Trip to South America (Part I)

Have you ever visited any of the countries in Latin America? What about South America?

Latin America is full of beautiful places that must people would enjoy to see and spend a few days at. Today I will tell you about 10 popular destinations in Latin American and why are they such a great places to visit! 

Here are the first five:

1- Machu Pichu-Peru

Peru is one of the most popular places to visit in South America, specially due to the Incan kingdom of Machu Pichu. This place is hidden within the lush Peruvian mountains, considered a mystical city which remained a secret for ages and now is the continent's best known archeological site.

2-Angel Falls-Venezuela

The Angel Falls are the highest waterfalls in the world. They are impressive and not the only reward. There is also a beautiful jungle trek that has grasslands, rivers and mountains.

Travelers who tour deep into the jungle are treated to tropical wildlife in the are including monkeys, poison arrow frogs and orchids.

4-Torres del Paine-Chile

Torres del Paine is a National Park located in the Southern region of Chile. It offers amazing hiking opportunities among glaciers, lakes and mountains. 

5-Salar de Uyuni-Bolivia

This is the world's largest salt flat, salt and other abundant minerals are sought in this area. Usually photographers go there to capture the unique landscape. The salt flats are often part of a 3-4 day tour in Bolivia.

Now you know some of the most amazing destinations you can go to in Latin America!

Check out my next blog where I will tell you about five more destinations that will amaze you!! 

All images from Google Images

Culture and Language Influence

For fact Latinos are becoming a great part of the United States population and very predominant in  the American society. The Latino population has had an impact not only on the demography of the U.S. population, but also on other aspects of U.S. society. Since the beginning of the immigration waves in the 20's until now, Latin-Americans have shown to have influenced the American culture.

Have you noticed that there is more Hispanic food restaurants? A hispanic food isle in super markets? More Americans learning Spanish? 

How are Latin-americans and Hispanics influencing the American culture?

There are a few different things that come to my mind: Language, business and lifestyle.

Language:
For the longest time America has claimed that English is their language and even though it is a great language and a world-wide spiked language, is not the only one that is spoke in the United States anymore. Spanish has become almost a second language, due to the amount of Spanish-speaking population living in the U.S.

Business:
Latin-Americans have influenced the business aspect of the U.S. because as the Hispanic population grows each year, so do the Latin-american type businesses. The business community will eventually rely on Latinos as business owners, employees, investors, and consumers. The fact that they are bilingual and bicultural also makes Latinos a valuable resource as the U.S. business community expands its consumer markets and business operations into Latin America. 

Lifestyle:
Why do I think that Latinos are influencing the lifestyle of Americans?
Now the American population find themselves talking to, sharing the bus with, selling products to and working with Latin-americans on their daily bases, which influences the way Americans live because they have to relate to them and understand their culture. 
Latinos came to the U.S. and they brought their culture with them, this can be seen, for example, in the increasing popularity of Latin American food and music and in the prevalence of Spanish-language, advertisements, and media.  

Here are some interesting facts about Latinos in the U.S. and their contribution to the American economy.

In addition to opening new businesses and creating new jobs, Latinos are also spending big bucks. Latinos contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2010. 

Latinos own nearly one in every 10 businesses across the U.S. Latino-owned businesses grew 47 percent to 2.3 million in comparison to the non-Latino increase of 14.5 percent between 2002 and 2007. They generated over $400 billion dollars in 2007.





All images from Google Images 

Nice to meet you!

Mannerism in the Latin culture

Have you ever seen Latin American friends greeting each other with a kiss or a hug?

Did you think that was a little different than what you normally do when greeting a friend? Maybe you have been to a Latin American country and you did not know how to greet people. I’ll explain how this whole kissing, hugging greetings work. When is ok to do it, with who and where!

Hispanics like to be polite and a firm handshake is a common practice between them, as well as, a light kiss on the cheek and a hug are also common forms of greeting family members and friends. When Hispanics are greeting someone informally they are very fast and they use body language to convey their points.

Relatives and Friends

In general, friends and relatives greet each other in Latin America with a kiss or a hug. When a male greets a female or a female greets another female here is what happens. They put their cheeks together, and make a light kissing sound. Their lips don't ever touch, just their checks. This entire ritual will only take one or maybe 2 seconds. When a male greets another male, who is his relative or friend, it is customary for them just to approach each other and give each other a light hug.

Casual Parties

When you are invited to someone's home you should expect to be treated as a friend or relative. Be prepared for a kiss or a hug! If you are unsure at all on what to do when you are in someone's home, the best thing to do is just follow the lead of your host. In some countries and regions you may also be kissed twice once on one cheek and once on the other cheek. If you are prepared to follow the lead of your host, you'll do just fine! Just so you know, these are hugs and kisses that they have absolutely no romantic meaning in the Latin American culture.

Business

In most business situations and greetings, you can generally plan on shaking hands, unless they have known each other for a long time or is relative. 

Now you know what to expect and what to do if you visit a Latin American country! Shaking hands, hugging and kissing is allowed!

All images from Google images

Let's Celebrate!

Thanksgiving is coming up and it made me think of the different holidays that Latin American countries celebrate. Thanksgiving is not one of them. But we celebrate many others that have a special meaning to us.

The first one that comes to my mind is  Nov 1 Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead which is celebrated in Mexico. Traditionally, it is a day to celebrate and honor one’s ancestors. Many celebrate setting up ofrendas (altars) in their homes to honor the memory of deceased loved ones.Others visit their loved one’s cemetery plot and decorate it with flowers, candles and food. The holiday is celebrated with family and community gatherings, music, and feasting, and the festivity of its observance acknowledges death as an integral part or life.

Another very popular holiday celbrated in Latin America is La Semana Santa or Easter and the Holy Week which is usually clebrated the first week of April. Easter is one of the highest holy days of the year. The week leading up to Easter involves solemn processions, prayer, masses and other preparation for Jesus’ rebirth.

May 5 is the famous Cinco de Mayo celebration in Mexico which commemorates the victory of Mexican forces over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla, and in other parts of Mexico. It is also celebrated in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independece Day, which is actually September 16.

Aug 1-6 Feast of the Savior of the World or El Salvador del Mundo, patron saint of El Salvador. San Salvadoreans celebrate with street fairs and a “bajada”, a procession honoring the saints.

Sep 15 is the Independence Day for Central American nations (El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Commemorates the declaration of independence from Spain in 1821.

Oct 12 is the Spanish National Day, also known as Día de la HIspanidad (Spain). In most of the Spanish-speaking countries celebrated as Dia de la Raza, Columbus Day, or Panamerican Day. This holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America. A holiday with complex and changing meanings. Hispanics in the U.S. are split on their political feelings about the holiday.

These are only a few of the many holidays that are celebrated in Latin America. Each celebration will surely have a lot of food, music and family gatherings.



All images from google images.

Welcome to Mexico

 Mexico
 

You see a lot of Mexicans in the United States; maybe you work with them, go to school with them, or live close by.

Mexican is the largest group of Hispanics living in the United States, but must people know very little about their culture and traditions.

Today, I’ll tell you more about their culture!

Fiestas (parties) are a big deal! Dancing and singing are commonly part of family gatherings, bringing the old and young together, no matter what kind of music is being played, like cumbia, salsa, merengue or the more Mexican banda. Dancing is a strong part of the culture.

Mexicans in places like Guadalajara, Puebla, Monterrey, Mexico City and most middle sized cities, enjoy a great variety of options for leisure.

The standard of living in Mexico is higher than most of other countries in Latin America attracting migrants in search for better opportunities. With the recent economic growth, many high-income families live in single houses, commonly found within a gated community, called "fraccionamiento". The reason these places are the most popular among the middle and upper classes is that they offer a sense of security and provide social status. Swimming pools or golf clubs, and/or some other commodities are found in these fraccionamientos. Poorer Mexicans, by contrast, live a harsh life, although they share the importance they grant to family, friends and cultural habits.

Mexico's national sports are charreria and bullfighting. Almost all large cities have bullrings. Mexico city has the largest bullring in the world, which seats 55,000 people.

 Charreria

 Bullfighting

Mexicans also have delicious dishes that are very unique. Tacos is not the only food mexican eat!

Actually, the tacos and burritos I’ve eaten in the U.S. are very different from the real Mexican tacos I’ve had before.

Look at the difference:

American/Mexican Tacos  

                               

Mexican Tacos

These are other dishes that are delicious and very traditional of Mexican cuisine: 

Gorditas

A favorite street food in Mexico City, gorditas are crisp on the outside and soft within. These savory corn cakes are a great base for all types of toppings, from pulled pork to shredded chicken.

Corn on the Cob with Lime, Ancho, and Queso Fresco

Slathered with butter, queso fresco, and ancho chili powder, this recipe for Mexican street-food style corn on the cob will be a hit at your next barbecue.

Mexican Pickled Vegetables 

These spicy pickled vegetables are like a Mexican version of Italian giardiniera and are delicious with tacos and as a condiment for any sandwich or burger.

Pozole

A light Mexican soup so quick to make, you may begrudge the extra time it takes to chop, dice, or slice the various garnishes.

Hungry yet??? I am!!!

I hope you enjoy learning about the Mexican culture! Next time you talk to your Mexican friend ask them to invite you to have one of this awesome meals and dance some salsa!!


All images from Google Images

How many?

 How many Latinos do you see a day? How many Latinos do you work with?  Two or three? Maybe more… It depends where you live.

How many Latinos live in the United States?

This is a question that you may have asked yourself before, or asked other person, but you really are not sure about the answer. Many. That’s a good answer, but not precise.

According to research made by the Pew Research Center in 2010 there is 50,730,000 Latinos living in The United States. There are states that are more populated than others due to the opportunities offered and the Spanish-speaking population of it.

 

"The ten largest Latino population groups"

Ranking	Origin	Population
1.	Mexicans	32,916,000
2.	Puerto Ricans	4,683,000
3.	Cubans	1,884,000
4.	Salvadorans	1,827,000
5.	Dominicans	1,509,000
6.	Guatemalans	1,108,000
7.	Colombians	972,000
8.	Hondurans	731,000
9.	Ecuadorians	665,000
10.	Peruvians	609,000

When did Latinos first come to the United States?

There was significant colonization by Spain in the American Southwest on the 16^th century. The whole Southwest from Texas westward to California was a Spanish-speaking territory with its own distinctive heritage, culture, and customs for many decades.

The immigration wave in the United States started during the colonial era, the first part of the 19th century and from the 1880s to 1920.  The main reason why people decided to come to America, were to seek economic stability, safety, and just a general better lifestyle.

Click here to watch a video of Hispanics living in the U.S.

Now, the reasons why immigrants come to America have not change very much. The majority of immigrants come from South and Central America. They are looking to live the “American dream” which for Hispanics is a better-paid job, a safe place to live, great education, and lots of professional opportunities. Also, because the people that are able to come to the United States and find stability, are able to help financially their relatives that are still at their country of origin. They send remittances which are money orders sent through mail, money orders or banks. This remittances constitute a big percentage of economic growth of developing countries such as Central and South American countries.

This is a great website where you can find reports about Latinos in the U.S. and news: www.pewhispanic.org

Images from google images

Latino or Hispanic?

Have you ever wondered why some people use the term "Hispanics" and others use "Latinos" when they refer to Spanish speaking people? 

What is the difference between the two terms?

Well, this is what it is... 

"Hispanic" refers to region, not race. This term should be use to refer to people whose origins are Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American. Back in the day, areas conquered by the Spaniards were considered part of a region called Hispaniola, which is where the term came from.

"Latino" refers more to a cultural aspect of a person. You can be considered a Latino even if you were born in the U.S. As long as your parents or grandparents are from Latin American origin and you have been taught about the Latin American culture.

Being a Latino doesn't necessarily means being a Spanish speaking person. However, most people will consider you a true Latino if you speak Spanish or Portuguese. (Brazilians speak Portuguese).

Here’s a great video that talks about the difference of the two terms and also shows how people normally use the terms.

Some things to consider when using either of these terms or Spanish-speaking people:

1. Don’t assume that all Hispanics or Latinos speak Spanish. Brazilians speak Portuguese.  

2. Don’t call every Spanish-speaking person Mexican. Even though Mexicans are the biggest Hispanic group in the U.S. generally Hispanics that live in the U.S. prefer to be called by their nationality. Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Peruvian etc.

3. Don’t assume that if a person has the “looks” of a Latino, they are Latinos or vice versa.

4. When referring to both men and Women use “Latinos”. When referring to only women use “Latina”.

5. Do not call Hispanics or Latinos “Spanish”. Spanish is a language, not a race or ethnicity; unless you are refering to a person from Spain. (Spanish is their nationality).

 



Images from Google images