually his points of view about Colombia are substandard. Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Dec 27, 2006, 08:45: "Surely you can see that is below the belt and certainly uncalled for! Times have changed because not too long ago one didn't say things like that about another mans wife. It could easily get you trouble. "Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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robi666 says on Dec 27, 2006, 10:01: Morphus "Bigot? I thought Utopiacowboy was pro-Colombian and anti-gringo. You also have to remember that he is a French-Canadian living under the guise of a cowboy in Texas." "I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present." 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 27, 2006, 10:14: robi666..that is hilarious! you have too much time on your hands you must be one of those "used to be" people with alot of time to kill everyday, as opposed to a "Never Was" type person... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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robi666 says on Dec 27, 2006, 10:27: Wish I had more free time M_C But I am working in that direction (as you?)... Anyway, "Never Was" is a concept that was deleted years ago from my life! "I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present." 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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michaelz says on Dec 27, 2006, 10:59: jay1234 and assimilation Yet again the old chestnut - all difference in social outcomes are the result of racism.
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morphus says on Dec 27, 2006, 12:37: Robi666, keep it up and Miguel_Clavo will give you some more verbal handjobs :)
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jay1234 says on Dec 27, 2006, 17:15: michaelz Nope, I didn't point to racism as the cause of different outcomes (if that's what you thought I meant). I tread carefully in using a broad stroke when discussing causation ("sick people are in hospitals, therefore hospitals make people sick," is the one that I liked the best in explaining the problems people have with causation). All I meant to suggest was that "gettin' them immigrants to act like real 'mericans and start speaking English," is not the solution to all immigrants problems.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 27, 2006, 20:44: Better to be a “used to be” than a “never was”….Morphi Clarification: "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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michaelz says on Dec 28, 2006, 11:32: Rubito - the nuclear family may be dead in your barrio, but it's not in mine.
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Sam Salmon says on Dec 28, 2006, 11:54: "People......put razor wire "People......put razor wire up in....Canada too" ' a la orden!' 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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jay1234 says on Dec 28, 2006, 15:08: Your killing me.... Also, apologies for hijacking the thread, uc...
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michaelz says on Dec 29, 2006, 05:56: jay1234 I think our positions are closer than you think. The problem is not immigration - it is ILLEGAL immigration. Clearly, this country needs immigration, but where is it written that we must, or should, accept anyone who can wade across the Rio Grande? Why is it wrong to choose who to admit, just like we choose who gets a visa? Is it a good thing that any member of MS-13 who can swim across the river is pretty much immune from deportation, as is the present reality?
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jay1234 says on Dec 29, 2006, 07:02: I agree that we should have a coherent policy... but not that immigration (illegal or otherwise) is much of a problem. Not that I am advocating throwing open our borders and welcoming everyone (more for philosophical reasons having to do with sovereignty than for what ill effect immigrants have on our economy; also for security reasons, though if someone was determined, they would be here already...so that is not high on my list). I do agree that we need a sensible law and policy. It pains me to say, too, that Karl Rove had some sensible ideas on the subject. His argument went like this:
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morphus says on Dec 29, 2006, 11:15: Well Clavo, I guess you are a very sensitive guy to be saying such bad things about me. You even got my height wrong. I'm 5'11" and weigh around 215lbs. I never worked in the fast food industry. I do earn an honest living at what I do though. I'm going into a semi retirement soon. I will only be working a few months a year and travelling the rest. Colombia is'nt the only place.
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morphus says on Dec 29, 2006, 11:30: Wheres Utopiacowboy hiding?
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 29, 2006, 14:16: And with that lovely, appreciative post of a fellow Canadian we bring this heartwarming interchange between two bosom buddies to its timely end. "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 Dec 29, 2006, 15:03: Observing my in laws interact with the US has made me think about how truly miserable most Colombians must be in the US. Unable to speak English, professionals take jobs like cleaning motel rooms while living in a US Spanish culture dominated by Mexico. They've left Colombia, the only place they truly fit in, in a Faustian bargain for more money here. So they live in an alien culture not speaking the language working in menial jobs - what kind of life is that? The one good thing is I never have to worry about my in-laws all moving up here - they hate the US and everything about it, the people, the food, the language. My stepkids on the other hand have had to abandon the house periodically and hang out with their friends and their stepbrothers to restore their equilibrium. I know the feeling - only five more days until we get our house back and life is back to normal. I don't know what the hell we're going to do with all this Colombian food that they've hauled here - maybe they'll take some of it back with them. 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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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 29, 2006, 15:33: It's very different when you actually have made the decision to emigrate and live in the US. I've gone thru that as part of a very Colombian family and I believe that every family as they take this leap into the unknown have made up their minds to give it an honest try. Yes, there are a lot of things that they probably don't like that much but the sheer thrill of starting from the scratch, a new country, a new language, a new culture is so exciting that people don't get that much time over to hate. "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 Dec 29, 2006, 16:00: Last I heard... ...all U.S. liberals were moving to Canada after Bush won the last election. So every thing in Canada must be much improved now.
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utopiacowboy says on Dec 29, 2006, 16:02: I am as hospitable as the next guy but having seven visitors in your house for three weeks is the limit for most gringos. Like I said I notice that even the stepkids have had to escape from time to time. For a couple of days the two boys were living at my ex-wife's house with their stepbrothers! 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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Gomezman5 says on Dec 29, 2006, 16:11: The best line (joke) on this thread Quote Aztec:
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 29, 2006, 16:12: I can understand the feeling after entertaining and feeding the whole family for just one evening my daughter has announced that next Christmas we'll celebrate at Gran Canaria, by the pool, with waiters running around with trays laden with frozen margaritas...and we really, really enjoy spending time with the family! "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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morphus says on Dec 29, 2006, 17:53: Utopiacowboy, you live in the boonies don't you? Why would Colombians like it there? I never heard any complaints from Colombians that live in Queens, NY.
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Gomezman5 says on Dec 29, 2006, 19:57: Desi..... Am I invited to your pool party? Just invite some hot Calenas, to keep me company, and I'll treat everyone to the frozen margaritas.
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adrimm says on Dec 30, 2006, 01:48: While I'm late back into the conversation, I think that I'd have to agree with Desi's characterization of how Colombians differ amongst themselves in appreciating different aspects of culture.
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jay1234 says on Dec 30, 2006, 11:27: Back in Texas I have a rule for the flip side...when I go visiting relatives, especially if I am not in a hotel, I have discovered that three days is the optimal amount of time to visit. I stayed 10 days on my trip back home over Christmas, but the holidays kind of knock a few days off because everyone is preoccupied with shopping, wrapping, cooking, etc. Still, towards the end, you long for home.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 30, 2006, 23:08: Mprphus.....not sensitive at all....my buttons have never been pushed..=)...for example, like when Rubito referred to cops as "fucking pigs" in a post....i didnt take it personal, as i know i am not a fucking pig, and neither was my partner who was killed....obviously he was not talking about me...good luck in your semi-retirement... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jan 1, 2007, 11:55: No offense taken, R...believe me, having worked with many people who should not be given authority and a gun at the same time, i could share some real scary stories with you.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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morphus says on Jan 1, 2007, 15:36: I almost became a cop with the NYPD. I took the police test after high school. I changed my mind by the time they called me. I don't regret that one.
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utopiacowboy says on Jan 4, 2007, 20:43: Well, they're finally gone and life is back to normal. I told my wife that they should never let Colombians out of Colombia based on her family's experience. Non-stop bitching and they really didn't care about seeing anything or doing anything. They did go home with several suitcases of stuff that they plan on selling once they get back |