RolaParaTodaLaVida has left 65 comments

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on San Andres or Isla De Rosario?

Islas del Rosario are for a day trip Beautiful but I got everything done in one day.
San Andres is more of a 4 day trip. In Cartagena you can stay for an extended weekend and you will see a lot.

Every location has a little something special to offer. They are all great. Especially Cartagena... at night they have the city tours in the Chiva and you get Rum and coke w/ empanadas! It’s great. You barely pay attention to the city tour (you do that in the day to really get the idea) at night you are there to drink and have fun. At the end of that night tour they left us at a great night club!
So much fun.

In las Island del Rosario we snorkeled. and had lunch at one of the islads.

San Andres is beautiful and a lot of Europeans head out there.

Again all with a little different but beautiful atmosphere.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Just an advise

any time is a good time to visit Colombia I have to say about two years ago I was able to go back after 20yrs! And I thought January would be kind of slow, but it was the only time off from work. Boy was I wrong. Yeah Christmas was done...but do we really need a holiday for a party! My family was excited to have us there and every day we were some where. Zipaquirá, El Centro, shopping, sight seeing, dancing!
In Bogotá we had a great party that lasted all the way to 7am and then like a good Colombiano...we headed to Monserrate. Very tired but we climbed up to the top! It was all worth it. Cartagena was party central. We went through the week and yeah it was slow, but Thursday on to Sunday brought in people from all over the place to party.
Enjoy it! Looking forward to going back for Easter 2006

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Colombian products...shopping online

where are living?
thanks for the links. all good ones!

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on papitas criolla

ah no way! papitas criollas are way different

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on colombians where are you living?

keep to the topic guys...come on ...its interesting to know where we are all at

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Baby names: What is a popular name for a baby girl or boy

thank you mrs gomez you have a nice variety.
all pretty names for the girls and handsome names for the boys!
:)

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on papitas criolla

guascas what the name for guascas in english?

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on papitas criolla

Wow sorry everyone...all I wanted was to have some Papitas Criollas...people are really having a stressful time talking about them.
:) I second miamimike..."don't worry be happy"

Now if someone does find where I can find "FRESH" papitas that would be great.
now remember this is not the WWF Wrestling Federation

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on papitas criolla

FRESH WHAT THE ???? FRESH ALWAYS FRESH...
EEEWWWW

SO JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN SET!

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on colombians where are you living?

thank you guys...its nice to see Colombians are all over but we all still want to scream "Colombia Mi Tierra Querida"

Paisas keep them coming.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on the many diffferent colors of Colombianos

Yes, if one person doesn't change another’s point of view things will never change. And I can say I have tried and have made change in many of my friends and co-workers point of thinking about immigrants and Hispanics in America.
The comment about "full potential" is that Americans look at the work that most immigrants have to do to survive in the U.S.A but without knowing that they may have been teachers, doctors, dentist, college educated, and so on. Because of the language and a variety of regulations some end up working in housekeeping or other blue color work.
And that maybe just one of many things that immigrants have to struggle to in order to receive respect and appreciation.

To ask anyone to be open-minded is not asking too much. Asking for everyone to be aware of everything is a bit too much. Not everyone would actually even enter a website like this one. Some people might not even eat different foods. and yes you are right some Americans may not know things like Alaska is a state or that Canada is a next door neighbor and a country in itself.

Believe me... living in the states I can understand the struggles but I can never say I know fully what another group has gone through. My stress or discomforts does not compare to what any African American or Jewish American (plus many other races) have and is going through at many points of time. But with all of that said I have been called a spic...indirectly

A group of co-workers were talking about a warehouse manager and that he was a real "spic". They were talking to me and then realized and said ..."oh but I didn't mean anything towards you, you know a "spic" not you"
Some how they thought it was still ok to bad mouth a Latino to me because I wasn't what they thought a "spic" was. I told them I didn't agree with them and no matter what that stereotype affect anyone in Latino community.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on the many diffferent colors of Colombianos

MUST READ THIS ARTICLE people judge by what they see... there is a certain stigma that is set at first sight. see anything relating to "Farmingville, Long Island New York" and what goes on their with the "day workers". While they try to find work, they stand on the corner of parking lots and although some may act immature others are there waiting to find work for the day. While people drive by they see this men as a waste of time. They never know where they came from and what their story is.

MUST READ THIS ARTICLE
This has gone to the extend that a Latino family was sleeping one night and their home was set on fire by American teenagers. Why?...because ? read the article
http://forums.yellowworld.org/archive/index.php/t-8529.html

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on the many diffferent colors of Colombianos

GringodeLouisia... your point?
Where do you live? in the states...which state?
Where is your family from? What generation are you?

Widen my perspective...boy oh boy if moving from one country and living among a variety of different cultures, religions, languages doesn't count...tell me what does?

My point of view comes from being an immigrant at the age of 9 and living in white America for 23 years of my life. My early years consisted of going to school with mostly Italian/ Americans, Irish/ Americans. The kids were not immigrants like myself, but tenth generation Americans. Some of their family history goes back 100 years. Back then their relatives experienced fitting in to America and learning English.
That’s my point. I am not taking away anything from any other Latinos in America or Insulting any Americans, but my point was from appearances many make the judgment that we are all from one country. They call America the Melting Pot. And it could be seen as such from a distance, but we are not all blended as well as we may think. It is a great learning experience to come in the U.S and learn the culture of “Americans” as well as from other countries that also share the American dream. But its still evident that being Latino in America is still far from being understood and respected to its full potential.
I am very proud to see every day more and more Latinos involved in bigger things in the business world and beyond.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Latinos are a rainbow of colors

see thats the thing...you can tell and you are not narrow minded, but some people in the U.S are... I've been asked if I'm Philipino, or Hawaiian, Mexican, Puerto Rican...very rarely does a White American really think about where I may be. They don't take into consideration that there are many other countries in Latin America.
Believe me among other Latinos, they know I am Latina, and for sure they can tell I am Colombiana.
This statement was made for the many people in the U.S that still are so caught up with labeling people without really knowing cultures beyond their own.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on colombians where are you living?

How...because its sooo good.
You can not tell you that you don't like it. There is flavor and its not boring.
you are crazy

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on What are the best clubs in Bogota y Chia ????

Madrid colombia that is

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on What are the best clubs in Bogota y Chia ????

Madrid when we were there back in January, my cousins took us to palces in Madrid. They were fun. Good music, big place and people were cool. Not crazy at all.
I hear el Norte is the place to go...but there more rich bratts, you see drugs out on the table. So pick your scene.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Baby names: What is a popular name for a baby girl or boy

NAMES POPULAR IN COLOMBIA sorry meant to say that

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on papitas criolla

in n.y...only in jars and they are not the same... the tast is lost by putting them in a jar.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Dual citizenship??

yes you have duel citizenship http://www.consuladodecolombiany.com/servicios/doble_nacionalidad.html

check the website.
i was born in bogota and also became a u.s citizen
i went back january of 2003 after 20 years. i did all my paperwork. although you could travel w/your american passport, its adviced to get your colombian passport as well.
get your birth certificate ready and from there you can start getting your "cedula" and then your passport. if you are under age your parents would have to sign along with you.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Considering a trip to Cartagena - never been to Columbia before

Hotel Caribe, clean, staff very helpful. great pool. food/drinks. private area... close gate. close to everything.
MUST SEE: Islas del Rosario!!!! beautiful.
there are so many places and also things going on...specially during the major holidays. thats the time to go or during the weekends. we went during the week and everyone told us we had messed up!!! still we had a great time.
fast food ...you see them here and there. food everywhere is good again people are very friendly.
at the beach you get the people selling stuff, i think that was the only annoying thing BUTTTTT not at the Islas del Rosario. There you go in a small group and the beach is practically yours. Very cool!
Take a tour in the "chiva" thats great fun. Drinks!!! and snacks. You are there more to get drunk and have a blast then actually sight see.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Hotel in Cartegena

i stayed at Hotel Caribe...when we were there, they were working on a new side. it was a very nice hotel. very helpful staff. clean! food was good. good package. and near all.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on can anyone help? im in search of the best plastic surgeon in Bogota

check/ and check again their backgrounds one suggestion, if you are going with the idea of getting work done...have all your important's details with you. blood type, allergies and so on. also let your doctor here know what you are doing.
my aunt went there but she already knew someone that had work done and it was a well known doctor in the community but I believe that was in cali. either way she only went with him because of family and friends recommendation not because of anyone online. I don't think that's very safe.
good luck with your search and if I find out info on where my aunt went ill pass it on. still check backgrounds. and don't let the appearance full you.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Visit to Cartagena

here is another website http://board.classifieds1000.com/Colombia

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Visit to Cartagena

check out this website http://caribenet.com/cartagena/

with out really trying i typed in... cartagena colombia apartments!
try this website

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Visit to Cartagena

why ...because if you already have visited then they know you are a good customer.

i have done that and they are more than happy to pass along information. also you are asking for an apartment verses a hotel. thats why. plus if you dont ask you would never know...would you!

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Is it possible to go to school in Colombia but not have to repeat that year when you get back to tha States?

check w/u.s school before going if you can...get the school program you will be working on and presented to an american school and can their feedback.

for the most part math is advanced in colombia vs. the states.

its best to know what the states require but i think you should be fine.

for example i moved here New York, as soon as i had finished 3rd grade in Colombia. because i didnt speak a word of english they kept me in 3rd grade in the american school, but as soon as 3rd grade was done... they moved me to 5th grade so i never attended 4th grade. in all the other subjects i was advanced.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Arrived in Bogota

keep eye out for guys in white suits one thing that i thought was funny was the guys selling coffee. they are wearing white suits like the "ghost busters" they carry coffee canasters in their backs. and they walk around selling coffee. pretty cool.

also around 12 or 1 the national band marches in the main street of the city ... its very patriotic

colombians are very proud and yes you see many smiles!

i miss it and I too would love to be there

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Arrived in Bogota

carlos vives is in north carolina right now!!!! my aunt just called me and is in concert!!!
viva colombia

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Visit to Cartagena

dont' know if i would do that apartment thing but it doesnt sound bad if you can land an honest real estate agent.
i stayed at the hotel caribe and that was great. they took care of us from start to finish. and i liked being pampered when im on vacation.

cartagena is super nice, but there still some not so nice spots. if you have that many people you should be able to afford something nice. do your homework. maybe even call a reputable hotel to see if they could recommend an agent for your needs.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Things to do before going to colombia

when my cousins and i were there "january 2004" we were both older than 18 so all we needed were our american passports. but when we got there they did advice us to have our colombian passports (since we have dual citizenship). we were only staying two weeks so it didnt matter. i believe that is more important if you are staying a longer period of time. After a certain amount of days you would start paying a tax per day if you are not a Colombian Citizen.

About the WATER...don't drink it. but do brush your teeth, take showers and so on. We never got sick. We stayed at my aunts house and we also went to Cartagena both places were fine. For drinks ...don't accept any ice. And always ask for bottle water. That way you minimize the changes of getting sick. Besides that diet for a few weeks before you go to Colombia cause the family will be feeding you non stop!

Enjoy.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Juanes T-shirts... plus other colombian shirts

tank tops for girls keep in mind the shirts run kind of big...
i also just asked if i could order tank tops, he said he didnt carry them but could if we were interested in Tank Tops.

also the saying is in the back not the front ...just so you know. its still a cool shirt.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Juanes T-shirts... plus other colombian shirts

about 19 plus shipping try ebay as well ebay.com

http://search.ebay.com/colombian-t-shirts_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQsatitleZcolombianQ20tQ2dshirts

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Familia in Colombia always asking for money

people will ask no matter what their financial status is My family is diverse. Some have received college degrees while others are blue collar workers. Either way the ones that can make something happen are the first to ask me. One has his own auto shop and says business is good and will still ask for a few thousand dollars so he may purchase a car! Then there are others that work three jobs and they would never think of asking for a penny.
When I was in Colombia my sister, cousin and I gave my aunt $100 dollars to help her out with the expenses for the two weeks we stayed with her. She cooked, took of from work to take us out, clean her home and made us very comfortable. We were princess for those two weeks. But when we gave her the money, she said thank you I had a funny feeling I had insulted her. Then later on she cried and said how thankful she was and told me that her mortgage is about equivalent to $90 U.S dollars/per month. She wasn't insulted but in amazement that we were so thoughtful.
The difference is that a mortgage payment in New York ranges from $1,500 and higher. This could be the rent for a one small bedroom (with barely any space) in New York City or a mortgage to a very small home in the suburbs (Long Island). Salaries vary from $30,000.00 a year and up. Most families work two jobs to make enough to get by. And I thought giving my aunt $90 dollars was not enough for the hospitality and the attention she had given us for the two weeks we stayed with her. I knew that she would appreciate it and deserved it. For her I wish I could do more.
But for the rest, who think that they can ask, well they can continue to ask all they want but I will continue to ignore them.
Please do add your comments. I was merely posting this forum as my opinion/experience rather than to ask for advice. I know that I can not extend any financial help. When I do help the fist person I think of is always my 85 year old grandfather that has Parkinson’s disease and not to the 7 healthy aunts and uncles, their spouses and my 23 healthy cousins.
One thing is to be in need of money due to a health emergency, and another to have a need for “material” gain.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Hotels - Islas del Rosario?

call or contact: Hotel Caribe in Cartagena they were very nice. and helpful.
they should be able to direct you to a safe clean and beautiful hotel in the islands!
enjoy its beautiful

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Dating a Cousin

i have heard about keeping it in the family Not sure why...but this is something that the men are into!
When I visited my family this was very obvious. They flirted with me in a way only a man would to a woman.
My cousin’s wives looked at me and my sister with eyes that could kill. I love my cousins but that’s only a family love. The wives wouldn't let them spend time with us to talk, have diner...etc. I didn't get it, but later on my aunts explain the whole male mentality on it and the fears of the women. I feel and believe its bizarre! My cousins are like my brother and sister. We keep up with each others lives with care and love but not lust! Or at least that’s how I approach my relationship with them.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Are all Colombian people wonderful. Are all colombiam women angels

they need to become aware Tell me something...has you moved from one country to another at a young age? Or has any one in your family taken that step?
I have. The cultures from Colombia vs. U.S.A are very different. This becomes a struggle if your values do not mingle with your surroundings. I never jeopardized my values but I did realize what the world had to offer as well as what dangers and obstacles I had to encounter.
The people in Colombia have a big heart. There is a lot of respect to their neighbors and to the church, I love that about Colombia and I do believe that is a big weakness in the states. But what I am talking about is "awareness". Knowing your surroundings and being able to know that in a different country foreigners MAY NOT posses similar values. Although, for the most part basic needs are similar, the values are not.
I do notice that women in other countries are expected to marry young and to have children soon after. Even now in Colombia women are still not expected to stay in the business world for too long. When they do, they are looked down upon. While in the U.S.A that is just another choice anyone could make. In other countries “twenty something mom/wife” is the “thirty something mom/wife” in the U.S.A.
Love is another struggle. People in the states will date a few people and will only consider them friends or people they knew at some point in their lives while
in Colombia I have noticed how women fall in love so quickly. They become devoted in a short period of time with out considering anything else. Having a child and holding on to the dream of having a relationship with someone makes it even worse.
Yes I know that at the malls in the U.S.A you will see late teens that act childish but it’s the same in Colombia. I was shopping in the malls there and I didn’t see much difference in the malls. I saw young women dressed older than they were (just like in the states). I did however see a big difference with my cousin who is 16 years old dating someone who is 24. Her parents approved and the relationship has continued. Is that correct? Is that being aware? No! What is a 24 year old man doing with an adolescent! And in this relationship things are quiet serious! I advised my cousin to take a step back and think of graduating high school and applying to college and to think of contraceptives if sex is part of their relationship. (Do you think sex is not a thought in that man’s mind?!) For what ever reason my family doesn’t seem harm in this relationship because the guy seems to be nice. Yeah so he is nice! So is a plate of cake! Sweet at first and then its gone!

There are multiple ethnic cultures within the U.S.A as well as the overall American culture. With all the possibility to attend college, own your own car/home and have a better life, it brings a different awareness for both men as well as for women. Along with the health/ sex education that is offered in high school. Yes people in the states become aware of their surroundings at an early stage but I rather have awareness for myself as a woman and for all of my girl cousins in Colombia then to be taken for a fool.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Colombian women have a big heart but they must become more aware

become aware Tell me something...has you moved from one country to another at a young age? Or has any one in your family taken that step?
I have. The cultures from Colombia vs. U.S.A are very different. This becomes a struggle if your values do not mingle with your surroundings. I never jeopardized my values but I did realize what the world had to offer as well as what dangers and obstacles I had to encounter.
The people in Colombia have a big heart. There is a lot of respect to their neighbors and to the church, I love that about Colombia and I do believe that is a big weakness in the states. But what I am talking about is "awareness". Knowing your surroundings and being able to know that in a different country foreigners MAY NOT posses similar values. Although, for the most part basic needs are similar, the values are not.
I do notice that women in other countries are expected to marry young and to have children soon after. Even now in Colombia women are still not expected to stay in the business world for too long. When they do, they are looked down upon. While in the U.S.A that is just another choice anyone could make. In other countries “twenty something mom/wife” is the “thirty something mom/wife” in the U.S.A.
Love is another struggle. People in the states will date a few people and will only consider them friends or people they knew at some point in their lives while
in Colombia I have noticed how women fall in love so quickly. They become devoted in a short period of time with out considering anything else.
Yes I know that at the malls in the U.S.A you will see late teens that act childish but it’s the same in Colombia. I was shopping in the malls there and I didn’t see much difference in the malls. I saw young women dressed older than they were (just like in the states). I did however see a big difference with my cousin who is 16 years old dating someone who is 24. Her parents approved and the relationship has continued. Is that correct? Is that being aware? No! What is a 24 year old man doing with an adolescent! And in this relationship things are quiet serious! I advised my cousin to take a step back and think of graduating high school and applying to college and to think of contraceptives if sex is part of their relationship. (Do you think sex is not a thought in that man’s mind?!) For what ever reason my family doesn’t seem harm in this relationship because the guy seems to be nice. Yeah so he is nice! So is a plate of cake! Sweet at first and then its gone!

There are multiple ethnic cultures within the U.S.A as well as the overall American culture. With all the possibility to attend college, own your own car/home and have a better life, it brings a different awareness for both men as well as for women. Along with the health/ sex education that is offered in high school. Yes people in the states become aware of their surroundings at an early stage but I rather have awareness for myself as a woman and for all of my girl cousins in Colombia then to be taken for a fool.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Are all Colombian people wonderful. Are all colombiam women angels

women may be nice but they need to become more aware there are people that move to the U.S.A and believe that if you meet someone by a few months you are life partnets...and will soon marry! unprepared for whats next...gets pregnant and then believes that the relationship will move on like a fary tale!
some men may decide to move forward but if you have not actually known one another how could you expect anything?
this is the story of someone that i know. the girl is her early 30s but her personality and emotional being is of someone in her late teens. now she is in a new country/culture and doesn't have family in the country and believes that having the child will convince the man to stay with her.
its sad, because this is not the way to begin a life in the U.S.A and with her visa running out.
any comments?

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Child Support Laws in Colombia

dna sounds like a start...also contact the colombian embassy http://www.colombiaemb.org/opencms/opencms/

not sure but this sounds like a scam. i feel for you. if at one point you both saw eye to eye now she is only interested in your wallet.

First do the math. when was the last time you were w/her. could you be so sure to trust her or are you better off to get a DNA test. Don't be fooled she could have a boyfriend and they are both planning this nightmare one you!

In Colombia there are a few different types of people. Those that have the biggest pride and would rather work on the street selling "arepas y empanadas" rather than to take any peso from anyone.
and then there are the others that will scam to get everything including the shirt on your back.

My family has a variety of working class people. School teachers, autoshop repair man, stay at home moms, lawyers etc... but one or two of the inlaw husbands are to be questioned. I would take it upon myself to do some research even if it means going to Colombia if she does not verify this pregnancy with a official DNA form.

Check w/the embassy to see what your rights and what you are responsible for "if" in case this is your child. Also if you are a citizen of the U.S.A or where ever you are now living the child might have rights there. Check! Be informed and prepared, so you have the upper hand.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on did your family come legal or illegal

Farenheit 911 http://www.fahrenheit911.com/trailer/

If you haven't watched it...get it and take it all in.
There is so much in it that you know there is no way it can all be false. Bush is out for his own gain. He doesn't care about the world. He cares about his family and friends and how he can get more $$.
He doesn't care about stopping the violence and drug trafficking in Colombia because somehow he is gaining something.
Pick any other country and if he doesn’t gain something from it he is not doing anything for that country.

Even helping Mexican's receive immigration help all of it is connected to what Bush is gaining from it. I'm happy for those few people that will get their situation settled. But then here are other people that need his help and he won't be doing much about it.

Watch the movie!

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on did your family come legal or illegal

professional is not the only key my uncle is a lawyer with a practice, two travel agencies and a home in two locations. But he has not been able to recieve a tourist visa to visit his sister. so the key is luck.
some receive it and some don't

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Maria llena eres de Gracias

juanes es super! del momento que escuche su musica...no savia nada de el...perso estava segura que era Colombiano!

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on did your family come legal or illegal

mexico My aunt came through Mexico...she can not stand tortillas. She had a horrible trip out here. It took her over a month to reach New York. This was almost ten years ago. She is still in disbelief of her strength.
Today she continues to keep her head up and works very hard and is now a citizen of the U.S.
Not once has she asked for or received food stamps or welfare. She wasn't coming here to get any sympathy. She knew what she was getting herself into and knew that her daughter would receive the benefits of her struggle.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Maria llena eres de Gracias

Official website http://www.mariallenaeresdegracia.com/main.html

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Maria llena eres de Gracias

Truth hurts The “image” of our beloved Colombia hurts.
There are many Colombians that make all this illegal business continue. The U.S and many other countries contribute to the drug world but of course in any movie they have to mention Colombia as the "bad" country, to make the movie more edgy.

And they are the ones that make the hard working and beautiful people of Colombia face all sorts of stereotypes and obstacles. There is so much to the country but we need positive people to bring it out! Recently we have Carlos Vives, Shakira as a few that have brought a new point of view to Colombia and its people.

But in regards to this movie...I saw hard honest people being influenced to make quick money. Young Maria made her mistakes and probably mistakes that many will agree are not far fetched. I agree the movie industry should bring positive movies that involve Colombia and Latinos in general to the main stream.
I am looking forward to that moment.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Maria llena eres de Gracias

que mejore colombia la pelicula fue buen echa...triste y muy real.
Economicamente se nota la razon por que hay personas que toman los riesgos para mejorarla la vida. Colombia es bella y puede seguir adelante. El govierno tiene que ser el primero de mejorar.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on cheap ways to travel from NYC to Bogota

try through Venezuela check w/your travel agent.

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Family back in Colombia and the "image" they believe the U.S to be

you are so lost i have to say ... when posting a comment...try to stay in the topic.
and you JamieJ ...you have lost the idea of this topic

RolaParaTodaLaVida comments on Family back in Colombia and the "image" they believe the U.S to be

Learning Ingles I agree foreigners should learn English. BUT Americans should understand the reason why many have a hard time learning it.
I moved to N.Y in 1982 at that time I was one of 5 students in my E.S.L class. The American kids were intrigued by us. They spoke to us loud and would repeat their sentences to "help" us understand. Soon I would write out sentences and soon after I was able to communicate in fluent English. I was nine then. That is the perfect age to learn a different language.
On the other hand my parents, aunts/uncles and older cousins they had a very tough time learning. The jobs they found were in house keeping in offices/hospitals, or factories. At the jobs my family held everyone there spoke Spanish. I remember my E.S.L teacher coming to my house to teach my family. My family did take the initiative to learn but it was much harder for them as adults. (These are the stories I tell my cousins back in Colombia about America, and the immigrants that come here with out being legal or able to speak the language.)
Now living in the U.S as a foreigner...you have to learn the culture, the holidays. You have to understand why people in New York are tougher and fast pace and so on. In other states there must be some of similarities. My family came to the U.S at a time that the population of Colombian's was low. Today Latino population is rapidly growing with many agencies to help with in our community along with college and night schools to offer English classes. Even so, life can still be lonely and hard to adjust.