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Pet Peeves

What pet peeves do you guys have?

Mine...

1. Colombian hotels / hostels that don't return emails.
2. Talking in English, the use of 'novio(a)' instead of girl/boyfriend or fiance? Why do people do this? Would you say, "I'm going to have dinner with my madre" or "Please don't forget to feed the gato".
3. People assuming that I'm rich because I travel.

By babygirl on Dec 19, 2008, 17:20 in Friendly Talkzone.

Leeroy says on Dec 19, 2008, 18:03:

Re: #1 - Yeah, that's endemic. Even with the big, expensive chain hotels with supposedly online booking.
#2 - The occasional insertation of Spanish words into an otherwise English phrase/utterance is fairly widespread, sometimes it is necessary/unavoidable. I always say my address in Spanish, for example (there is no clear and obvious distinction between "Calle" and "Carrera" in English). Other times people do it for emphatic effect, but occasionally people do it simply to show off - which, I agree, is annoying. To expand on the theme, what is interesting is whether or not people choose to adopt a Spanish accent when throwing in those Spanish words into an otherwise English sentence. Authentic, or pretentious?
#3 - I, too, suffer from that assumption - this is exacerbated by the fact that I live and work here ("He must work for an American company and earn gringo dollars!", they conclude...). The lack of understanding regarding western backpackers/travelers comes, I suspect, from the fact that for most Colombians the idea of a rich person (which, relatively speaking, anyone from The West who can afford a plane ticket to Colombia is) traveling on a budget is counter-intuitive. Why live on a budget of US$15 a day when you've got US$2,000 in the bank?

What pet peeves do I have? I will preface this with a disclaimer: I like Colombia, I don't mean to whine or bitch, but there are (naturally) things that get on my nerves sometimes...

1. The inconceivably, incomprehensibly, maddeningly inefficient way of doing things that bank tellers have. Honestly, I have never seen (what should be) simple and straightforward bureaucratic operations take so long. Seemingly, every two minutes a bank teller must stand up, walk around the office, chat with someone, look for some mythical piece of paper or item of stationary or stand around and look bemused while we all stand in line and watch. I loathe, and fear, banks.

2. The way people queue for the Transmilenio. Even if they do not intend to board the particular bus that is currently docking, they guard their coveted position in front of the doors so fiercely (so that when *their* bus comes they are the first to get on it) that others face extreme difficulty in getting on/off.

Silly, really, that things as little as that should annoy me :)

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babygirl says on Dec 19, 2008, 19:45:

Oh and...

4. My fellow Canadians warning me about drugs in Colombia. OH MY LORD!

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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wwwhitey says on Dec 19, 2008, 19:57:

I'm guilty of number two ... novia just sounds better. :-)

Pet peeves:

1. Always wondering whether I'm being ripped off, even when I'm not.
2. Feeling like I'm semi-retarded because I don't understand at least one word in every sentence, and it's always the MOST IMPORTANT word!
2. My friends making cocaine jokes, like I haven't heard it 1 million times already.
3. How can you POSSIBLY have a real relationship with someone who lives 3,000 kms away?
4. High 5's from my male friends, but "why can't you get a girlfriend here?" from my female friends.

Whitey

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babygirl says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:04:

wwwhitey

1. Always wondering whether I'm being ripped of, even when I'm not.

LOL... ya I hear ya on that one.

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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billyb says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:05:

Rule #1, if you are worried about being ripped off, you probably are>

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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babygirl says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:16:

I agree BB. I let my spidey senses guide me quite often. ;)

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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billyb says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:22:

gut feelings are all based on acquired experience and intelligent deductions.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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babygirl says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:37:

Hmm... you think so BB? I preferred to think that I was uber intuitive and yes that I DO have spidey senses. That's a good way of looking at it though :)

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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billyb says on Dec 19, 2008, 20:48:

People think it might be intuition, but it is really your sub conscience reacting based on your experiences and your sub conscience's interpretation of those experiences.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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babygirl says on Dec 19, 2008, 21:00:

5. People telling me not to go to Colombia because I'll get kidnapped. I don't want to get kidnapped, trust me, but I'm sick of hearing it too.

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 20, 2008, 01:28:

I'm a big fan of Spanglish :)

Pet peeve: Colombians that have never left Bogota that warn you about the "danger" of traveling in Colombia.

Poor but snappy

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La_Huella says on Dec 20, 2008, 01:47:

I definitely agree with Leeroy on the people standing in front of the entrance to the bus on the TM. I've just started shoving them. They want to be assholes, I can be an asshole right back at them!

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 20, 2008, 05:20:

I guess one of the reason why I live here is to avoid all these pet peeves. Here if you visit me you must love Colombia too. Before moving I heard all of these warnings and they did bug me too. When I ran a test comparing my deal at a flea market with one made by my wife ( una Rola) and her sister. I got a better deal by over 30%. After this I stopped listening to the warnings to keep my mouth shut. Instead of keeping quiet at a military reten, I was friendly with the soldiers. To Gloria's amazement in the future I was just waved through even when all the other cars were being stopped.

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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Lowell says on Dec 20, 2008, 06:12:

Being friendly does work. There's many random check points in my town. My first year on my mc I got stopped about 4 times. I always have all my id's, licenses, registrations..... with me. I travel legal. I like to chat it up with them and they do the same. Now I don't get stopped.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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lpdiver says on Dec 21, 2008, 00:40:

Being told I can't go somewhere because, "It's too dangerous!" That puts it at the top of my list.

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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miamimike says on Dec 21, 2008, 09:51:

My pet peeve is why Colombians don't lock the Bathroom door when its in use then when you open the door, they act surprised, as if you should know they are using it. Leave the door open after using it or lock the door when its in use Please!

Next pet peeve are the Taxi Drivers saying they have no change for a 20000 note in an effort to extarct a Tip! Not me, I make 'em get change and don't mind the wait!

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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lpdiver says on Dec 21, 2008, 13:25:

miamimike...your second pet peeve has led to me carrying a small leather coin purse that I hoard small bills and coins in. It also has all the phone numbers that I might need if I lose my cell. And a copy of my passport and an expired drivers license. My little man purse is all I need to grab in addition to my cell.

I also make it a habit to inquire if the driver has change before entering the cab whether I have change or not.

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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borat says on Dec 21, 2008, 17:55:

just taxi drivers in general. Here, the driving, and the knowlege of how many of them look for defensive women on their own so they can rob them.

what you believe is not important, it's what you do that counts

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La_Huella says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:15:

The taxistas are all asking for primas these days. I tell them if they wanted a goddamn prima they shoulda got a salaried job. I'm independent too and nobody is giving me any primas!

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babygirl says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:37:

MM "Next pet peeve are the Taxi Drivers saying they have no change for a 20000 note in an effort to extarct a Tip! Not me, I make 'em get change and don't mind the wait!"

That's SOOO annoying! I've even had that here at home. Whatever. If you pull that with me, NO TIP FOR YOU!!

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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La_Huella says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:44:

DO NOT tip taxi drivers here.

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babygirl says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:44:

hehehe yes I do :)

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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goin_south says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:47:

no. 1 : then there will likely be other problems, as well.

no 2 : babygirl, it's what is commonly (in the lower 48, jaja)
known as "spanglish" but, for awhile,
there was something even worse,
that I was accused of here on PBH,
and it was called: MANGLISH!
(mangled spanish y ingles) lol

no 3 : jejej... yeah, I get yer drift. I
t's the other way around, lately.
If I didn't travel (to Colombia the past three years, then) ,
then I'd be doin pretty well again!

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babygirl says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:49:

Manglish! hahahahahahaaaa! Ok, I confess, after I wrote that I realized I speak Spanglish BUT it's out of necessity because my Spanish sucks. I also am wicked with charades too! ;)

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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goin_south says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:52:

you should be in bed, no?
Or: debe estar en su cama, no?

more polite: debe dormito, no?

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babygirl says on Dec 21, 2008, 20:55:

Ya, I totally should be. Maybe I'll do a shot of something so I can sleep. This always happens to me before a flight....grrrrrr!!!

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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goin_south says on Dec 21, 2008, 21:00:

comprendo todas.
Me 2.
Yeah, you need a shot of Advil PM!
con Marinero Yerri!

jajaja, entonces en la manana, estas correr en el aero puerto!
How's the weather holding up (or, down) anyway?
no probema por la mañana?

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goin_south says on Dec 21, 2008, 21:02:

eh, Tropical.
Yeah, maybe she (babygirl) could have an alter ego trollin sort of name here, huh?

"Dirtygirl"
lol

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babygirl says on Dec 21, 2008, 21:02:

Ok, night night! Wish my luck that my flight's not delayed tomorrow. I'm getting so sick of this crazy-ass weather!!

"Are you too good for your home?", Happy Gilmore.Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 22, 2008, 10:09:

Spanglish is one of my biggest pet peeves, I cannot stand it unless someone's stuck on a word because they can't honestly think of it, other than that it's pure TRASH! Either speak English or Spanish but not both, it's gross.

Diana

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goin_south says on Dec 22, 2008, 11:15:

what? zero tolerance for those who are slowly learning the language?
I've got a 'learn spanish' book, that starts out all english and slowly transforms into all spanish.... and, in between, a bunch of mixed... one form of spanglish.

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 22, 2008, 11:21:

codeswitching is a completely natural thing. Its not even necessarily that the person cant think of the word in the language they were using - its that it is better said in the other language or theres some other reason for it. I think spanglish will develop into a totally new language and for many people its what works best in their particular situation.

What about people who have entire conversations with each person speaking a different language. That would be my ideal functioning in Colombia. People speak to me spanish and I answer back in English. Its a dangerous thing to fall into though. I have to push myself to speak spanish even if its hard.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 22, 2008, 11:33:

It's perfectly understandable for someone learning a new language to have to resort to mixing words. That kind of Spanglish isn't the problem.

What is detestable is the horrible mix of Spanish and English used by many Latin Americans in the US. That garbage sounds awful to anyone who speaks both languages correctly. It makes the speaker sound like a low class hood rat. You see it a lot in Texas with Mexican Americans and little reaggaetonero wannabes. That type of Spanglish is repugnant.

It is just as bad to hear people in Colombia peppering their speech with "anglicisms" in an effort to sound intelligent or sophisticated. I guess they don't realize that it actually makes them sound foolish instead. Colombian Spanish used to be free of that nonsense for the most part, but unfortunately, too many people have adopted the use of mangled English words when correct Spanish equivalents exist. The other abominable trend is the use of psuedo-English names. There are too many people with imbecilic names like Deisy, Leidy, Maicol, Brayan, Deyvid, Jhon, etc. Blech!!!

Yo me como los mocos debajo de la ruana pa que no me pidan.

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 22, 2008, 14:31:

CG, you're absolutely correct. There's nothing wrong with mixing both languages when you're learning, it's actually a given that you end up doing so because it's the easiest way to learn. But I'm talking about the NewYoricans and the Chicanos who love to mix both to "prove" their latinos, I don't get that. That's the main reason why I can't stand to watch MTv 3s on cable, they start saying one thing in Spanish and finish the same sentence in English. Is that supposed to be cool? Not in my book, it's a horrible way to butcher either language.

Diana

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goin_south says on Dec 22, 2008, 16:30:

isn't that the New Yoricans? jajaja. funny mononoke.
I'm guessin you're pickin on los puerto riquenos.

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billyb says on Dec 22, 2008, 19:35:

If you want to hear Spanglish, go to the capital of Spanglilandia, Miami Intl Airport.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Dec 22, 2008, 21:15:

I did.
Too many times.
Now... you know Y I M like I M ;-)

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whitewidow says on Dec 22, 2008, 21:30:

Near misses when crossing streets, etc. Colombians who cut in line or interrupt your transaction. Burundanga in my drink that has 2 ice cubes.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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mranderson says on Dec 23, 2008, 06:37:

Yes that´s my biggest peeve too. Colombians who interrupt my transaction. Happens a lot and when the clerk does nothing about it I just say "bien puede" and take my buisness to the store next door.

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kalder says on Dec 23, 2008, 06:57:

Scrawny, poofy looking youths who leer at you like they're Tony Montana. You're sorely tempted to break their faces, but you're loath to make any potential waves for local friends and family.

"A piece of cheese may entrap a mouse, but a bicycle could ensnare the Imperial Chancellor."~~An Bai Kuang

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 23, 2008, 10:38:

goin_south says on Dec 22, 2008, 16:30
isn't that the New Yoricans? jajaja. funny mononoke.
I'm guessin you're pickin on los puerto riquenos.
-------------------------------
Well, they're not Puerto Ricans because they weren't born in Puerto Rico but since they were born in NY and come from Puerto Rican families, they call themselves New Yoricans. I actually think Jennifer Lopez named her production company that based on her roots.

Diana

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JGD (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 23, 2008, 10:54:

places that don`t take plastic but never have change for a $20,000 !!

You are worried the US is going to invade and take the Venezuelan oil?... you are selling everything to them !!Peruvian Pres. Alan Garcia to Chavez

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Leeroy says on Dec 23, 2008, 13:58:

I'm not sure if this qualifies as a "Pet Peeve" exactly, but...

I dislike how, on confirming that I am a foreigner, a newly made male acquiantance will instantly enquire as to how my love/sex life is going:

"¿Qué tal las chicas?", they enquire, often with a wink and a smirk.

While this might seem like a harmless ritual of male camaraderie, I actually see it as slightly demeaning.

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whitewidow says on Dec 23, 2008, 17:50:

Colombians are proud of their women. Their reputation precedes them, or so they think. I tend to agree.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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La_Huella says on Dec 24, 2008, 01:28:

That line gets real old for me too. I don't like the assumption that I'm here for pussy, it's totally wrong, and for Christ's sake, is that ALL they think they have to offer the world down here?

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tommie2 says on Dec 24, 2008, 08:17:

I have learned from my novia "OK" means - maybe - I'll think about it - please I have other things I would rather talk about - go away with your thoughts - when I think "OK" means we have come to an agreement - JAJAJAAJA

gringo george

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 24, 2008, 09:10:

I hate it when people in Colombia say "bye" before hanging up the phone. They have an entire conversation in Spanish then at the end they say "Bueno nos vemos más tarde, bye". What?!!!! Get off that high horse you #$%^&*!

Diana

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billyb says on Dec 24, 2008, 18:03:

Amazing what bothers some people.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 24, 2008, 18:10:

I agree, billyb.....these types of posts bother me, too. jajajajaj....

Lets hear it for the new PBH Experts on Colombia! DrPhilinamillion, KY, and Darloops!!!!!!! We Salute Your Valuable Contributions to This Forum!

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 24, 2008, 18:11:

you might even say these posts would be a pet peeve of mine...=)

Lets hear it for the new PBH Experts on Colombia! DrPhilinamillion, KY, and Darloops!!!!!!! We Salute Your Valuable Contributions to This Forum!

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billyb says on Dec 24, 2008, 18:58:

jaja, yeah, my pet peeve is people that have pet peeves. So how are things in the old port city?

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Dec 24, 2008, 22:19:

Monononoke... they just don't understand, ....
most... that "bye!"... sounds qutie curt...
and, that,....
'bye-bye'' sounds jus a lil more
cordial.

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billyb says on Dec 24, 2008, 22:25:

Why not just say "ta ta" like they do in Lancs

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Dec 24, 2008, 22:33:

how 'bout just the routine: CIAO!

Some understand and say: ciao ciaou !

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billyb says on Dec 24, 2008, 22:37:

how come you are not at la feria right now?

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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billyb says on Dec 24, 2008, 22:40:

I always say ciao, or chao in colombian, but I would never be able to find the motivation to get bent out of shape if a spanish speaker said "bye" to me. Then again, it might just be me, but i reckon there are actually real things to get upset about.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Dec 25, 2008, 00:37:

I still could be, within a day or two, for $1100 to 1500. Not bad, for two days in advance, at the Holidays !

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asdfn says on Dec 25, 2008, 10:22:

someone in medellin told me saying chau is "medio gay" for a man, but it would slide for me because I am a gringo who thinks he is argentinean.

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billyb says on Dec 25, 2008, 12:39:

then all of cali is medio gay.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Dec 25, 2008, 14:19:

when one says: CIAO!
It has a fairly substantial ringtone, in there.
nothing compromising about it.

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asdfn says on Dec 25, 2008, 14:55:

well, medellin is not cali for sure.

I do like the thought of calenias who like calenias though.

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billyb says on Dec 25, 2008, 18:59:

jaja, nothing like a Caleňita wagging her forefinger and winking whilst puurring "chaiitooo?

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 26, 2008, 01:02:

I also think Spanglish (and codeswitching in general) is totally fine. It does *not* mean you don't master the language, and the "trashy" connotation is just that, a connotation in your mind :)

Poor but snappy

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 26, 2008, 01:04:

Talking about codeswitching, I've seen families speak in 3 languages at the same time (English, French and Japanese). Without a moments hesitation.

Poor but snappy

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billyb says on Dec 26, 2008, 01:20:

It is fascinating actually, how the switch seamlessly between them. And much more so if it is a fine chick (ok, lady).

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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