If you are interested in adding new intriguing and exciting destinations to your travel itinerary, don’t miss the opportunity to spend your holiday in South America. By choosing to travel to this magnificent continent, you will have the chance to discover remarkable cultures and civilizations with a great history behind them, driven by the temperamental but also very welcoming Latin spirit. Some of the most prominent and important countries in South America, representing true symbols for the South American continent, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Panama have a very well-developed potential for tourism, attracting overwhelmingly large numbers of tourists each year.

These magnificent countries have known great progress and development in the last few decades, despite their struggled historical past, dominated by political conflicts and interests. Nowadays, these splendid countries on the South American continent are among the most requested holiday destinations, enchanting visitors with a wide variety of tourist sites and resorts, both old and modern remarkable architectonic structures, large and imposing metropolitan areas, all revealing the ingenious, innovative and hard-working character of their inhabitants.

The remarkable economic achievements of these major countries in South America are direct proportional with their high potential for tourism. Thanks to their great history, culture, music, as well as the amazing beauty of their urban and rural establishments, and not to mention their accomplishments regarding the much-treasured Latin passion – football, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama have become extremely popular worldwide. Their continuously increasing popularity has determined a pronounced development of their tourism, drawing millions of tourists towards their borders.

If you decide to travel to Brazil, you will be amazed by the staggering beauty of this great South American country. Among the most requested Brazil travel destinations are its capital, Brasilia, and major cities such as Sao Paulo, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Famous for its majestic carnivals, magnificent natural resorts, tropical climate and the exuberance of its inhabitants, Brazil is a highly requested holiday destination. Renowned as an important center for tourism of the South American continent, Brazil attracts overwhelmingly large numbers of visitors each year. Brazil has a well-developed and extended network of airports, air travel facilitating the visiting tourists’ access to major cities and various other locations between or beyond the borders of the country. Thanks to modern infrastructure and the variety of airports present here, flights to Brazil are the quick and comfortable way of traveling to this intriguing region of South America.

Similar to Brazil, Argentina is also a major center for tourism in South America. The most popular Argentina travel destinations are its capital – Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata – the main tourist resort situated on the Atlantic Coast, La Plata, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Cordoba, Mendoza and San Juan. Combining the Latin mentality with European cultural influences, Argentina is a welcoming country for anyone who wishes to discover new interesting locations. Thanks to the well developed network of airports present here, the best way to travel around the country is by air. Apart from being very comfortable, Argentina flights have the benefit of being inexpensive as well. Travel to Argentina and you are guaranteed to have the time of your life!

Although they are much smaller in size than Brazil and Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama are also important tourist centers of the South American continent. Vacations in Colombia, Venezuela and Panama are exciting and intriguing experiences for both regular travelers and occasional visitors. The most requested Colombia travel destinations are Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Villa de Leiva, San Augustin and San Andres. Among the most desired Venezuela travel destinations are Caracas, Puerto la Cruz, Isla Margarita, Isla El Grand Roque, Isla La Tortuga, Merida and Puerto Ayacucho. Popular Panama travel destinations are Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Isla Contadora, Guadalupe, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Taboga and Almirante.

Whether you decide to visit these countries for the beauty of their tropical landscapes, shores and beaches, for their ancient cultural resorts and the variety of historical tourist sites or simply to interact with the exuberating, welcoming locals, spending your vacations on the Latin American continent is definitely a remarkable and unforgettable experience!

Road to London 2012!

La Havana 1930

Did you know- By 1930, the team from Honduras captured the bronze medal -after Cuba (gold) and Costa Rica (silver)– in men’s football at the Second Central American and Caribbean Games in Havana, Cuba. Understandably, soccer is the most popular sport in Honduras.

Mexico City 1975

Did you know- By October 1975,the Republic of Honduras sent a team of 14 athletes, led by its young athlete Santiago Fonseca, to the United Mexican States, home to the VII Pan American Games. This Spanish-speaking nation competed in athletics ( 4), boxing (4), cycling (5), and shooting (1). Curiously Tegucigalpa -as Belize, Bolivia, and Paraguay-did not send sportswomen to Mexico City. On the other hand, the national delegation, once again, did not win Pan American medals. However, the best athlete was Santiago Fonseca, the “star of the Honduran Olympic team”, who finished sixth in the men’s 20-kilometer walk ( in a time of 1.44.10,64), ahead of Ernesto Alfaro (Colombia, South American champ) and José Valle (Nicaragua). Prior to 1975, Honduran athletes had finished last place in the Pan American Games.

Puerto Rico 1979

Did you know- By 1979, the Honduran Olympic Committee had sent Santiago Fonseca, a racewalker, to the Pan American Games in Puerto Rico. During that event, he came in fourth place in the men’s 20-kilometer walk. However, Fonseca’s notable performance was interrupted when he could not go to Moscow, home to the Summer Olympics in July and August 1980. In Tegucigalpa, the nation’s capital, Mr Fonseca used his symbol as a national champ to raise awareness about the potential of sport to help young people.

Moscow 1980

Did you know- Because of the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, like many anti-Communist nations, Honduras declined to send an national delegation to the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow, USSR (present-day Russia). The decision was another blow to sport in Honduras, with one of the worst Olympic systems in the Western Hemisphere.

Havana 1982

Did you know- Due to its anti-Soviet policy, Honduras, along with El Salvador and Colombia, boycotted the XIV Central American and Caribbean Games in Havana, Cuba, in the early 80s. At that time, Tegucigalpa had not diplomatic ties with Cuba and other Communist states.

Seoul 1988

Did you know- The nation’s swimmer Ana Fortin came in 33rd place in the women’s 100-meter backstroke at the 1988 Summer Games, between Chi Wang (Taiwan) and Tricia Duncan (US Virgin Islands).

Mar del Plata 1995

Did you know- The Latin American country won its first Pan American medal in the Continental Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in the mid-1990s.

Atlanta 1996

Did you know- In 1996, Darwin Angeles, a boxer, was the flag-bearer for the country’s Olympic delegation in the Games of the XXVI Olympiad in Atlanta (Georgia, U.S.).

San Salvador 2002

Did you know- At the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador, the team of Honduras finished 16th in the medal count, with nine medals (1 silver and eight bronze).

In this lesson you will learn 3 different ways to say I have a cold in Spanish. I will also tell you a funny little story that will help you learn Dominican Spanish. Let’s begin today’s lesson.

I am always learning or being reminded that Spanish speakers from different countries use different Spanish words to express the same thought. Today, while speaking on the phone to a Dominican friend who lives in Spain, I told her that I am sick with a cold and I said:

Tengo la gripa

And she corrected me and asked “Tienes la gripe?” And she emphasized the word GRIPE.

Well, in Colombia people call the common cold “la gripa.” I have never heard the word “gripe” in Colombia. Only “gripa.” By the way, when preparing this lesson, I did a little research online and found out that Mexicans also use the word “gripa,” and that in formal writing the word “gripe” should always be used. I guess that explains why I cannot find the word “gripa” in my Spanish dictionary.

In some parts of the Spanish speaking world you will find that people use “gripa” and in other parts you will find that they use “gripe.”

But “the flu” is actually a closer translation to the word “gripe.”

Maybe if I didn’t want my Dominican friend to try to correct my Spanish I should have said:

Tengo un resfriado — which is the “textbook” Spanish way to say “I have a cold.”

By the way, my Dominican friend who lives in Spain has also corrected me when I said “frijoles.” Both Dominican and Puerto Ricans use the word “habichuelas” for the English word “beans.” And she also always attempts to correct me when I use the word “plata.” Here in Colombia, they use “plata” instead of “dinero” to say the English word “money.”

You step through the darkened entranceway, leaving the tropical night behind. Suddenly, waves of sound crash over you Iike ocean surf. Breaking out in a sweat, your heart pounds to the rhythm of bass, bongos, bells and brass. The walls seem to pulsate. The pungent smell of perspiration mixed with perfume assaults you. As your eyes adjust to the dark, broken by hypnotic flashes of the multi-colored strobes, you realize it’s not walls that enclose you, but dancers– scores of dancers gyrating, weaving and swirling, limbs flashing, hips thrusting in quarter–time beat. You fill your lungs with the spicy aroma, tighten your belt a notch and plunge in. Welcome to Chango’s in Cali, Colombia – one of Latin America’s hottest Salsa night clubs.

Cali, a modern, festive city, lies in the heart of “the Valley.” when Colombians say “the Valley” they mean the Cauca valley, a not so little Garden of Eden a hundred-fifty miles long and some fifteen miles wide between the coastal mountain ranges and the Central Cordillera. Until the turn of the century, this valIey was little more than a rural outpost.

Then, with a population of some 15,000, the Cauca Valley was largely cattle country, parceled out in vast tracts among the “haciendados.” These were proud, almost haughty men who raised cattle for leather and beef. Some had plantations of sugar cane used to produce the sweetener “panela” and distill the crystal-clear but potent “aguardiente” still sipped today. Life was slow, measured, patriarchal and unchanging.

It has been said that the Cauca region is to Colombia what the South is to the United States. Indeed, there are similarities. In bygone days “hidalgos walked the unpaved “calles” in coats of velvet or scarlet broadcloth embroidered and buttoned with gold and silver, their waistcoats of flowered silk, and the ruffles of their shirts were of the finest batiste,” says Kathleen Romoli, author of Colombia: Gateway to. South America. And like the Southern states in colonial rimes, large numbers of slaves were imported to work the fields and serve the gentry.

Time has brought many changes. Today vast sugar cane plantations still carpet the Valley. Mechanized production of cotton, rice and cattle has turned the Cauca Valley into Colombia’s most important agricultural area, after “King Coffee”. And with economic growth has come industry. A leisurely colonial town in 1900, Cali has grown into a large manufacturing center with more than a thousand industries at last count

There is Salsa in the air

Yet with all the changes, Cali retains a homey charm, a personality different from other cities, an atmosphere you might expect to find in the Caribbean. Romoli describes it well:

The most striking thing about Cali today is not the plaza with it imposing government buildings and rows of taxis, along the avenues of giant palms, nor the suburbs with their modem villas, and churches, whose bells chime melodies instead of clanging as it Bogotá, nor the busy factories. It is the pervasive air of cheerfulness almost of gaiety Not that it is a city of many amusements; Cali is not gay by virtue of commercial facilities for organized diversion but by the grace of god.

Cali attracts travelers from all over; tourists, businessmen, back packers, scientists, and students. And, of course, salsa fans and salsa artists. Recording studios, “rumberias”,”discothèques” and “viejotecas” abound.

What is Cali’s appeal? The city’s buoyant atmosphere? The spectacular sunsets? The natural beauty of the soaring Andes? The vaunted beauty of its women? Perhaps it’s the climate where it’s always June. Or could it be its remarkable cleanliness? Many Colombian towns are clean, but Cali is so clean it stands out. Or maybe it’s the trees and flowers–the billowing crimson and purple bougainvilla that tumbles in profusion from the walls, the cup-of-gold that drips from the eaves, the waxy bells of the trumpet flow, the poinsettia bushes, gorgeous gardenias, the trees with magenta leaves and carmine flowers or others with feathery green–white blossoms or pale clusters of pink–the wild extravagance of blooms among which humming birds with iridescent green bellies flit even in winter.

No Salsa No Dates

Cali has all these. But undoubtedly for many, the principal attraction that lures them to this charming city is Salsa music. The sensuous, tropical rhythms of Salsa pervade the lives of the two million plus Caleños. On every bus you’ll hear Salsa. Go for a walk, to school or shopping there’s salsa in the air. And, of course there’s Salsa on almost all of the more than two dozen local radio stations. All over town, 24-hours a day, Salsa blasts from speakers on the streets, in parks, in stores, from cars, portable radios and private homes. Cali lives and breathes Salsa. But why Salsa? Many other musical traditions, styles and types of folk music flourish in Cali (including the traditional Cumbia, where machete wielding dancers stomp around full-busted women in ruffled skirts). What’s so special about Salsa? After all Vallenatos, a brand of folk music with roots back to the days of the Spanish conquistadors, is still hugely popular–especially as sung by the likes of Colombia’s Grammy award winner Carlos Vives. Boleros (check out Luis Miguel’s “Inolvidable”) and Merengue continue to have strong followings here.

Why has this one style ingrained itself so deeply into the culture? To aficionados the answer is simple: “I love salsa music.” Whatever the reason for it’s universal popularity in Cali, Salsa is more than just music, more than a dance. It’s an indispensable social skill explains my friend, Carmenza, “No salsa–no dates.” You can’t meet others if you can’t dance.” And that’s why there are salsa dance schools throughout the city. You pay for lessons by the hour. Prices range from $2 up to $6 per hour for more private, one-on-one instruction. Group classes fu up fast. Salsa classes are not just the place to go for learning, but to practice and perfect your moves or pick up some new ones. They’re a good “meeting place” for neighborhood residents. “It’s important to dance very well or you’re boring,” says Sofia, an avid Salsa fan.

Cali calls itself the “Salsa Capital, of the World,” a title wrenched from post-Fidel Cuba and often shared with New York City. But even those who might take exception to “World Capital” will agree that Cali is certainly the “Salsa Capital of South America.” The top Latin salsa performers, like New York’s Jerry “King of 54th Street” Gonzalez, regularly fly in to strut their stuff. At any given time you can see all the famous names in salsa, artists hike Cuba’s “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz; guitarist, singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra from the Dominican Republic; Frank Raul Grillo, the Cuban American also known as Machito; Reuben Blades, the popular Panamanian singer, songwriter, actor and politician renowned for his musical innovations as well as traditional Salsa; Willie Colon; Oscar d’Leon, and others.

SALSA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

And you don’t have to go far in this city of dancers to hear all the different styles and variations of Salsa. Juanchito, with 120 of the hottest dance halls, is the throbbing rhythmic heart of Cali’s Salsa nightlife. Every week throughout the year, two hundred thousand locals pour into this eastern suburb to party. Cali teems with discos and “viejotecas” for the young and not so young. Latinos of younger generations typically favor a smoother, more sentimental music known as Salsa Romantica, popularized by bandleaders such as Eddie Santiago and Tito Nieves. Internationally popular salsa singers of the 1990s included Linda “India” Caballero and Mark Anthony. The Puerto Rico-based orchestra “Puerto Rican Power” is another hot group with ardent fans both in Cali and Puerto Rico.

While it’s thrilling to hear famous performers of Salsa music from abroad, don’t forget Cali’s many own outstanding world class groups and musicians of Salsa fame blending the old with the new. The classic and the innovative. It’s worth a trip to Cali just to hear the vibrant non-traditional sounds of Jairo Varela and the Grupo Niche. Or other artists like “Son de Cali,” the all–female “Orchestra Canela” and Lisandro Meza who also inject new blood into Cali´s Salsa scene. These and the intoxicating classic Salsa sounds of Kike Santander, Joe Arroyo and Eddy Martinez thunder through the air and flow in the veins of “coca-colos” (late teens to early 20s adolescents) and “cuchos” alike in discos, salsatecas and even in viejotecas that draw the over-35 crowd.

When I arrived in Cali 1995, I thought my salsa was OK. After all, l’d picked up some smooth moves from a bevy of hot Puerto Rican beauties during a summer stint in San Juan. Even back in my home state of Pennsylvania, there were opportunities on Friday or Saturday nights to slip out and mix with Latinos at our local Hispanic watering holes. I’d perfected a double-quick step in a rectangular pattern, too, and added whirls and spins to the heavy beat. I had no trouble getting, and keeping, dance partners. Then in Miami, during a Labor Day weekend retreat, I met a Latin cutie. I invited her for dinner and dancing later that week at “La Cima,” one of the city’s top Salsa clubs, to show off my moves. She was impressed. A year later we married and after a couple more years we moved to her native Colombia.

Colombian salsa is a different beast. The style, rhythm and beat are similar in other places but it’s a different story on the dance floor. My feet recognized the beat, but behaved as if 1 were wearing Bozo shoes. For a while, 1 stuck to downtown places like “Cuarto Venina,” perched on the banks of the brownish, knee-deep Cali River. It’s listening only, no dancing here. The music is so subdued you can carry on a conversation over empanadas and cold “Costeña”. It can be just the right touch for a Sunday afternoon. Nowadays, my Latin cutie and 1 are considered “cuchos” (the over-35 set). It’s been ten years. We’re still here though, still dancing Salsa. And I’m still showing off my moves.

Winter vacations in South America means you get the chance to experience the warmth of summer with shining bright sun and more accessibility to the outdoors. The time when the cool breezes and blizzards making the headlines all over the world, South American region becomes heaven alike with its spectacular weather conditions and amazing activities. Which is why, this part of the Americas become more incredible and desired by many tourists during the winter season. In case, you too are planning to get away from the chilling cold weather of the Northern region, then you should probably consider the following options to rather have sunny, bright and enjoyable vacations instead of chilling, drowsy and dull days at home:

1. Los Roques Archipelago National Park, Venezuela

Among the most bewitching and enthralling getaways of the Venezuela, Los Roques Archipelago National Park is a spellbinding and captivating atoll on the Caribbean Sea, initially opened as a reserve for myriad floras and faunas of the region. Today, this place has become a great tourist hotspot and people enjoy visiting here throughout the year for great sightseeing, exquisite adventures and much more. Plan your winter vacations here and witness the charming range of wilderness including coral reefs, sea turtles, sea grass, islands, beaches and much more during dry and sunny days.

2. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

People looking for some adventure during their winter vacations and love to stay away from the chilling breeze will find the San Carlos de Bariloche a thriving place for their vacations. A prominent adventure spot in the region of Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is a picturesque set of lands that comprises rugged mountains, rocky lands, plains, pristine green lands, exquisite blue lakes and much more. Tons of people head here during the winter season to be a part of a wide array of adventure sports organized here including rafting, rock-climbing, camping, canopy zip-lining, scuba diving and much more. Additionally, the proximity from the nearby cities makes it easily accessible and enjoyable for solo, couples, families and groups.

3. Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Visit Puerto Maldonado and the next time you hear Peru, you will not remember the famous Machu Picchu as the charm will woo your heart for eternity. Among the most spectacular ecosystems of the entire region, Puerto Maldonado is a thriving getaway option for some serious wildlife excursion and witnessing the sheer beauty of the nature. Featuring a wide array of landscapes and natural attributes including river systems, thick forests, vast plains and cliffs and more, Puerto Maldonado makes one of the most captivating places for some quality wildlife safari in South America and loads of camping. The Amazonian forests of Puerto Maldonado will give you a lot of enlightening experience to cherish for the rest of the eternity.

4. Estancias, Uruguay

Many people don’t find Uruguay as a place for holidays, but if you are aware of the depth of diversity this part of South America has to offer, then you surely will consider Estancias as your next winter getaways. The most amazing beauty of the region is its cattle ranches that have been existing here for centuries and are handed over generation by generation to keep the essence and purity of the ranching alive. In recent years, many people have begun to visit here for their winter breaks and spend some quality time in the refreshing surroundings. Hence, you will find loads of people denoting Estancias as the Switzerland of South America. Additionally, the discounted airfares for the region is something that will give you another reason to visit here.

5. Valle de Cocora, Salento, Colombia

The green cliffs, extraordinary freshness and calming atmosphere, everything you need for a tranquilizing getaway during the winter season is available at Valle de Cocora. A spectacular pristine land of the Colombia, Valle de Cocora is a vast uninhabited valley, featuring an abundant variety and range of hiking trails. With its close proximity from the Andean Volcanoes, this place has been treated as a natural glimpse of heaven and giving people a fascinating experience with loads of hiking options. Additionally, the tallest palm trees in the world have been catching the attention of the global tourists and giving people loads of hopes.

Apparently South American region is much more than just backward areas and limited attractions for many of us who are in the habit of finding cityscapes more enticing. In case you too are looking for something different to do this year and looking forward for warm and sunny days with loads of nature and culture to soak, then you should probably consider the extravagant attributes of South America. It is observed that there are an abundant number of winter travel deals emerging on the internet which are quite promising especially for the Southern region. All you need is to get one and plan your vacations for more fun, sooth and joy in your life.

When it comes to Latin America, there is no shortage of places to visit. Whether you want to head to Cuba, Mexico or Colombia, there are many great places to visit. Let’s discuss what makes these three places special.

Many people might be fearful to visit Cuba and for good reason. There is a communist regime in place which can be alarming. Once you get there you will realize that you do not get a vibe of this in the streets.

It can be worrisome that the Cuban locals are afraid to interact with foreigners. If they see police they will immediately stop communication with a foreigner. They are fearful of being accused of prostitution and drug dealing.

Getting a good meal in Cuba can be challenging. Make no mistake, there is some excellent cuisine there. Just make sure when choosing a restaurant that you pick one that is geared toward tourists.

All in all this is a safe country that strictly punishes crimes against tourists. It’s definitely a great place to visit.

As far as Mexico goes, it’s a very big country, so it’s important to choose which spot in Mexico you go to safely. Stay in the areas where there are tourists. This is something that can be said for most countries in Latin America.

A great option for a trip to Mexico is Cancun or Playa del Carmen. These are tourist areas and have all of the amenities that Americans are used to.

The all-inclusive resorts in Cancun are an incredible option. They give someone the opportunity to enjoy the beach, the weather and the hospitality the Mexicans bring to the table. If you are looking to explore more of Mexico, most of the resorts offer excursions where you can go do things like snorkeling, caving, zip lining and more, while still having the safety of being with fellow tourists and your tour guides.

When people think of traveling to Latin America, the first thing they think of probably is not Colombia. That said, there are many reasons to travel there. The capital city of Borgata is incredibly beautiful. The people are very warm and friendly and they are very welcoming to tourists.

There is incredible food there and then of course there is the coffee. Despite the violent past of Colombia, it’s a great spot to vacation to.

Then there are the women of Colombia. They are incredibly beautiful much like many of the women in Latin America. Sure, this option is geared toward men, but you will find it to be true.

These are just a few of the places to visit in Latin America. It’s a great idea to plan a trip there to see what there is to experience.

They're horrid, ghastly, gross, unthinkable, gut-wrenching, wonderful and delicious. These are but a few of the adjectives used to describe commonly eaten fare "south of the border" from Mexico to Peru. The expression, "One man's meat is another man's poison" has never seen more fruition than evidenced in these "exotic" foods found throughout Latin America. Just feast your eyes on these taste-tempting treats.

Iguana

Starting off our list is a common delicacy from the Pacific Coast and Caribbean. Although protected in many countries, these green lizards, which can grow to more than 3 feet in length, are a prized stable in Aruba, Bonaire, Panama and Colombia. The eggs are also cooked and eaten even though they're often taken illegally. A sizeable black market for them exists in Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They're not cheap, but they are good.

Armadillo

From Texas to Ecuador, these nine-banded creatures have been coveted for decades. Their numbers are now greatly diminished due to years of heavy hunting; they're still considered a delightful treat when they can be found. Usually cooked in stews to help tenderize their thick, dense meat, almost everyone who has eaten Armadillo really likes them. You've got to be fast to catch them though. They can burrow into the soil at alarming speeds.

Ants

Technically known as "Hormigas Culonas", these swollen abdomen ant species are a highly-prized food commodity in Colombia and Mexico. They're gathered from seemingly innocuous places like cemeteries, parks and untended pastures, then roasted or fried until crisp. Only the enlarged abdomen is consumed, often with cheese or honey as an "aperitif". Sold and exported by the pound, they've quickly become an international favorite among the insect-eating crowd. To b honest, I like them myself.

Piranha

Despite numerous movies to the contrary, they don't always attack without mercy. Children in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru swim in Piranha-infested waters all the time without injury. Women are also known to do the family laundry in streams and pools teeming with razor-toothed schools of them. Many of the 35 known varies of Piranha, including the Cachama family, are not only edible, but delicious. Piranha head soup is used as a form of "jungle Viagra". Tales abound of elderly Indian men with more than a dozen children and multiple wives.

Well if I didn't get to you here in part one with "treats" from Colombia, Brazil and Mexico you're gonna just love what you'll get in part two of this three-part series. We're going to travel into the jungles of Colombia and up into the high Andes mountain range in Ecuador to introduce you to some "Eye-opening", high-flying specialties that'll make partly-cooked greasy pork liver seem like "Haute Cuisine ".

See you in part two of "They Eat What! Latin America's Most Exotic Foods".

Bon Appetit!

It was a hot day, so when the couple finished a morning stint at the beach, they opted for a little shopping – in their swim wear. Wrapping a see-through, flimsy scarf around her bikini bottom, and he in his flip flops and sloganed t-shirt, they sallied into a sheik little shop on the main thoroughfare. Onlookers gasped and stared. Mothers covered the eyes of their gawking children. Mature men and women snickered or shook their heads. “They must be Americans”, one salesclerk whispered knowingly to another. Unfortunately, she was right.

When traveling, whether for business, pleasure or vacation, it pays to mind your manners. Americans especially are becoming increasingly known for their disrespectful behavior while abroad. Did I say becoming? The image of the “Ugly American” is already far too widespread. The stereotype of the loud talking, wise-cracking, inappropriately dressed, wealth-flaunting American foreigners who flaunt their lifestyle while traveling is unfortunately, all too real in some aspects in far too many cases. With anti-American sentiments growing worldwide, international corporations from Microsoft to McDonald’s and business publications like the Wall Street Journal have addressed the theme time and again. Here is some advice on how to foster a better, more intelligent, educated and respectful image when you travel abroad.

Know the local geography

Planning a trip abroad? First order of business – get a map and study it. Have an idea of how the city and its environs are laid out. Know important sites and landmarks. Many good travel guides provide essential information on getting around. This can be especially important if the local language uses a non-western alphabet writing system. On a recent trip in Colombia my wife and I listened in amusement as a foreigner explained to his family the compass directions – incorrectly. He had the directions of north and south reversed despite having the Pacific Ocean sunset in plain view.

Dress moderately

Not enough can be said about paying attention to local dress code and customs. In many countries it is disrespectful for women to dress casually, showing bare skin or body parts, in public. Bare hairy chests or legs on display, even for men, can be considered offensive in many cultures. If you’re not sure what’s appropriate, ask discretely or check informative websites for information on local customs. A useable rule of thumb is no bare legs, torso, back or arms when in public places. Emulate the dress of the locals to be sure you’re being respectful of their cultural norms. Embera Indian women, normally topless in their culture, cover up with a colorful wrap when they visit non-Indian towns and villages along South America’s Pacific Coast so that they are respectful of the social norms of their neighbors. Embera men, with their normal thong loin cloths, wear T-shirts and pants outside their villages for the same reasons.

Watch what and how you speak

Your speech is reflective of who and what you are. It can be a useful tool for the melding of cultures or a battering ram of discontent. Don’t create resentment by continuous babbling about your “affluence”, power, business or social status. People don’t care to hear how “inferior” their way of life may appear to be to you.

In part 2 of this three-part series, we’ll look at what to say and how to say it when traveling abroad in: “Mind Your Manners When Traveling: Religion is Taboo, Politics are Out”.

Please feel free to e-mail me with comments or questions at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

There are a large number of top holiday destinations spreading across the whole world. The number is virtually so large that it is indeed a tough task to make a list of them. Whatsoever, i am keeping a small list of best holiday destinations in the world.

Colombia

The sun-soaked beaches, lush green mountains and the lively culture make Columbia one of the top holiday destinations in the world. Once crippled by violence and avoided by many, this South American country has transformed in to a beautiful holiday vacation spot in the world. Presence of a large number of museums, shopping centers and thriving night life in the capital city of Bogota, have added to the attraction of this country.

South Africa

This incredible country is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. The wonderful vast stretch of savannas, roaring wildlife and the picture-perfect tropical pockets have turned the country as one of the top attractions of the world. The bustling cities of Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein offer a lot to the visitors.

New Zealand

The emerald mountains and the crashing waves of the country have made it one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Among the adventurous and active travelers, New Zealand has always been a great place. The country offers a bouquet of opportunities such as winter sports, trekking, bungee jumping, glacier hiking, caving, and many watersports to the sports lovers around the world.

Abu Dhabi

This is the richest city in the United Arab Emirates, which offers wonderful opportunities to the tourists across the globe. The city has grown as the cultural, financial and political hub of the country. The high-end cultural district on Saadiyat Island is a major tourist attraction.

Croatia

In recent years, this Balkan country has truly established as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. A tour to this country in the backdrop of crystal waters and remote beaches can indeed be a lifetime experience to all.

In this lesson, you will learn how to say you should have done something or one should have done something in Spanish. Native English speakers learning Spanish often want to know how to say you could have, you would have or you should have done something in Spanish. Today, we will cover how to say one should have done something in Spanish. I will also point out a common mistake that native English speakers make when learning Spanish. Let’s begin with how to say one should have done something in Spanish:

Yo debería haber comido esta mañana.

I should have eaten this morning.

Tú no deberías haber hablado en la aula.

You should not have spoken in the classroom.

La empleada debería haber barrido el piso.

The maid should have swept the floor.

El deportista debería haber agarrado el balón.

The athlete should have caught the ball.

Ustedes deberían haber caminado al cine.

You guys should have walked to the movies.

Nosotros deberíamos haber cocinado la ternera.

We should have cooked the veal.

I want to warn you of a mistake that I hear quite a few gringos make here in Medellin, Colombia when speaking Spanish. In fact, a friend made the SAME mistake earlier today when we were riding in a cab.

I will tell you what he said in Spanish and before I point out the mistake, try to spot his error on your own.

I will not say his real name because I know that he reads my articles and lessons. Let’s just say his name is… Joe.

Earlier today Joe and I shared the cab fare after visiting another friend who is here visiting Medellin, Colombia this weekend. When we arrived to our destination Joe offered to pay part of the cab fare or as they say in Colombia, “los pasajes.”

The fare was the minimum. 4,200 Colombian pesos. A little more than $2.10 in U.S. dollars.

I handed “el taxista” (the cab driver) a bill of 5,000 Colombian pesos and Joe then gave the taxi driver coins totaling 200 Colombian pesos. In other words, we gave the cab driver a total of 5,200 Colombian pesos.

Since the fare was only 4,200 and we were handing the cab driver a total of 5,200 Joe INCORRECTLY asked the cab driver:

¿Tienes un mil pesos?

Did you spot Joe’s error?

If not, look at the phrase again. Joe asked the cab driver:

¿Tienes un mil pesos?

In English we have a tendency to say “a thousand” as in “I have a thousand dollars,” “I know a thousand vocabulary words,” “she earns a thousand dollars per week,” etc.

But in Spanish you do not put the indefinite article “un” (a) before “mil” (thousand). In other words, this is INCORRECT:

¿Tienes UN mil pesos?

That is NOT the correct way to ask “do you have a thousand pesos?” The correct way to say it is:

¿Tienes mil pesos?

Do you have a thousand pesos?

I also want you to be aware that this rule of not using the indefinite article does not apply when speaking about a “millón” (million). In that case the indefinite article “un” (a) is used:

Se lo he dicho un millón de veces.

I have told him (it) a million times.

By the way, you may be wondering why didn’t Joe just tell the cab driver to keep the change as a “propina” (tip). Since 1,000 Colombian pesos is equivalent to a little more than 50 cents.

Well in Colombia, Colombians usually don’t tip the cab drivers. I know that Joe isn’t Colombian and he’s as Gringo as “pastel de manzana” (apple pie) and “béisbol” (baseball). But we expats have a tendency to “do as the Colombians when in Colombia.

Besides, as Joe’s willingness to pay only a small portion of the cab fare indicates, he happens to be incredibly “tacaño” (cheap/stingy).