Felt nothing but mutual respect between me and the locals in Medellin. I try (not very well) to speak Spanish and always give respect. But great article on how we’re can be perceived by the locals, did not realize and with stereotypes there’s always some truth
I agree that this hostility towards 'Gringos' is only encountered in Medellin. I was called 'Gringo' everyday in Medellin and I was only there for a week. I was in Bogota for 3 weeks and never called it once. Some fault lies with the Gringos, especially from America. Many of them refuse to learn Spanish or are too lazy = Personas vagas! I can understand how this would make the local people resentful. For me, it was a mark of respect to learn your language. I was mindful of not appearing too ostentatious: I can imagine seeing people throw money around that you might never have a chance of seeing/earning could make you very envious and angry.
Felt nothing but mutual respect between me and the locals in Medellin. I try (not very well) to speak Spanish and always give respect. But great article on how we’re can be perceived by the locals, did not realize and with stereotypes there’s always some truth
I agree that this hostility towards 'Gringos' is only encountered in Medellin. I was called 'Gringo' everyday in Medellin and I was only there for a week. I was in Bogota for 3 weeks and never called it once. Some fault lies with the Gringos, especially from America. Many of them refuse to learn Spanish or are too lazy = Personas vagas! I can understand how this would make the local people resentful. For me, it was a mark of respect to learn your language. I was mindful of not appearing too ostentatious: I can imagine seeing people throw money around that you might never have a chance of seeing/earning could make you very envious and angry.