Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Latin America”
#1- When your rough Spanish really kicks into high gear:
There are unpredictable good a bad things that happens when you finally start understanding bits and pieces of what’s being said around you. How and when that hallelujah moment of clarity finally does happen comes differently for all of us clueless expats. Even so, after that it’s not “damn the torpedoes” full speed ahead either. Confidence will build and then overconfidence will disappoint along with some noticeable backsliding…
#1-Spanish is not the only language the local Latins speak. Chances are that your cleaning lady/maid and the small shopkeepers will speak one of the 25 or so indigenous languages as well- nope, not to you but to each other. Yes, the sounds they make will confuse and baffle, but they’ll also speak Spanish to you (and maybe 20 words of English too).
#1-Extortion, crime, drunken bus drivers and 101 more reasons expats should not ride the chickenbus: today a report from an organization loosely translated as “The Latin Widows of Chickenbus Drivers” (I kid you not)
#1- Can you still get 2nd Passport elsewhere if your home country (like the US or Canada) blocks your original one because of a glitch like govt debt, a felony, IRS involvement, etc., etc? Yes you can still get another country passport and nationality but it’s not easy. There are legal ways to get a 2nd passport but they are quite expensive. …
#1- The USA is not the only country who wants to build a wall.
Talk of Trump’s proposed border wall has suddenly made it somewhat acceptable for other Latin countries-also plagued by inflows of illegals- to initiate their own such immigration barriers.
#1- Making a vehicle purchase at a car lot. You will probably need a car sooner or later. Generally a new car is not recommended in Latin America. Unless you don’t mind repeated dings and scratches, provided you are not finicky, and as long as your new vehicle is a common, non-luxury model and doesn’t stand out from the others on the road….
#1- Ever wonder about those big black bow-ties one occasionally sees being tacked to a Latino’s door, business, taxi or chicken bus? That means someone near and dear has just passed away.
#1- Ten things you definitely need to know before hiring your Latin maid, cleaning lady or domestic.
We have long been told a compelling story about the relationship between rich countries and poor countries. The story holds that the rich nations of the OECD give generously of their wealth to the poorer nations of the global south, to help them eradicate poverty and push them up the development ladder. Yes, during colonialism western powers may have enriched …
#1- When Crossing Latin American land borders:
Doing so will always involve varying degrees discomfort, irritation and testiness. Sound familiar? Get ready for heavy dose of bureaucratic laziness on an epic scale. Most often the gringo advantage will do you no good there.
