Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with LatinAmerica

Donde est el paginas amarillo?

zadcat — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:45:44 -0800

Online business listings for the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries? I am in a job where I sometimes have to verify the existence of businesses in these countries. Lots of websites present themselves as such but turn out to be link farms. I have a feeling I'm missing something, can anybody help?

(I can manage to read enough Spanish for this, so it's fine if they're in Spanish - in fact, they probably should be.)

New Latin American fiction

barjo — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:23:09 -0800

Looking for recommendations: Contemporary Latin American literature, in translation. (more inside) I'm looking for fiction after the postwar boom that produced Garcia Marquez, Cortazar, Vargas Llosa, Fuentes and the rest. And I don't know Spanish or Portuguese, so it needs to be in translation. I know about Isabel Allende and Roberto Bollano. Who else should I know about?

bang for the buck

cookie googleman — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:11:53 -0800

Where are the cheapest places to live/travel in Latin America right now?

Alien Fruit Identifictation

phrontist — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:38:34 -0800

My friend found this strange fruit somewhere in or around Oaxaca, Mexico. What is it?

Latin American Geopolitics

symbollocks — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:02:22 -0800

Help me learn more about recent/current Latin American geopolitical turmoil. Books, documentaries, good online articles, etc. etc.

Specific Topics: free trade agreements, revolutionary groups/movements, the oil trade, the drug trade, economic downturns in specific countries, poverty, US involvement, etc. etc.

I'm not totally clueless, but want to improve my knowledge of the situation and get a general picture of what forces are at work in the region.

Books on impact of miracles on Latin American politics?

Joakim Ziegler — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:59:21 -0800

I'm looking for recommendations on books on purported (modern) religious miracles in Latin America, and their impact on society and politics. For instance, the Virgin of Cuapa appeared to a man in Nicaragua during the civil war, and ordered him to "burn bad books", which was done, with "bad books" interpreted to mean Marxist literature.

In general, I'm interested in purported miracles leading to mass movements, political change, and societal impact. Additionally, if there are some really good books out there on the influence and impact of the Catholic Church on modern Latin American politics (big subject, I know), specifically as it relates to the Latin American right wing, and possibly the various "dirty wars", I'd also be interested.

Academic works are preferred, but more popular reporting works too. Prefereably books I can get on Amazon.

How can I work in economic development in Latin America?

Ashley801 — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:25:46 -0800

How can I work in economic development in Latin America? Background: I just graduated with a BA in economics, my Spanish is somewhere between an intermediate and advanced level, and I'm a U.S. citizen.

I am interested in working in any Spanish-speaking, South American city.

I'm also interested in working in any kind of industry as long as my job directly created or supported economic development. This could range from working in real estate or finance to providing support to small business entrepreneurs.

I do have preferences though- I would prefer to work in real estate development or to attract businesses to areas with high unemployment rates.

I am also interested in working for any kind of organization with any kind of mission, whether a completely for-profit, huge multinational, a non-profit/NGO, or anything in between.

I know there must be organizations out there with jobs like these that could make use of someone like me. How can I find them?

I appreciate any information at all.

I should also note that I spoke to the career services office at my college about this, and they were completely unhelpful.

Yo quiero parrilla!

4Lnqvv — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 10:34:39 -0800

Where do I find Salsas de Colombia in Los Estados Unidos? Hmmmmm, chimichurri. Buenos tardes,

I am currently in Bogota and travel here frequently. The Colombian BBQ or Parrilla consists of meat grilled and topped with a variety of salsas. My favorites being Chimichurri and Aji Picante.

Here in the country it is impossible to buy these salsas in stores as it is a solely homemade/restaurant made foodstuff. That being said it is also difficult to find in Latin stores in The US also.

Chimichurri is widely available in The US, but in the Argentinian variety and is less rico and mas picante. It is nearly a completely different salsa.

Can anyone suggest a place to buy these salsas in The US or recommend any cookbooks that have good authentic recipes?

This stuff is DELICIOUS!

Muchas gracias para tu ayudas.

Que milagrosamente te apareciste al indio juan diego manifestando tu presciencia con divinas rosas!

bookish — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:36:35 -0800

Is there a specific name for the Catholic candles you can get at Mexican grocery stores? The ones in glass jars with pictures of saints, Marias, or Jesus? And can anyone tell me more about them, such as how they fit into Catholicism or their cultural resonances? I'm curious about them, and I've found remarkably little info on the internet-- which leads me to wonder if I'm not using the right search term, or if (egads!) there actually is not a website out there with information.

Any Other Countries Moving Up In The World?

StrikeTheViol — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:12:14 -0800

Has any historically "Third World" country other than the Asian Tigers managed to approach "First World" standards of Quality of Life? Any nations poised for improvement in living standards that might put them there? I've done a fair bit of reading about nascent industrial powerhouses like India, China and Brazil, but I was always curious about countries in say, the more stable areas of Latin America, Africa, and Middle East, areas that have investment and resources, that are actively building infrastructure and improving living standards. Are there any lesser-known nations that are actively climbing out of poverty, or have done so post-Cold War?

What to do in Honduras?

jk252b — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:22:41 -0800

HondurasFilter: What to do in Honduras during July? My girlfriend and I are thinking of going to Honduras for 10 - 14 days this July. The idea would be to fly into and spend some time in Tegucigalpa. We would then bus it up to San Pedro Sula where a Honduran colleague of mine will hook us up with an old friend of his to stay with, and, after a few days we'd head to La Ceiba and on to the Bay Islands. We'd then flight out of San Pedro Sula.

Although I have this itinerary worked out, I'm wondering what MeFites who've traveled to Honduras would specifically recommend we check out while in or around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and the Islands. Or what we can see to break up the trips between those places.

Specifically we're interested in two things: 1) cultural/religious festivals, markets, or other places where lots of people interact with each other, and 2) beautiful natural ares (Lago de Yojoa is a good option, i know).

Campeche, Córdoba, or Quito?

dondiego87 — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:44:22 -0800

Help me decide where to live for a month (all expenses paid): Campeche, Mexico; Córdoba, Argentina; or Quito, Ecuador. I'm a college student who is currently considering an environmental science internship this summer (probably June) in Latin America. The choices are Campeche, Mexico; Córdoba, Argentina; or Quito, Ecuador. All expenses (flight, food, lodging) will be taken care of by my university. I may or may not have access to a car -- let's assume I won't.

I'm trying to decide which of these three cities to apply for. I'm looking for information important to any city dweller -- recreation, safety, water quality, shopping, etc. -- about each to factor into my decision. Also, information about the availability and quality of phone and internet access (esp. wifi hotspots or internet cafes) is going to be important.

Some miscellaneous information:

This post about Quito provided some helpful ideas. "arabelladragon" had some useful tips, but I'm concerned about the "don't ever wear shorts in Quito" line. I only wear pants when it's required by the dress code, so a no-shorts policy could be a problem. Is this an etiquette thing, a safety issue, or what?

I'm a big outdoorsing fan, so anywhere that has ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, etc. would be great. These would probably have to be day trips, since I doubt I'm going to bring my camping equipment and I will be working normal business days.

Right now I'm leaning away from Campeche because the temperatures there during the summer are much hotter than the mid-to-upper 60s that are average for Córdoba and Quito. I do realize, however, that this shouldn't be a major factor in my decision.

Thanks so much for your help!

Where to go in Latin America -- some restrictions apply

jk252b — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:17:31 -0800

What are the most affordable, non-touristy places to travel in Latin American for someone who has already spent considerable time there? This coming April my girlfriend turns 25 and I want to taker her on a big vacation. She is fluent in Spanish and loves Latin America, so I was thinking of taking her somewhere in Central or South America. However, I have never been anywhere south of Cleveland (that's a joke!) so I'm not sure what country/city/etc. would be the best. I would love suggestions from MeFiers, but keep in mind these important restrictions:

She has already spent considerable time in Latin America, including a semester in Chile and time in Nicaragua, Mexico and Argentina. None of these are out of the question for visiting again, but expanding to other areas may be best.

We are both slaves of the non-profit social service world and are both currently planning to attend Graduate School next year so money is VERY TIGHT...especially for me because, well, I'd be paying for most of it.

Neither of us are in to the "sanitized-for-Americans" touristy crap. We both like to see the real character of a country, not some stupid resort that is just Daytona Beach in Mexico.

As I already said, her birthday is in April (end of the month). It would be nice to travel between mid-April and Mid-May. But since we'll both be quitting our jobs around th end of next summer to go back to school, traveling in July or August is not out of the question either. Whatever is most affordable.

Ok, I think those are all my restrictions. Any suggestions?

Are there any particularly good RSS feeds for Latin American news?

stleric — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:38:41 -0800

Are there any particularly good RSS feeds for Latin American news? I'm looking for a site or service (newspaper, website, NPR, AP/Reuters, etc.) that specializes in news from and about various Latin American countries (rather than, say, a more general "world news" feed) with an RSS feed that I could add to an aggregator - something where there won't be the same story repeating twelve times from different news services. It should also be noted that I'm not looking for news from specifically one country or the other, but a feed that covers the whole region. Either English or Spanish (I could use the practice) language articles are fine with me. Thanks, everybody!

What can I do south of the border?

borkingchikapa — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:28:54 -0800

What is the English teaching situation like in Latin America right now? I'm looking for something to do for July and about half of August, and I have a TEFL certificate and some experience. Other suggestions for spending worthwhile time down there welcome. Sidenote: I don't speak Spanish, but learning would be a big incentive for going. I taught in Vietnam for about two months last year, and I don't have anything to do this summer so I'd like to go somewhere in Latin America and try it out again. I'm in college so I don't have a BA yet, but I can't imagine that's a huge issue in developing countries (it certiainly wasn't in SE Asia).

Additionally, I'd be open to volunteering/working for an NGO or something. I know about idealist.org, where else can I look?

The main issue is money - Central/South America would be the cheapest destination, so I think I'm limited to that.

Where can I have a weeklong adventure in Latin America?

bryak — Mon, 29 May 2006 11:39:18 -0800

Two friends and I are looking for a crazy adventure story-of-a-lifetime vacation in Central or South America for roughly a week, and I am completely stumped. Help? I hate these "where should i go?" posts, but I am literally stumped.

One of my friends is totally insistent on a non-trendy, unpredictable, write a book about it vacation.

She suggested building houses in Nicaragua, which I'm not against, but I work 14 hour days, 7 days a week working reconstruction in a war zone... that's not quite the vacation I had in mind. I am not against a rewarding experience, so don't hold those back, I just had no suggestions at all to counter her idea. I'm all about saving the world too, but, like, not for free.

Central and South America are because of travel time constraints. Time is the only real consideration here; cost is more or less irrelevant.

Please pitch ANY ideas because I don't exactly have a library to go browse lonely planet books and the impersonal internet searches I have done have let me down.

ALSO: I speak Spanish, they don't, if that helps.

Urban planning jobs in developing areas?

kittyprecious — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:00:10 -0800

Help me combine my interests in Latin America, urban planning, and not being unemployed. I recently (last year) completed a master's in international relations/economics and, upon finishing, realized I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with (or without regard to) this generalist's degree. Prior to grad school, I worked for a couple of years in urban planning with a small (mostly-domestic) consulting firm. (My bachelor's was in geography with some urban plannning stuff, but no real design practice--just cartography.)

At the time I left to go to grad school, I thought I was done with planning, but in retrospect it was probably just the annoyance of dealing with petty stakeholders in relatively affluent areas: in that job, I spent a fair amount of time working on zoning regulations (specifically, sign dimensions and other relatively unimportant design standards), which I find pretty boring. I think if I were working on projects in developing areas (more focused on housing, transportation, public services) instead, where good policy and projects can actually make a difference in people's standard of living, I would be much more interested.

So the question (finally!) is: where/with whom should I be looking for work? I'm interested in organizations like ITDP, I am young and mobile enough that it doesn't matter if I'm working from the U.S. or based in other countries, and I have the resources to work pretty cheaply for a while. For reference, I speak Spanish pretty well and I've studied Portuguese*--I'm most familiar with Latin America, but I wouldn't rule out other regions.

(For those who see an obvious blind spot in my question: unfortunately, my school's career services office is not the most helpful, and it takes about a month on average to get an appointment to talk to them. The school's international development department focuses more on rural issues, government accountability, and economic development...urban planning sort of falls through the cracks.)

*Also, can anyone recommend a good Portuguese-language news podcast? I can read pretty well, but I want to work on my listening comprehension, and every tool helps.

working abroad as a doctor

jare2003 — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 10:01:54 -0800

My friend is looking for employment for his significant other in Latin America or in the United States. She is a German citizen, and is a certified doctor there (OB/GYN). She is looking for a way to practice either there (in Latin America) or in the US for an underserved community. The reason is this - he said that practicing in the United States would require her to do another residency here and they dont have the time for her to spend several years doing that (He said exceptions are made sometimes...doctors for an Indian reservation or other programs).

They both speak Spanish, so that wouldnt be a problem with Latin America.

Outside of Latin America is fine too, but if they go abroad, they prefer there.

He's a bit computer unsavvy, so i figured i'd ask for him.

Does anyone know of programs in the US (or in latin america) that would allow her to go practice? (If in Latin America, she would need to be making 2000USD/month - which i know is a lot for a lot of countries, but a number of organizations like the UN or other sponsor highly skilled people like her, i believe).

It would be for 2 years hopefully, maybe more. Getting her a US green card wouldnt be a problem if they stay in the US (he's a citizen), and if they're going abroad...he doesnt need work (financially self-sufficient)

moving to Latin America, languages galore

jetskiaccidents — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 14:28:40 -0800

I am seriously considering moving to somewhere in Latin America to teach English and learn Spanish. The short story is: I just received my ESL license from the state of MN after finishing a grad-school program. Problem is, I can't seem to find a job here. Things could open up, but I figure I should turn this seemingly bad situation into a fabulous opportunity to travel and learn Spanish.

My thinking right now is to sub locally and make some money while I figure things out. I also have the opportunity to house-sit during the winter so I would be able to save a lot of money during that time. After that, (around March or so) I would be free to leave (although there is some flexibility with this). I'm 23, no car payments or credit-card debts or whatever.

That's the background, now the questions:
1. How do I go about finding a job? I've been searching, and the results have been pretty overwhelming so far. I'm not expecting to make a ton of money (hopefully enough to live on), but I don't want to volunteer. I'd like my savings to be for travel and emergencies for the most part. I know some people suggest just moving down there and finding a job when you get there, but that makes me nervous. (Not saying I wouldn't do it, but it's not preferred.)
2. Where should I go? I'm pretty open in terms of locales. Right now I'm leaning towards Costa Rica or Argentina for unknown reasons. My main criteria is that I want the city/country to be relatively safe. (archive question)
3. Places to take classes to learn Spanish while I'm there? Even if it's just for a week or so at the beginning. I know some basic Spanish, but my listening/speaking skills are pretty low. (~~I know there was a thread about this recently but I'm having trouble finding it...~~ erm, nevermind.)
4. Is my timeline off, or does it not matter? From a few sites I've looked at, it says the academic year in some Latin American countries starts in February.
5. Any other suggestions, advice, reasons why I should or should not do this...(although knowing this place, all I will get is "Go! See! The! World! Right! Now!").

Yes, I've searched the archives. This is helpful too.

Seeking info on the history of Asians who immigrated to Latin America.

jare2003 — Thu, 20 Jan 2005 06:50:26 -0800

Does anyone know of any good resources about the history and current state of Asians who immigrated to Latin American Countries? I know there is a significant population of Japanese in Brazil (1 million), and that significant numbers of Chinese were imported as cheap labor into Panama and other countries. Does anyone know of good websites or books or other resources? I'd be interested in learning more about this. I came across this here but haven't had much other luck turning up stuff.

Studying Spanish

TheGoldenOne — Mon, 17 Jan 2005 18:35:11 -0800

I have one semester left in college (until the scholarship money runs out) and I would like to spend it abroad minoring in Spanish. As much as I love Spain, I would prefer to go somewhere more exotic and off the beaten path. I’m looking for adventure to accompany my education. I’ve only been to Mexico and Cuba and would like to get people’s perspectives and recommendations on other Latin American countries. If you were in my shoes, where would you go and why?

Belated Honeymoon

littlegirlblue — Sat, 09 Oct 2004 21:21:44 -0800

Belated Honeymoon : My husband & I are planning on taking a much-put-off honeymoon next spring, preferrably somewhere in Caribbean/Latin America, and could really use some tips. (more inside) 1.Our budget is around $5000 including airfare. We can go over by a few hundred.
2.Glass-bottomed boat ride & snorkeling are musts!
3.As are delicious, head-sized margaritas.
4.We'd like somewhere reasonably-priced to stay that's not too icky.
5.And finally, would it be better to go when I'm on spring break (March-ish), or after school lets out (late May)?

Thanks!

Leading International Trips

whoshotwho — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 13:59:16 -0800

I'm looking for job opportunities leading semester abroad trips or similar international educational experiences. I've done research and am continuing to do so on Google, but so far the two best organizations I'm aware of and have spoken to have not come up at all in my searching.

Before we start, I am not looking to teach English in China, Japan, Korea or elsewhere. I want to take a group of people to one or more countries for purposes of exposure, cultural exchange, and personal growth. My primary area of interest is Latin America, though I am willing to go almost anywhere (except, oh I don't know, Baghdad) in the world if the position is right. Responsibilities can include academic instruction, but don't have to -- i.e., I would also lead volunteer-work trips.

Your suggestions or leads are appreciated.

How popular is the Atkidn Diet outside the US?

Slimemonster — Wed, 17 Mar 2004 20:42:15 -0800

I have always kind of wondered how the Atkins Diet has been received in Europe as well as Canada and Latin America. Personally I have some problems with it (How much exercise can you accomplish if you aren't getting any carbs???) but i haven't read Atkins For Life (or whatever the book is called) yet and I don't think I'm going to. Anyway, Specifically, I was wondering how the nations of England, France and Canada react to it? Is it popular there or just laughed at?