Qubo has left 135 comments

Qubo comments on My Observations on the Level of English in Colombia Schools

Desideria, I heard that immigrants have a hard time to assimilate no matter how long they've lived in Sweden if they have an accent. Well, it's like that here in the USA too. If you sound different rather foreign people will always know. I think having an accent is nice depending on the person. My wife and I were at a restaurant this weekend and the waiter spoke english fine but due to his accent it was really hard to understand, then on top of that he was very flamboyant and spiced up his speech. I got tired and spoke to him in spanish because it was torture..then he was adding so much english to his spanish add made it worse. It was so funny but hey at least he can talk. I think people that make fun of people just for there accent shouldn't be worth talking to anyway.

Qubo comments on What Phone to use in Colombia (Cell)

Guys, Bringing an unlucked phone from the USA is great but one has to buy a SIM card "chip" for about $10-15 dollars. For some reason I had problems with the chip and ended up buying a cheap phone with chip down there for $40 dollars. Thus, it is not worth buying a phone then getting it unlucked when you can purchase both here. Unless, one wants to purchase a new model phone & later get it unlocked to be in style "a la mode", I would opt of getting a cheap phone and chip in Colombia. Warning: only GSM phones are capable for use in Locombia(T-Mobile or AT&T wireless) CDMA phones are not used (verizon) although they do have a phone that has GSM capablities. Unlocking your phone simply allows you to use any carrier without restrictions. One can go to the carrier and inform them that you are going on a business trip and need your phone unlocked. They should do it for free. Although they might be reluctant at first for obvious reasons. Good luck..hope this helps...

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

Indeed there is a contradiction and the laws doesn't apply to everyone. Again I think being illegal is better than being legal sometimes. Well, to each his own. I know if I had to feed my family I would do anything that isn't against the law..oxymoron...But if I get caught red hand with my pants down, I will just be a man and return home..and come again..jajja..OK this has been fun guys thanks for the input. I 've learned that USA's laws are phucked up and they need to be reformed. I also know that USA needs to let south america work in order to not have an influx of immigrants trying to survive. See here I go again..contradicting myself. So do you blame the guy caught in the middle or the big boys in power. It's a no no situation..Now why do we have borders anyway..somos iguales...cladestino.. I will sign off with this great video expressing our experiences..

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

I didn't mean to start a debate that would rattles everyone but we can't just turn our heads and act like this illegal issue isn't effecting us all. That's what got us into this in the first place. I think all of you have made ecellent points and ELMO gave us a reality check. We aren't in these people shoes and I don't have anything against them. But, it boils my blood to see her (la mejicana) with such arrogance bad mouthing USA now that she was deported. I even feel that her son's nationality should be revoked and sent back to Mexico too. Shit we are being taken for a ride and they are laughing in our faces. Why isn't she vehemently demanding opportunities in Mejico for the majority? I just find it a ironic an illegal that was allowed to live a better life she would've never had bad mouth this country. She was stating that USA owes her tax money. Now it's funny that miamiMike mentioned cubans. In a different segment, they mentioned how a venezuelan cuban was entitled to benefits and etc etc...They are running south florida and american taxpayers our footed the bill. Meanwhile the haitians,colombians, brazilians are sent back in a heartbeat. NJ is going to be another banana republic soon with Bob Menedez as Senator. I feel sorry for these people but if we let everyone take cookies out of the jar then what will be left for legal residents. I tell you the demise of USA is near and illegals will be the protagonist. Cubans have it good in Florida and riding this wave. I wonder when Castro dies will this bullsh8 law still apply. MiamiMike can you tell me how these cubans got such a strong political clout. I know the first wave were will connected and had money but damn they practically run South Fl.

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

MiamiMike, No I haven't asked her the difference and I will not bring this up again. I want to make ends with my cielo. Gizmo, Ok, your true colours are showing...dude their are alot of illegal canucks in the USA and Europeans...Are you kidding me? They just happen to not be a target because the stay below the radar. In Linden, NJ the Polacks are milking the welfare system and popping kids that look 10 straight out of the birth canal. Go to Edison and you'll have the illegal south asians. Go to Bloomfield the illegal italians that are most mob affiliated. There are as much illegal that aren't from south america. Let's be realistic here.....

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

Dan777, At one point in my life I use to think the same way. Blaming USA for exploiting the helpless little people in South America. But one day it dawn on me, that X government also is benefiting from this although the regular folks will never reap this. Look at the TLC agreement that Colombia was vehemently trying to obtain with Uncle Sam. You think this was going to help El Flaco and wife María Josefina. I don't think so. At my job their are so many upper middle class mexicans and a sprinkle of colombians and they are more pretentious then americans. Thanks to their connections and exploitation of the mass they live great abroad and in the native countries. These mejicans at my job don't even have the typical mexican accent and these colombian admire spain more than his country. I remember telling asking him where he was from and he was hesitant to tell me..jajajjaja... I called him out.. Anyway Dan777 when we let 11 plus immigrants stay here that are producing babies como conejos..I will either have to migrate or live in a gate community just as if I were in latin america..is this what you what? USA has only look out for one person..and it sure isn't the other country... Elmo, you are so funny man..Ud tiene razón parce. Pero que vas a hacer cuando todo los ilegales consumen los recursos. The only person gaining are corporations and people that exploit illegals. Human rights claims is going to sky rocket soon...slave labor isn't what we want....Oh well así es la vida..cada uno tiene su punto de vista...

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

Dan777, Although I was born here I some what understand and relate to immigrants. I too had family that came here illegal but they all know the consequences. I also use to travel back to my parents country and saw the poverty. Now what we need to ask ourselves is who is to blame for selling their citizens short? Uncle Sam or South American Governments and Caribbean islands? Yes, we all know that the USA has exploited and still exploit South of their border. But it is up to the people in south of the border to get rid of corrupt politicians who are descendant of the conquistadores. I, too, admire Chavez and all of the izquierdistas but let's be realistic. Communism is not the way and will eventually show her true colours. Look at so called China...is this what you want for our people. I think Canada has a system that we south of the border should emulate and admire.. It's time for people in Colombia,Brazil, etc etc to take responsibilities and oust corrupt politiquerias. We can't expect USA to help us all the time because at the end they will always want something and it usually isn't in the favor of the people. It's a two edge sword. I have seen poverty in favelas and in Colombia..I dont see things through the lens of a usual ego-centrical american. My wife came here in her teens and is very passionate about this issues. Her mom came here illegal and dad followed so this is a touchy subject for her. I think I need to apologize and tell her what she wants to here..Open the borders so USA can became corrupt and backwards so we would have to migrate somewhere else. OK, I have a problem with telling her lies. I will by her some flowers and take her salsa dancing this weekend..I better kiss arse or else I might have to sleep in the car tonight..it's cold in NJ so not a good idea.. Ok I know what I will...mi amor, mi cielo..te quiero muchísimo..

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

I know this is a very touchy subject. I would like for us to get a clear view of what's going on. I disagree with the poster mentioning the earlier immigrants. Many came here illegal too so don't give me that crap about we had to do it fair and pay. All one had to do is land on Ellis Island and after a check up you were allowed to stay. I think in order for people to stop risking their lives to cross the border or whatever. They should stand up and demand rights in their own country. I never here Jorge Ramos blaming the mexican government for forcing their citizens to come here illegal. Why isn't an out cry over that. It's not a perfect world and I would like everyone to get a better chance but we can't help everyone. I am now going to put my kids in private school because there wasn't enough room in the public school in my area which is a great one. Illegal children have flooded the schools no my little one is arse out. Wifey was quiet and wanted to change the subject. She asked me did I want her aunt to get deported too. She is illegal btw. I said of course not but if caught don't cry a river. She has to go..it's a cat and mouse game... This subject is very touchy. I hate talking to italians,germans, and irish about this sense they all had it easier to get here. I prefer to hear from South Americans and Caribbeans sense we have a similar plight in the USA. I wish everyone could stay but it would cause the USA too much problems and those in line for visas now will never ever get them...

Qubo comments on Anti-Immigrant

Señor Modefoque, I agree that there is preferential treatment and european illegals are not targeted that much but I'm sure once they are caught they, too, get deported. The point I'm trying to make is she got caught and new the consequences. Her attitude and comments are as if USA owes her something. Why isn't she pissed off at mexico for not giving her work? I have alot of mexicans at my job and they aren't your typical little mejican coming to do jobs legals and USA born don't want. they look more like damn europeans and are phuckin loaded.. I am not solely blaming illegal mejicans believe me I know many illegals but they all know the outcome if caught..Why play dumb? Is it fair hell no but the issue isn't about what's fair rather the law. Do you know what they do to colombians and brazilians caught illegal in Mejico? they sure don't let them stay and have a mariachi party. I mean there is some sort of hypocrasy. another thing is illegal hispanics don't want to learn english and care less about USA. They see it as a place to make money and get an education for free. Another thing my wife was pissed off. We went to put our son in school. At the board of education everyone was speaking spanish and had preference to english speakers. I was pissed and refused to speak spanish. I mean where are we living? Why should spanish speakers get preference to those that speak portuguese,creole, Hindu etc etc? I don't get it and Im trying to. I guess I better go to the flower shop b4 going home tonight..my CaleÑa gave me that look last night like she wanted to kick me out of the house. She also said how come you aren't mad that I speak spanish to our son. I told her why would I be. We are home and should teach our kids both languages..it's not the schools responsability to teach them rather ours.. I think I am not going to come home with dinner on the table tonight...Am I wrong elmo? I need to know because I can be self centered. But I remember when growing up..All of our parents spoke broken english in public places and I would translate what my parents didn't quite get. finally, they learnt english and did things on there own. While these new wave of immigrants blare spanish without an attempt to speak english nor get there papers correct... I guess we are suppose to fit the bill....I told my wife in 20 years no one will want to move to USA for better quality of life sense it will be the same with no jobs..

Qubo comments on A Barranquillero in NYC circa 60’s and 70’s

RJ, I guess we both miss out or either lucky. I don't know but it seems the people that grew up in the late 60's & 70's were inventive and we just emulate that era. For some reason, this movie could be a segment of "king of New York" and the movie Al Pacino played as a puerto rican drug dealer and who can forget Bennie from da Bronx. Does anyone remember the title of that movie. It also has that mob influence although the protagonist was indeed Hector Lavoe. I don't know it seems that that era were getting high but very creative and expressed social hardships. The vietnam vets were coming home. Civil rights movement and all peace sign people wer on the prawl. Immigrants from south america and carribean were becoming noticeable. The italian mobster "grease balls" were dismantled to some extent. Damn, what happen to our era?

Qubo comments on A Barranquillero in NYC circa 60’s and 70’s

Colombiche, Ahh, where are you going with this? Slyguy, Marco Antonio did an excellent job..he looks just like a crackhead...And J-LO gosh man she was real good..Like I said it was not acting for her..since she has a typical neoyorican up bringing..her behind looks smaller though.. That guy can sing man..Marc Anthony that is and of course Hector Lavoe. I think them being puerto rican made it authentic.. Anyway the movie was great but dont expect too much...

Qubo comments on A Barranquillero in NYC circa 60’s and 70’s

Señor Modefoque, I went to see the movie this weekend too. I have to say I wasn't even born when Hector Lavoe blew up in the mid 60's & early 70's, but I enjoyed watching the real NYC around the time it was the best place in the world party. Marc Anthony did an excellent job and J-Lo wasn't even acting..LOL..She played that role well. I have to say the movie evolved around sex,drugs, and salsa..DAh, for the bad critics that was practically Hector Lavoe's life. I guess people wanted to see another side of his life which probably wouldn't even depict El Cantante. The man live on the wild side and payed the consequences for it. I never knew he attempted to commit ______" don't want to spoil it for those that haven't seen it". BTW, did she also have HIV and how the hell did she die? They never got into any detail. I give the movie a 10 because it was real and didn't glamourise Lavoe's life. Damn, I don't think salsa will ever have anyone such as him. That era"your era" have all of the damn legends. I know you are disgusted with this genre of music which can't compare. Great movie !!!!

Qubo comments on call cell in Panama

All you have 2 do. If you are in the USA all you have to do is dial 1+507+ number.

Qubo comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

Caste system I am amazed that people haven't realized the caste system that was implemented by the conquistadores to conquer and divide a group of oppressed people whether indigenous or black. This isn't just a Colombia phenomenon as said by several posters. Again we most note that in each respective country the word trigueña & moreno may not be the same. In colombia moreno would be synonimous to black/negro while trigueño means a wheat color. Now if we imply pelo liso, crispo etc etc..these groups will have subdivisions. BTW, a moreno may not perceive himself as such and a trigueño may perceive himself as blanco. Name one country where the darkest group of people are considered at the upper end of the totem pole? At the end of the day we are all human beings and should be regarded as such.

Qubo comments on

I agree Tinto Your reference to Austin Powers is comical but is the truth. I can't believe Uribe has the audacity to threaten USA politicians with such a lame threat. Doesn't he, Uribe,realize if they pull out of Plan Colombia that the possiblities for a safer country just slipped out the window. Then again who knows maybe walking away from Plan Colombia may be a good thing for Colombia in the long run. I'm sure the chemicals used to kill the coco crops are hurting the environment and the people that live in those areas.

Qubo comments on hip hop choco style

Of course they want to emulate American style Larumberainglesa,

Hip Hop originated in USA more specifically in the Bronx and most of the lyrics were about social injustice and "breaks" living in the ghetto with minimal chance out of that cobb web. It also is/was an art form for underprivileged kids who couldn't afford karate classes and Polo etc etc because their parents didn't have the means.

Unfortunately, present day hip hop music is depressing and quite demeaning to any conscious person. I hope these groups in Colombia preserve the positive side of hip hop like they are doing "representing their region" and not fall into the genre of "soy el negro Escobar del Chocó"...blah blah blah..

Listen to reggaeton and you'll get a god damn headache..just about every track sound the same with no tempo and the lyrics are simple, meaningless and further deteriorating the usage of the spanish language which all about the urban hispanics emulate.

This group distorted some spanish words too but with finesse and obviously was done deliberately to flow smoothly...

Anyway thanks again..I enjoyed it..

Qubo comments on hip hop choco style

Wow... Thanks for posting this genre of music desde Colombia. If these guys every get the opportunity to hit the USA market they will be famous. The lyrics are great and the beats are awesome. They would put Daddy Yankee and all that corny reggaeton(noise) out of business. I use to love hip hop when I was younger but I have out grown that type of music due to the dirty lyrics that make no sense and glamourising thug life with no message. That girl lyrics is tight and the guy rapping fast. She reminds me of a Lauren Hill and that Dude reminds me of that fast speaking rapper from Chicago. I hope they get discover by someone in the industry in the USA..They got skills..

Qubo comments on My First Colombian Experience in Bogota, Cucuta, and Villa Del Rosario

One for the Gringo Proud Canadian,

this post should be marked for all other would be gringos in chase of the women of their dreams. But take into consideration that these women are just looking to improve their lives "low estrata" and others are trying to land the trophy, a gringo "upper estrata".

I must say you have some phuckin balls going to Cucuta which is high risk due to guerilla activity. Many of you need to take heed to Elmo's rules and also analyze your own motives of going to a foreign in search for the love of your life. The fact that you are young and her lack of experience in this field workt out to your advantage. If she was an expert at her profession, you would've been posting threads like "how to get my reina to Canada" or some other cupid driven post.

I say you need to thank you lucky stars that this girl was only after getting out of colombia and didn't have any milicious intentions or you would've been replacing John Pichao "escaped from captivity" and holding long conversations with the americans in capitivity and learning french by no other than Ingrid Betancourt. She could've easily sold you for some pesos to Las Farc. So don't judge the girl as a bad person rather a product of her environment. She is just using the only ass-ets she has to get out of poverty. Call her and say thank you for such a blast, even send her a few pesos for a bonus..consider it a propina.

If I were you I would stay in contact with her. After all, she helped you experience one of the best travels in your life and you can tell this story to your grandchildren about how once upon a time granpa canuck went down to ColOmbia to score..jajja..She could've been your grandma..jjajajajj

Dude, I am not sure if I am glad that you didn't get reeled in by the colombiana or should I applaud you for not falling head over heals, and spending your earnt money getting her here. If she would've greeted you at the airport with a nice blow job, it would of been a rap.jajjajaja...you know it buddy...close call...

Anyway, my hat goes out to you and thanks for sharing such a incredible adventure. And thank your lucky stars that you arent in the amazon crying why the hell did I come to this place. jajajja... Definitely call her and stay in touch with her. Let her know your on to her game and it was fun that you aren't a typical gringo that is going to sponsor her. She will respect you for your honesty and might want you to bang you some more this time with no intentions of getting a one way ticket. Besides, you can also use her as a travel guide if you decided to go back to colombia..

BTW, where did she learn english..Her environment appears to be very poor. Again great post...I sure the dude that bought her the laptop will be posting her soon, saying that he has found the love of his life in Cucuta, Colombia..jajjajaj...poor guy..hey better him than you...:)

Qubo comments on Machismo Costeño

Costeños All the costeños I know or knew were very loud and loved to party there arse's off. I never met none that couldn't dance or couldn't fight. Well, I did know some that couldn't fight but they made it up with a blade and would carve something nice on your face or would leave you with a nice moon shape scar from ear to mouth.

One thing I know 4 sure is they all hung together and all despised paisa's or distance themselves from them. There weren't to many costeños here..definitely outnumber by calenyos and paisas. When I was younger it was obvious that these people were different although from the same country.

Claudia was my first colombian I've ever had and she was costeña. She was too fast for me as she wanted to have kids and get married while we were still in high school. Come to think of it, I think Washington got married in high school. This guy would never go to class and would rather wait for his costeña so they can both skip class to do the do. I was still a too reserved for Claudia although she loved when I fought over her. Sometimes she would start something just to see her shining armor defend her. I was her biscocho that would die for her, for some reason that made her love me more..She would burst out and say "Mi negro te quiero mucho"...I couldn't take enough of that sh8 and broke up with her..jajjajajja. she had the nerve to call me a wimp and gave me a good last sex session b4 dumping me...She said you'll never get anyone to make you feel like this.. I went away to college and never saw her again. That when I got into those white girls from the mid-west looking for some "jungle fever".jajjajj I am going to have to ask Washington about her.

I remember Washington beating down a paisa for just walking in his path..jajjajja..this guy use get us into fights every other day...I will never forget when we beat down some colombian kid that had a well respected father..I think we was a narco. these guys were looking for us for months. I had to leave town for a while..Come to found out this guys dad was some connected colombiano and wanted all our huevos for a special bandeja paisa..pa' llevar.....That was the change that forced me to dis-associate myself from Washington. Hanging with him was a liablity for my future...For the rest of the semester I would dish out early to stay away from getting a beat down by those older colombian men and washington wanting to get them first b4 they got us...jajajja...this guy was down for anything..his cousin Gustavo is doing 20 with a 10 for armed robbery..this guy was a nut case..taller than me and always had a knife...jjajjaja

Anyway, Rubito

That's why you have to live in NJ and take the Path into the city..Un verano en Nueva York is the best..parties at the southstreet sea port. No need to travel because every damn ethnic group call NYC there home..Now you have those tar black senegalese selling replicate D&G's and praying near Rockerfella center...all the way to Spanish harlem where salsa reigns..

Just going out for drinks..afterwards we jump back on the train to the Garden State...Damn, it sure is a nice day today...too bad i'm stuck in this damn office reminscing of the old days. I might take the family out to eat tonight..that's the most important thing to me...Damn, I wish I was carefree again but I look at my family and wouldn't change it for nothing..

Qubo comments on Machismo Costeño

Elmodefoque you remind me.. Elmo,

your story reminds me of my costeño friend growing up. Washington was a big light skin rough cat that spoke little english. At first we thought he was dominican but the negro played soccer all day with us and was great. We had to ask his arse where he was from since dominicans are into that baseball. His english basic and he said "Cartagena, Colombia". He became part of our clic and loved knocking out anybody that disrespected anyone in his crew. Dude was a good boxer just like his father, we would get free lesson from his dad Don Fernando... For some reason he loved beating the sh8 out of paisas...I never knew why he had such anymosity for his colombian paisanos. This guy was a ladies man and danced the meanest salsa around..By senior year he had 4 kids..jajjaj...He wasn't to bright but the dude would have you back even if odds were against us.

I bumped into Washington a couple of months ago..and he hasn't changed..."What's up motherf---a". Why you talkin are proper in sh8....He was with some other costeños drinking talking bullsh8 and watching ladies pass by. I thought he was going to be a professional boxer..I remember dude knocked someone out with one punch...the guy slid under the car..jajajja..Damn those were the days... I wish I could hang out with him but I am an adult who can't afford to play all the damn time.. I told him about going back to school...he replied.."No hable de esa vaina"...LOL.... Damn man, college sure changed your black bean eating arse..lol...Thanks for remincsing of my youth days...Dude had a sister that was banging...he would never let anyone of us and inch from her unless we were ready for marriage...I will call him this week to see if he wants to get some drinks..hope I don't get caught up in his bullsh8 while out with him..Definitely can't tell wifey about this...

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

MC Don't tell me that PV is very touristy area as Cancun. I think wifey was interested going there. Guadalajara I heard is very beautiful but not touristy oriented. I am not into the blue eye blond here chick besides, mi caleña would not appreciate that..muy celosa..lol...pues chavito, little you and I can't change the world but I hope some type of temporary visa can help all immigrants out of limbo.

Now can you tell me what the hell can one possibly do in G if they are clueless and want to enjoy the city life and cultural scene... hey if you're in the NJ area I can recommend you to an authentic mejican resto. they have the little aztez (bowl) where they make the guacomole right in front of you..my wife loves it...and they sell jarrito. it's ok..the food is slamming...they have 3 locations and all are field alomst every time I've gone...

When I went to colombia last october for the first time I had a blast..my wife won't stop bragging and rumbing it my face..I use to bash her and say that I ain't riding on a burro like Juan Valdez from pueblo to pueblo..jajjajajj...She had the nerve to say this ain't brazil..where we run naked in the amazon...our house is always bragging which country is the best... I am looking for to visiting mejico..hope I am not disappointed..when the time is near I will ask u for more details..please chime me in on some things to do in G so I can persuade mi mujer...tchau

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

MC Chavo,

I don't want to get into personal quarrels here. I've been on this board a while and usually read and lmao at elmo's threads and don gringo real assessement of things or even the cowboy in texas. This isn't about who is right or wrong.

I have nothing against mexicans and feel sorry for the majority that are forced to cross a river in search of a better life. Why don't Carlos Slim and other telenovela mexicans stop exploiting there own. It's like they are cheering the marginalised people to come here illegal so than can get their cut when these people send remesas back home. Immigration is a mexican subject but are used as scape goats.

I grew up in a very diversified town in now a "city" in NJ. Where colombians,brazilians,haitians,dominicans,central americans(salvordorians & hondurians) all were on the grind trying to better their lot. And the Puerto Ricans were considered wanna be immigrants that are really marginalised americans. I always stayed away from trouble unless I had no choice. I still remember this enano colombian that own the corner bodega on Westfield & Morris avenue. I love multicultural towns. I am all for everyone living well but the are a minority that give the majority a bad name.

Well it was a pleasure exchanging opinion with you. I hope to travel to Mexico soon. Can you recommend a place that isn't americanised? Definitely Cancun type isn't want we are looking for..What about Alcapulco...

On the east coast Puerto Ricans had the hooked up toyata's..with the boricua flag..sh8 now I see everyone doing it...they upgraded to honda civics..I forgot to mention the filipinos were cool too..we used to call them the asian spics because many have spanish sur names....jajjajjaj..I say "live and let live"....

BTW, La raza to me ain't no god damn latino reppin...rather them big upping their nationality mexicans....it's all good anyway...

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Rubito Not only in nyc but also in NJ. In the town that I live. There is about two blocks that are loaded with mexicans. It's a fairly middle class area where it is considered safe. I have seen so many mexicans on one corner but they seem to be day laborers and work hard. Although many hang out side of there lawn drinking Colt 45...And the public schools are full with little Dora's...so cute...

I went to on of there stores just to look around. I got this wierd look which is normal, I guess. I will try eating at one of there restaurants. I have to say my wife and I love mexican food...I can go for a fajita de camarones right now..I'm hungry..let me head out to those grease ball pizzeria and get me a slice of pizza..jjajjajaj...Giuseppi is a prick but his pizza's are great..

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Rubito Not only in nyc but also in NJ. In the town that I live. There is about two blocks that are loaded with mexicans. It's a fairly middle class area where it is considered safe. I have seen so many mexicans on one corner but they seem to be day laborers and work hard. Although many hang out side of there lawn drinking Colt 45...And the public schools are full with little Dora's...so cute...

I went to on of there stores just to look around. I got this wierd look which is normal, I guess. I will try eating at one of there restaurants. I have to say my wife and I love mexican food...I can go for a fajita de camarones right now..I'm hungry..let me head out to those grease ball pizzeria and get me a slice of pizza..jjajjajaj...Giuseppi is a prick but his pizza's are great..

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Alot of generalization Boa dia,

Most of us here have stated our opinion but are mostly generalising rather than insinuating that every person from X country is such and such. Clavo, you sound like a typical PC american that tip toes around every subject not to offend anyone. Afraid to be label as a racist. I never said that all mexican women are ugly and have more rolls than the Michelin tire guy. But on average in my area it is rare to see a drop dead mejicana, even though I know there are some out there I have seen maybe 5.

People migrate to this country because of the opportunities it provides immigrants from Brazil,Colombia, etc etc..Unfortunately this country needs some sort of regulation or else it is going to spiral downhill. And with the new free trade agreements more people will do everything to escape poverty and a dead end future. The policies in North America are bias and exploiting the majority of the people in South America & Caribbean. If USA really wants to curtail illegal immigration they should stop opening industries south of the border paying them slave wages when the same job here pays triple or more. The middle class in america is vanishing because alot of companies are moving overseas because of cheap labor and lax human right violations and many illegals here don't mind working below the minimum wage. People south of the border might not be eloquent/educated but they know when they are getting screwed with no vaseline.

NYC & the tri-state area is very unique and like Elmo said racial jokes are thrown around constantly but the key is they intermingle and show respect most of the time for each other. I have a name for every ethnic friend I have and they have many for me. That's just the way thing are here.

Now regarding mejicanos claiming on conquering lost land is something I've heard from many. J. Ramos have eloquently said they are "re-hispanising" old spanish territories and then some. Now this isn't your taco eating illiterate mejicano rather a important public figure that are making these remarks. And when these gangs slur "LA RAZA". Are they referring to this supposedly Latin race? You should see these mejicanos faces when they see a dominican speaking spanish for the first time. Saying stupid racial jokes thinking Juanito aka Bahayibe was african american and get fire rapid spanish and remarks that Sammy Sosa looking Bahayibe is indian not the same as Shawn. Recently in the heights several dominicans have been beating up mejicanos and have friction with them. Where is the latino race and unity?

The east coast is a mixture of many ethnic groups unlike LA where mejican gangs vs black gangs go at each otehr throats. Most have to do with many immigrants taht come here are at the lower strata of this society and forever caught in the cycle of violence and poverty. From what I've read the tension between the two are bad on the west coast. Here in the east coast it isn't that bad, as long as one knows the territory then he/she should be fine.


Now to the new colombian poster comments regarding mejicano immigrants and colombian immigrants. Welcome on board...I have to say I do agree that majority of mejicanos are from rural areas and analfabetos but there are many colombians from the outskirts of cali,medillin,bogata migrating as well and some haven't finish bachillerato. Although I have to say generally speaking you'll find more educated colombians than mexicans, IMO. I guess because the mentalities are different..Where mejicanos come here to save money and send back home while Jatomayor & Catalina work hard to keep up with the Jone's. Same thing for my brazilian compatriots. Again I am generalizing here but I think colombians/brazilians are generally more cultured and materialistic than the rural mexican. I have asked many mejicanos where they are from and most will admit that they aren't for Distrito Federal but from Oaxaca or Puebla(90%)(Proud). While a colombian campesino well to you he/she is from Cali & Medellin and the brazilian will tell you they are from Rio rather than NE Brazil...always pretending to be something they are not...

After all we are all human being and should learn as much as we can about each other and will realize that all of the bigotry and prejudice we created out of our own fears and lack of understanding.

Simon, whenever I go into a let's say colombian/brazilian store, I always start off in english because that's the normal thing to do for me. After all we do live here and I might have been an english speaker. After a while if I see the person making an effort to reply I'll switch to portuguese or spanish. As Rubito mentioned Quebec especially Mtrl as a true metropolitian area where everyone speaks several languages. My wife was upset that a peruvian spoke to her in french rather than spanish first.jajjajaja. I told her this ain't the USA...jajjajaj I have to say that the hispanohablantes in montreal are more educated and cultured than the USA...will generally speaking canadians are more knowledgable and open than americans are....Juste mon opinion....I love walking down st. catherine st...after learning so much and broadening my horizon..I have become less nationalistic and consider myself a citizen of the world...Justice for all...

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Simon,Listen take your over Simon,

Listen take your over patriotic self somewhere else if you want to get into name calling. I am your latino brother one mind and one cause.. What happened to that "somos latino" propoganda? Read the whole paragraph b4 making remarks buddy...Well after work instead of watching Univision or Telemundo..flick the channel to ABC or NBC...good way to learn a foreign language btw. don't give me that crap about working to many hours...I don't blame the older immigrants that come here with children but if you're 20 yrs old or 25 yrs old and under that have been living here for more than 5 yrs..there should be no god damn excuse for not knowing basic english....Instead of partying and chatting up about gossip and telenovelas..watch jeopardy or something in english...

Please don't make it into a brazilian vs colombian thing because it is useless..I am not a gringo so I know what the hell I'm talking about..have you ever walked into a hispanic store and if you respond in english they look at you as if you are from out of space..Do you forget that this is a country where spanish isn't the main language and other people need to be attended to as well... My friend.. I am referring to the mass of hispanohablante that live on Rosevelt BLVD..8th street..bergenline..... Yes I have the right to call this people lazy because I know many colombians,my brazilian parents, haitians that came here in the early 60's that speak english because they wanted to get ahead and not stuck in an immigrant barrio where music is blasting on 10 and reminscing about the old days.. You are in a foreign land..speaking more languages is great but you should take heed and learn one too..besides. All those people you've mentioned above wanted a better life for themselves and paid there dues...we ain't in spanish speaking country why should I make an effort when you won't do the same..the easiest way to learn a language is to live in a country where you will immerse without any effort..how come some people refuse to "immerse" in this society?..you think you are defending su gente right,pero sigue con su estupidez..I see a new marginalise group of people in america..that will blame the world for the misery, incarcerated, can't speak proper english nor spanish listening to reggaeton all day..reppin latino..the impoverish group of america....don't let the "chiva" pass you buy or you'll be like this colombian dude I remember when I was younger...still mopping floors and cheering for Cali Deportivo rather than taking a free english course to better his situation in his adopted country.. But I here la misma mierda..cuando estuviera en Colombia..patatin patatan..

To colombians out there I am no way putting down any nationality but rather stating the truth..I know the truth hurts..but it is part of growing if one only recognize the issue...I see new immigrants coming here wanting people to bend backwards. I don't mind personally...I just see the desigualdad of latin america forming in the land where everyone with a dream and ambition can achieve anything...I don't mind hiring a couple of criada and paying them 2 dollars a week...if this is the life you want so be it...

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Rubito thanks for the numbers Rubito,

So times I wonder the same thing too. I know alot of Canucks here living illegally but have high paying jobs and live like a regular american from the valley. As you said the darker the hue it is out of the US for U. jajjajja.

The only thing I can come up with is that hispanohablantes are stubborn like americans are. They don't want to intergrate and speak english as if they would be betraying their land of origin if they wanted to be americans. I thank my lucky stars for more parents hard work and risk they took to have a better life but they earned it and learnt the ropes. Americans don't bother you if you keep out of the radar. Once you start speaking a language they can't understand and opening up ethnic restaurants with no one that can attend you in English then the white drape with two holes just come out of the wood work...

I blame hispanics too for their lazy and lack of interest of being part of the american society. My wife has a cousin that has been here for 10 years that can't speak a word of english and she is 30 now. Has a huge colombian flag in front of her house and talks bad about the USA. I asked her why doesnt want to learn english..She replied with such arrogance "No quiero aprender este idioma. Todo el mundo me atiende en español.".... It's rare you'll met a brazilian that has been here for more than a decade that can't speak basic english....

People forget that this country less then 5 decades ago had people of color sitting at the back of the bus. Most of those people are still alive and are afraid of the new america.. But it's inevitable though...I guess the chicken is coming home to roost....jajjajaj...

What I hate are hispanic born american or brazilians that cross over..acting like valley girls and say stupid things like "ILk I can't eat rice & beans"....jajjajaj.. What's that stuff..knowing damn well that their mother cooked ethnic food at home.....Anyway, the numbers are small this time around..I think people are afraid of a massive deporatation..that would be the best place for ICE to net everyone with less effort..jajjaajjaj...Imagine going to a rally and ICE waiting for you asking for documents and processing them at the march...

That would be so wrong..but I never put anything by my american buddies...I think soon kids born of illegal parents will not be americans by birth..some congressman is studying a way to implement laws barring illegals children that American BC and force them to go to their consulate and register the children.. Some countries in Europe are like that...I think France is ....

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Que está pasando aqui How the hell did this thread get veered to talking about women's genitals. After coming back from lunch, I realized that americans are bias when it comes to immigration. How come they don't profile the eastern europeans,western europeans and canadians that are in the USA illegal? Well, I do know the answer to that but the eastern europeans are coming here in droves as well. Why not send them packing back to their ex-communist countries. There is definitely a double standard.

Just got back from lunch and asked to of my gringo co-workers about illegals in the country. At first they were PC about it and after bashing mejicans they thought I was a bigot like them and expressed their true sentiments. jajajajja. I asked them the same question above and none could tell me why aren't eastern european and canadian illegals are not targeted. BTW, to them all spanish speaking people are mexicans.. Gosh I tell you some americans are dumber than a door knob. Too them everyone is latin...Well I don't speak latin damn it...and don't come from the Roman Empire.

Brazilian women/colombian women take care of themselves more than mexican women. I mean generally speaking mejican women don't care about there image. I say it's good and bad thing. Yersterday I saw a mexican women with a shirt showing her "panza" as if she had a six packs..I say some of them don't care about image ..

I say some are getting the stick from their native country and the US...sad indeed..

Qubo comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

They are marching as we type Actually there is a march/protest going on as we type. It's funny how they look different from East to West Coast. The East coast immigrants are from many different countries coming together while on the west coast all you see are mexican flags and a sense of arrogance. Some mexicans believe they are re-conquistar the territories they've lost. I don't know as someone that have compassion for illegals, I am very skeptical of mexicans. Do you guys know how they treat colombians,brazilians etc etc that travel to Mejico illegally? There immigration policy is strict worse than USA's.

Look at the increase of mexicans gangs in the east coast and also the hondurians & salvadorians are causing alot of trouble here. Just last week a salvadorian was arrested for raping his daughter and forced her to throw their children down a garbage incinerator. I don't know but I found this people very atrasado. Always drunk and have alot of babies that we the taxpayers have to take care of. I say why not protest in mejico against the telenovela looking mexicans that caused them to migrate illegal in the first place.

This immigration thing is a touchy subject. I think they should have a temporary work program for people. Look at Jorge Ramos, propaganda about the "Latin Wave" as if all of us in South America are one. Read this guys book and you'll see that most mejicans have an agenda of re-conquering lost property. In his book he mentions wanting the future presidented to speak more than two words in spanish.. Is this guy serious? We need a reform but allowing all illegals to become legal will cause a huge deficit...Look at the public schools and social programs...total chaos and american kids are being left behind for bi-lingual programs and other stupid programs...I remember my cousins taking ESL classes and after two years they were thrown in regular classes and did just fine. Immigrants these days don't want to pay there dues and expect everything to be given on a silver platter...It's not fair to the immigrants that want to intergrate rather than making a country within a country. And this is from a first generation american of brazilian background....


It's almost better to be illegal than legal. I can get a new identity and forget about all the debt I had and start anew...I can buy a car a house and when I can't pay it just ditch out and get another identity...

Qubo comments on Cupid in Manhattan (Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Wichita...)

Don't get me wrong I have travelled a bit and I must say america/USA is a great country to live in. Unfortunately, chasing paper(dollars), lack of family ties, on the go mentality, very impersonal attitudes is just the way of life in the USA especially in metropolitan areas. Americans set trends everywhere and has a love hate relationship with the international community. For about 7 yrs the head of state has tarnished our image and we are seen as bullies shoving dumbocracy down people's throats and blaming them for causing chaos.

We are living in a new world..It's funny when I cross the river to NYC I do a silent prayer just in case something occurs.. What will we do if something happens again? I know I can get up and leave this country and start over with my family but is the grass greener on the other side...Unfortunately some people don't have options..

anyway, I have veered way off subject and getting depressed of the current world issues we are all are facing. I just remembered the author...Juan Pablo Gutierrez.."La trilogía sucia de la Habana"..this is a definitely gets to the real present day cuba and doesn't sugar coat anything like the Bastista cubans do when reminecsing about Cuba pre-Castro.... Anyway write now im reading Plinio Mendoza's "Aquellos Tiempo" which talks about his close relationship with Gabo the greatest hispanic author, IMO....BTW, have you guys heard about Botero apologising to Spain for saying "He would never step foot in Spain because of the 2000 requirement for visa for Colombian nationals." Something has made him change his mind...hmmm??

anyway, I want to go to Kooba b4 Fidel's candle dims for good...With this homeland security I am scared to take that chance. Don't want to come back with Customs waiting to escort me into an empty room...jjajajj call me paranoid but I don't mess with Uncle Sam..

Qubo comments on Cupid in Manhattan (Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Wichita...)

I actually thought about this thread all night. The difference between USA & South America is that all races in the latter or more integrated when in comes to culture. Although the classism is less in the USA for some reason there seems to be an unspoken segregation based on ethnic background. I also realized that most gringos that come on PBH are explorers even if it is based on chica chasing, they are willing to learn a new language, culture, and of course getting alot of action is the icing on the cake. Most average american are afraid of anything outside of their environment although with the influx of immigrants plunging to the typical american pie suburbs, we will see the new americans emerging.

Morphus,

There is a cuban author,his name I don't recall, that writes about the current situation in Cuba where everyday is simply sex,rum, more sex, scavage food, and more sex. Europeans have been ahead of their american counterparts for decades as far as traveling and enjoying the culture. Americans are slowly catching up but the one thing I despise is they force countries to adapt to their way of fast life...McDonald's, chasing paper all day and buying as if they still lived in the USA...look at Cancun, Costa Rica...I hope Colombia doesn't change..one good thing about colombia is an average american is scared to travel there..Will see when board members start asking :Where can I get Texas Weiner's and barbucue sauce? Hopefully people will respect the culture and live in it rather than changing it to accomodate their life style completely..

Qubo comments on Cupid in Manhattan (Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Wichita...)

Interesting Post This is an interesting post and really informative for gringos and south americans/caribbeans. After reading all of the post here it all boils down to respect and appreciating the other persons culture. My experience in the try state area has been a gringos dream. I am 6'2" black guy "brazilian" could pass for african american, puerto rican, cuban, colombian, dominican etc etc etc.. My spanish is near perfect and I can imitate just about every spanish accent. When I was single I dated all of the above and gave some away to friends since I couldn't handle all by myself.

I was never interested in white americans but wanted to taste the waters just for the heck of eat. It was a culture shock and learned alot about american culture..Go figure I was born in the US of A and had no clue about certain things. I can say my experience with whtie americans left me not impressed..Families are not close and to each his own..18 you're an adult and out of the house. Which is completely the opposite in cultures south of florida.

Scott had mentioned something very important about latinos from east to West...West coast hispanics are mexicans/central americans that are mostly indigenous eat sour cream and tortillas and can't dance to save their life while on the east coast you have caribbean hispanics that eat rice & beans y platanos that loves to dance salsa. Colombians here are mostly paisas but the caleñas and costeños are more live. Again it is all about respecting each others culture and show of interest...Funny in colombia "cali" I blended in so much that everyone thought I was another caleño..

In 20 years from now USA will resemble colombia/brazil where all cultures are infused into one..Si no es de indio, es de mandingo!!!!!

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

Cali373,
I am contemplating Cali373,

I am contemplating leaving the GARDEN State. BTW, they should call it the Toxic State at least north jersey. Everything is getting too expensive and property taxes aren't going down. Then they are thinking of going private with our highways and also add tolls and I78 & 278. At one time we had it real good. Close to the City for everything and across the hudson I'm back in the suburb..

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

I confess Miamimike,

I confess I dont eat cranberry sauce nor american style vegetable. Our family have the turkey and every else is brazilian/colombian style.... I don't play when it comes to my food. If the rice and beans aren't on the table then I haven't eaten yet...LOL.. Can you imagine that I was born here and I can count on my fingers how many times I had an american style dish unless you consider McDonald's and other fast food restos. Well come to think of it "what's an american dish?" It's a fusion of all of the immigrants b4 us that becomes american style dishes. The Greeks with the lamb and mint jelly, italian's lasagna etc etc...Am I correct? Mexican dishes are american as well.. I will try anything and if I like it..the family will incorporate it in our dish..That's what I call american.

Anyway, I'm making myself hungry talking about all this food. Miamimike, Union City is no longer the cuban enclave. Most of the well off cubans have moved to the outskirt areas and those that expected more aide without work are still there. But the majority of the immigrants are mostly central/south americans and dominicans. Read my spanish above that was with my cuban accent..."dejecho".. It isn't a place one wants to get lost especially at night and if you don't speak spanish..you will never get by..

Bob Menendez NJ-Sen. is of cuban descent.. The mayor of Perth Amboy barely can speak english..I was so shocked but you don't want to go there..I've been there twice in my life..Come to think about I think NJ might have South Florida beat..

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

Florida is Spanish Territory Miamimike,

It is hard to get adequate service in some areas if one doesn't speak spanish. There are some areas in NJ that's worse than miami. Union City, West New York, even Elizabeth. You can go miles and miles and not find someone that speaks english. I got lost in Union City and stopped at the first pedestrian I saw. "Excuse me, Do you know..? No spic Ingles... Espere espere señorita ud. sabe como...? Oh si si..claro..Sigue dejecho y dos blokes doble a la izquielda...Yo pensaba que eras americano...LOL...Yo americano!!!..NO NO!!!pss..estamos en nuestro pais "Estados Unidos".

My wife usually gets mad at me for not speaking spanish first but why should I initiate a conversation in spanish when I'm in the USA. I told her that when in Colombia can I start speaking english to everyone and expect them to accomadate..She was pissed.. I prefer not to have these conversations with her anymore..

An acquantaince had the nerve to tell me that since Florida was spanish territory at one time spanish should be an official language.. I didn't bother getting myself into that debate.. so I nodded my head..si si..claro..los gringos son racistas..LOL

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

MVEFWD,
That's the motto. MVEFWD,

That's the motto. It appears that your colombianita is worth it. What part of Colombia is she from? Education is indeed the key to enlightment but one has to realize that staying in the dark requires less effort which some people prefer. I sometime say to myself "I wish I was dumb". Ignorant people just go about their lives without asking questions and live in a small world. Anything outside of that dark world is a threat because a dose of light will eventually brighten the room.

Wow you've been living there for a while I moved away 10 years ago. Unfortunately, things have changed alot. It's crowded and bustling like a city. When I grew up there it was still a town with a little splash of city life. That city has so much potential and could be much better in my opinion, not to say it's horrible. If you need any recommendation let me know.

In regards to you obtaining a colombian accent that's going to take you about a decade or more..LOL.. Most anglophone speakers no matter how fluent in spanish or any latin language never seem to break that accent. I kind of cheated. My portuguese made it easy for me to learn spanish. Actually I always could understand everything it was my pronunciation that needed improvement. I suggest you learn how to conjugate the verbs first. Good luck and hope your relationship last..

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

MVEFWD,
Wow, I've been to MVEFWD,

Wow, I've been to every spot that you've mentioned. I see that you are fustrated that you can't communicate with your girlfriend's mother and she categorizes you with all those hoodlums on Morris Ave. Well, I don't know how this thread got twisted into the race category but you shouldn't let you being african-american discourage you. The truth is you are dating her daughter not the mom so don't let whatever stereotype the mother has effect your relationship.

My parents learnt english because they wanted to assimilate to a certain degree and communicate with americans. You'll be wasting your time if you think you are going to change the mom. It ain't going to happen. It appears you are bitter that she doesn't see pass all the stereotypes and come outside her realm. It is what is..

Well, if you are serious about this girl then you need to show her family the better side of african american culture. Take them to a soul food restaurant and eat some collard greens and fish whiting..LOL..I remember when my sister was dating this african american he took the entire family out to eat. My mom was skeptical at first but had an open mind. Food was pretty good and even I enjoyed it. Can you believe I was born in the USA and never heard of a fish fry until I was in my mid twenties...LOL.. Just to show you the lack of understanding of each others culture.

As a black person, as you stated you need to accept that this is the new america and things aren't black & white anymore. There's alot of blend between the two(also different cultures) and you are going to have to just accomodate or look for a new girlfriend that's going to have parents that speak english and share the same culture. Since I am 100% sure you aren't going to change her mother's p.o.v or you can improve your spanish and dis-spell all of her stereotypes of black americans. Are you up for that task?


BTW, did you go to the high school? I miss that town so much. I don't live there anymore. The town is very multi-cultural but everyone stick to there own. I remember when morris ave had nothing but italian american shops and the blacks were down by the dunkin donuts that lived in the Projects around the corner. I had to bust a couple of heads to get my respect and prevent myself from getting robbed. The Ol' days..LOL... There is only one italian shop there now and I think they are going out of business soon. I must say the colombians have changed that ave for the better although some have increased illegal activities there as well. Hey in every country you'll find those working hard looking to make that american dream a reality and then you'll find those that are just loosers. Have you been to the station house? I was there for the inauguration. The owner is a good friend of the family. Very hard working people "paisas" and neither one speaks english but at least they are taking courses to learn. The wife always wants me to speak english with her. She is very ambitious and making an effort.

Hey man this is the new america..Maybe it will become a real melting pot this time around rather than ethnic enclaves...

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

Swinn88,Jajajajaj. I Swinn88,

Jajajajaj. I thought I was the only one that experienced people offended when I spoke to them in english rather than spanish. And when they would curse or fuss in spanish I would turn on my hard core Colombian accent then they would have the nerve to say...wHY didn't you speak spanish in the first place..jajjajaj.. Por qué estamos en E.E.U.U. y me da la gana...LOL... I understand you fustrations man and I'm here with you.

It is almost not cool to be an american these days in the USA. Everyone wants to be from somewhere else. They want the american dollar but don't want to live the american lifestlye. It's ok represent where you from but fit in here as well. It's simple..Colombians and other hispanics have a tougher time being accepted in Spain than the USA go figure no language barrier. And some hispanics have the nerve to call spain la madre patria... Or maybe they should see the conditions the algerian immigrants face in the ghettos in France..Immigrants just don't know how good they have in the USA.

I can see a subgroup of hispanics circling like rats in the barrio never advancing because of their lack of english. Creating a new breed of ghetto that is going to make the afro-american ghetto look like disneyland. Sure the hispanohablante that is bi-lingual love doing business with you solely en español,so he can rip your behind off. I don't mind speak spanish anymore. I am tired of getting that wierd look when I address someone in english.

Some hispanic males are macho and ignorant trying to keep their women captivated in the house by not encouraging to speak english and that's sad. It's sad to see young women that have been here with no responsiblity can't take an english course. They prefer novelas and run to the peluquería.. NJ is almost up to par with miami.. We are going to have to put signs that says "YES, WE SPEAK ENGLISH"...

Qubo comments on Diversidad y pobreza en Estados Unidos

Interesting!! Swinn88,

You've covered all very well. As you mentioned the Irish were seen as the white "niggers" and Italians WERE the "niggers" mixed blood from arabs north africans and subsaharan africans.

In my experience most hispanics just don't care about learning english since they are catered to. They focus more on what is going on in Colombia or X country rather than there adoptive home. And it's funny that people brandish there flag in the USA but don't do it back home..I can understand of holding on to your identity but some go to the extreme. I have a friend who was born here and when people ask him where he's from. He pridely says that he's colombian. I make fun of him and call him a colombian imposter. I,too, come from immigrant parents (Brazil) and can understand or relate. But this is becoming too much and annoying. The main reason why most hispanics never obtain the so called american dream is they don't want to be an american.

Cali373,

I am from NJ like you and grew up in Elizabeth..La cuna de los colombianos . If an angloparlante walks into the store there isn't one person there to attend him/her since no one speaks english. I have tried going to a colombian restaurant speaking english and they have the nerve to look at me like I am the one out of place..allo estamos viviendo en USA..

I teach English as a Second language part time(I want to give back to the community) and the program is FREE. the first thing I tell my students is, " stop watching TELEMUNDO & Univision". Live in your adopted country rather than outside of it. Most of my students come to class dead beat and I know it's not easy but everything is a sacrifice.. Now most of them are actually learning and speaking english. Some have been in this country for over 10 years.

I can understand your parents coming here and have priorities but learning english should be one of them. It goes hand in hand with paying the bills, IMO. To make it worse I see young adults that can't speak english and have been here over 3 years..How is that possible..I can't see myself living in Colombia without knowing english. I would go crazy...

BTW, Cali only lower class black americans name their children Latoya and Sheniqua..in the upper and middle class afro-american household those names don't exist.

Also the bilingual program is terrible. We have kids that can't speak english well nor spanish.. It's like they're in limbo mentally including their nationality. In my day you had the ESL program for several years then they would through you in a regular class to fend for yourself. It workt great. One had no choice between to swim. Now you have these bi-lingual teachers that barely can speak english themselves teaching bilingual classes. It gets worse..Some prefer their native spanish than the other and get offended when their child speaks spanish with a puerto rican or mexican accent.. Qué barbaridad!!

Qubo comments on tripreport

Donc, Kem vous êtes Belgique..Flemish n'est ce pas? Alors qu'est ce que tu vas faire. Tu querida Di ya esta en Locombia. Ud. quiere regresar pronto. Calmese mi hijo.. Il faut de la patience... U seem like a well travelled educated lad. She might be the woman de tus sueños..take your time..let the dust settle b4 thinking about anything else..dude, your story telling was great..makes me want to go to colombia..wait a minute I'll be there next month..

Just finished looking at the pics..Never mind what I said..you are D man. Tell us more about your stay. We all know there are beautiful women in Colombia. Tell us about the ambiance of each region and the customs of the people. Je sais très bien las mujeres sont chaluereuse..LOL.. I never tried para gliding b4..How was that? Nice report man..

Qubo comments on tripreport

Great post Kem,

Great post and your english is great. It felt as if we were there with you. I can see Di now, what a knockout!!! I don't blame you at all. Geez, it appears you friend Seb is the cream of the crop in Colombia. Glad that you had a great time and as I said your english is not bad at all. Where are you from? Thanks again..

Im just another colombian lover just like you..

Qubo comments on Update on US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira

Rubito I dont know man..Bronx is in another league. I use to go to the Jimmy Bronx's cafe on Fordham Rd. Dude, parking your car in bronx was giving it a way. Maybe it has gotten better but the bad reputation and my experience sticks in my head. So bronx will always be bagdad to me.. I friend of mind just got car jacked a couple of weeks in Newark. She is a nurse at university hospital. Elizabeth is another area that is getting bad rep too. Brooklyn yikes..the only place i go in that borough is Forte Greene and Bklyn Hgts..put it like this anything past Prospect park is a war zone.. Come to think about Colombia is nt that bad at all..LOL. Too bad that the bad rep and of course things do happen gives people the creeps..Great for us..dont want colombia turning into DR or Mejico..gringos evrywhere

Qubo comments on Update on US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira

Im from NJ and let me tell you. I dont like to go to Newark unless I have to. Someone gets shot and killed like every other day. The new mayor has his hands full. I felt safer in Cali Colombia than Newark NJ. I would compare Newark to Bronx. Places that people shouldn't just stroll around for no reason.

Qubo comments on South American friends from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and

Monpirri1,
Thanks for Monpirri1,

Thanks for sharing..great pics..wow, that hotel in venezuela looks fabulous...now i want to go to venezuela..how much is it a night?

Qubo comments on Los turistas Colombianos

Adrimm,Great observation Adrimm,

Great observation and very interesting comments. Pero dejame decirle algo. Although this is a land formed by immigrants, we have to remember what race these immigrants were. Unfortunately, this country and other countries in Europe as well don't want the people they've oppressed to live too close. I hope you get my drift. The majority of the immigrants that came here were from Germany, Irish, Italians. Now the majority of the immigrants are majority native americans(mestizo) from south of the border. IMO, it all boils down to race. How come americans aren't focused on the illegal cunucks living in the USA or the illegal europeans. When they said "give me your hungry and your poor" I don't think they meant..give me your mesitizos y negros...LOL...

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.

I would love to hear your opinions regarding my comments..

gracias

Qubo comments on Los turistas Colombianos

Adrmin Adrimm,

I concur with everything you said. But as a 2nd generation myself with strong ties with my parents home country it is a damn shame to see some places in the USA turning into a Banana Republic. You would assume that people with all the opportunities this country provides would take advantage of it which many do but it appears there are alot of immigrants who prefer to stay in the "barrio" and expect everything given to them on a silver platter. I mean we all are proud of our heritage but I've seen some crazy things in NJ. Im very tolerate of other cultures as I mentioned I am not a typical american with the it's the american way and everything else is third world. 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.


Miamimike,

I got lost in Liberty City I swear to God I thought I was in a favela in Brazil..We were going to this dominican club. I don't recall the name but the sign was pink near the tramway. Dude, when we got there all of us were like..sh8 this place is for hoodlums and basically ran out of there b4 they noticed us...Actually we didn't even get out of the car. I consider myself very street smart..My radars were screaming "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE". Is it a Florida thing to stare at cars that look like a rental. LOL..We had a bumble bee bright yellow rental car..did give away..We were like fresh bait. BTW, is it normal for people to take red lights in Liberty City. It seemed no one stopped at the red lights..it was more of a yield and then go.. North Miami is a litte scary too..I thought NJ was bad. If gringos are afraid to visit S. America I say test your waters in South Florida..LOL..I love Mangos though...I met alot of my compatriots in South Beach..We even have a Carnaval in JUNE..Brasileros ROCK..did i just get patriotic for no reasons..LOL..

Tchau

Qubo comments on Los turistas Colombianos

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.

I think what's holding colombia and colombians back "from progessing" is they don't like to be criticised even if they know deep down inside that it's the truth. I have this problem with mi colombianita all the time and basically avoid conversations that will stir up her national pride..

just wanted to get that off my chest..ok..great day guys.. BTW, when I went to Universal Studios there were alot of languages spoken by tourist but majority were indeed spanish speaking and some were living in the USA over 20 years and still couldn't speak spanish. What's the USA coming to?

Qubo comments on Mexican Spanish vs. Colombia Spanish

Rubito,Are you talking Rubito,

Are you talking about J.A. I don't think she's 90 though. Her book is very primitive and should not even be considered literature. And the one from puelto Lico that I've read. R.F. I am reluctant to post there names. Overall they are good simple people I guess there history has alot to do with their substandard education. But if you want to have a good time and easy mujeres pa' santo domingo me voy..LOL..

rubito, don't tell me that this letter was from the merenguero J.L.G.

Coelho is a great writer maybe the translation into english lost its original content "impact". Have that ever happen to you? Read a translation of a book and was completely dis-satisfied with it but read the book in its original language and loved it...

Cubans have some great authors as well..damn, can't think of one off my head except J. Marti..wasn't Carpentier Koobano..

Qubo comments on Mexican Spanish vs. Colombia Spanish

I love that book too Colombiche..that book is an excellent read..His stlye of writing is fantastic. I'm usually bored with spanish writers but he seems to keep me awake. He uses colloquail words and even used "Quihubo"..This guy really did his homework and made this story so authentic..

Elmo,

C'mon bro not this thread. It isn't right to bring the Inquirer in this thread..dude, I love your style of writing too maybe you should think of becoming a writer. But please don't mess up this thought provoking thread..later bro..have great day..


keep this thread going..I just learnt a mexican word "chava"...I had know idea what that meant..

Qubo comments on Mexican Spanish vs. Colombia Spanish

A breath of fresh air what a beautiful thread that has evolved like many languages we all speak today but always seem to remain on topic to keep the main theme afloat. After reading all of the post, I see none of you mentioned my favorite Paulo Coelho..Ok it's in portuguese but alot of his readers are hispanohablantes. Have any of you read "Alquimista".

Cereal you've made an excellent point about some of the well known authors in the hispanohablante region. Gabo in my opinion writes with such grace and style without regionalizing his literature. On the other hand I think Mario Vargas Llosa is an outstanding writer but the use of peruanismo makes it hard for a non-peruvian or someone that isn't too expose to their colloquial speech a tad difficult. I've always found myself falling asleep while reading his books. Isabelle Allende is an excellent writer that really captures her readers soul and spirit with depicting the ambiance and atmosphere. I would agree she is a lightweight read which is great for novice readers and not to ambiguous like a Borge,Fuentes,etc etc. I still think her finesse and grammatical skills still make her a top contender that will go round for round with the heavy weights writers.

PR and the DR don't have great authors that South Americans would read. I have read some books from authors from each respective countries and find my myself putting it down or giving the book away because of such anglicismo and incorrect use of grammar. Too much leismo and rudimentary usage.


UTC, I beg to differ. Brits are very sensitive about the Shakespearan language and view most american english speakers as basic which lack high quality vocabulary. And the french are even worse..most think any the outside of l'hexagone is good french.

BTW an excellent Spanish writer that wasn't mentioned here is Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Have any of you read any of his books... keep this thread going..We have some great posters here ...