doktordemente has left 7 comments

doktordemente comments on "White"Colombians and costenos and racism.

I agree with the postings that imply that this issue transcends "sking color" and includes social class, region of origin in Colombia, occupation/profession, interests, networks one is part of, et cetera. The author of the original posting implies that her husband is somehow victimized by his fellow Colombians because of his racial or ethnic background and is therefore ignored by them. But let me ask you: (1) Why should your husband be a charity case that needs to be welcomed, entertained, and treated with kid gloves just because of his nationality?; and, (2) How may your husband contribute to his being ignored by fellow Colombians? Is he boring... loud... uneducated... arrogant... interested only in one or two activities? I think this issue goes much deeper than your assumption that this has to do with skin color only. Mis dos centavos... Gracias.

doktordemente comments on Good bye Bill Gates

Is this suppossed to be a source of pride to Latins? I would say NO WAY! He's just one more manipulating entepreneur who's made his many billions exploiting workers across Latin America. And he's cheap to boot: drives himself in a nondescript car, eats iut of a brown paper bag, and is NOT known for any charitable donations or activities. In that respect, Bill Gates and his wife, who have donated millions of dollars to many health initiatives around the world is a real hero.

doktordemente comments on American traveling to Medellin

Casual sporty look for warmer daylight hours; much nicer clothes for evening, especially if you'll be a guest for dinner at someone's house; piercings or tatoos are a big NO... unless you're 19; most middle-class Colombians your age dress well and wear some make up, so the just-out-of-the-shower look will get you some stares. Take a nice jacket or wrap for the ocassional evening chill. Have lots of fun!

doktordemente comments on Traveling to Spain

The Basque country is beutiful, greener and more mountainous than most of Spain. Bilbao is an old industrial city, but it's worth visiting just to see the exquisite Guggenheim Museum. San Sebastian is spectacular, especially in the warmer months, and has been the playground of the rich and famous for 200 years. The food (especially seafood) in the Basque Country is fantastic. As a Colombian I have never had any difficulty traveling there. The people are warm and friendly. A personal connection there of course helps a lot. If you don't know anyone, one way to connect with people is through your own ancestry. If you have remote Basque ancestry, and have the surname to prove it, it would help. So if your last name is Echeverry, Echeverri, Echavarria, Zuleta, Zuluaga, Aristizabal, Ochoa, Aguirre, etc., etc. you're in. Have fun.

doktordemente comments on Washington DC- Colombian Food

People PLEASE stop this nonsense! The question was about a Colombian restaurant in Washington, DC, and did NOT ask about the virtues of Colombian cuisine. Stay on topic.

doktordemente comments on Is it just my imagination?

Where exactly are you coming from... the north pole??? Have you ever reade the daily crime logs in newspapers from Miami, or Los Angeles, Rome, Madrid? Full of reports on robberies, murders and burglaries in the areas they serve. Crime can be found everywhere, anywhere, at any time. The best cure for your fear is apparently to live in the tight cocoon of your life, watching YouTube and fearing for your safety. Sounds pretty miserable to me.

doktordemente comments on Washington DC- Colombian Food

If by decent you mean edible, then Monserrate is ok. However, part of the dining experience is absolutely missing there. Thye owners and staff are unfriendly, sour, and it takes them much too long to take care of your order, let alone bring it to the table. "Los Arrieros" (on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring) is much better and they have a store that sells Colombian products, inclluding fresh ingredients for real Colombian food. Have fun!