Mateo Amaral's Guestbook
Comments
Date: 15th April 2010
Hijueputa Americans!!
Just kidding, really nice, I've met so many Dylans in Costa Rica and everywhere else that your descriptions had a huge smile on my face. So does this mean that you're calling it quits on Latin America or was this published before the Argentina leg of the trip? Happy travels my American friends, wish I could be there with you.. Jeremy
From Blog: An Authentic American Experience Abroad
Hijueputa Americans!!
Just kidding, really nice, I've met so many Dylans in Costa Rica and everywhere else that your descriptions had a huge smile on my face. So does this mean that you're calling it quits on Latin America or was this published before the Argentina leg of the trip? Happy travels my American friends, wish I could be there with you.. Jeremy
From Blog: An Authentic American Experience Abroad
Date: 26th March 2010
Good Story
To challenge Obama and universal health care makes some people see red - life goes on. Having been to Argentina a few times I've had the great privilege to dine like a king for under 15 bucks - it's beautiful. But about the peronist/obamaist government of Arg., they do offer free health care and free college education; however, if one has the wallet they seek private of either. Private is far better and quicker. Nothing is free, simple economics...the government redistributes they don't give. Perhaps it was just my experience but I found lots of people in Argentina that were suspicious of governments that claim they're driven by compassion. Lastly, to call America, America is accurate - this is just a shortened version of the phrase United States of America....
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Good Story
To challenge Obama and universal health care makes some people see red - life goes on. Having been to Argentina a few times I've had the great privilege to dine like a king for under 15 bucks - it's beautiful. But about the peronist/obamaist government of Arg., they do offer free health care and free college education; however, if one has the wallet they seek private of either. Private is far better and quicker. Nothing is free, simple economics...the government redistributes they don't give. Perhaps it was just my experience but I found lots of people in Argentina that were suspicious of governments that claim they're driven by compassion. Lastly, to call America, America is accurate - this is just a shortened version of the phrase United States of America....
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 20th March 2010
Wow-talk about missing my whole point
With this response, I understand why some people shouldn't be allowed to read. I've approved this comment because I think it is almost as humorous as my blog itself. Do yourself a favor and look up the word SATIRE, then try to grow a sense of humor. For those of you still confused, read this person's response, because she pretty much validates the exact points I am making in my article about Americans and society. The difference is she just says it. It's kind of cool actually, it's like she's written out all my points for me, without the literary devices I use as a writer. It's almost like a literary analysis paper written in the second person with emotion. (I mean Jesus Christ, do you really think I don't know everyone in Central and South America also consider themselves Americans?? Do you really think I like drinking the blood and sweat of peasants? My wife is Mexican! I'm pro Universal Healthcare! I can just imagine how mad you were writing your little post, but c'mon, lighten up, it's satire and sarcasm).
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Wow-talk about missing my whole point
With this response, I understand why some people shouldn't be allowed to read. I've approved this comment because I think it is almost as humorous as my blog itself. Do yourself a favor and look up the word SATIRE, then try to grow a sense of humor. For those of you still confused, read this person's response, because she pretty much validates the exact points I am making in my article about Americans and society. The difference is she just says it. It's kind of cool actually, it's like she's written out all my points for me, without the literary devices I use as a writer. It's almost like a literary analysis paper written in the second person with emotion. (I mean Jesus Christ, do you really think I don't know everyone in Central and South America also consider themselves Americans?? Do you really think I like drinking the blood and sweat of peasants? My wife is Mexican! I'm pro Universal Healthcare! I can just imagine how mad you were writing your little post, but c'mon, lighten up, it's satire and sarcasm).
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 18th March 2010
argentina misunderstood
With this blog I understand why americans shouldn't be allowed to travel. I respect your opinions but completely disagree with you. Americans think that their "America" is better than any other country, let me give you a newsflash, you are so WRONG. Also, I noticed one thing that really bothered me, you said that you didn't like the fact that you had to pay $130 to enter the country, well let me tell you something, I'm sure that Argentinians and people from a lot of other countries don't like to pay a lot more to enter the U.S. Argentina started requiring Americans to pay that fee in December and they should've started way before. About the comment that you made about paying to enter the U.S saying: “But then you get to be in America,” all I have to say is that you should learn about geography before saying such a comment, I don't know if you realized but Argentina IS in AMERICA... so they already are in America. The U.S is just NORTH america, not the whole continent. Another thing that you need to learn is that in every country people have different names for the same thing, that also happens in the U.S and England. The so called "French" accent is just their way of talking, their accent. It's the same as going to the southern states and trying to talk to someone there with their accent that they only understand. The so called European lifestyle is a cultural thing and in case you didn't know Argentina and specifically Buenos Aires was founded by europeans that immigrated specially germans that went into exile after WWII and the holocaust.. Also about the language, if you are traveling to a country that their native language is not english try to learn the language because most of the people for example in Argentina do not speak english and you shouldn't criticize them in any way for that because YOU can't speak spanish. They are not the ones visiting, you are, so either respect their culture or leave. I find it very disturbing, degrading and shameful how you talk about why you enjoy drinking wine : "What Alisa and I, and most Americans who can afford it, love about wine is that you are literally drinking the blood and sweat of the peasants. The label on the back of a good bottle of wine in Napa will actually go into great detail describing the salty taste of Mexican tears in their latest vintage". You should be ashamed of writing that in a blog even if it's just joking. Wine is part of the Argentinian culture and yes, everyone drinks it and is able to afford it, why not!? and they even mix the wine with coke sometimes, people do it in spain also. About their peso, learn about their recent history and you'll understand why it is devaluated, don't talk without knowing the facts. I also think that you should know that what happened in Argentina is very similar to what is happening in the U.S now, because in case you haven't noticed, the dollar is also loosing value. The last thing that I'm gonna tell you is that the Universal Healthcare is what the U.S should've implemented a long time ago, it's a shame how a lot of people in the U.S do not have healthcare and how our health is just another thing the big companies like to play with. I hope that you stop being so close minded and so ignorant and start reading and being aware of the world more. The sad part is that there are more americans like you. P.S: Lima is not one of the most dangerous cities in South America and what ATMs ask you when you finish doing your transaction is the same as ATMs in the U.S , they tell you if you want to do another transaction.
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
argentina misunderstood
With this blog I understand why americans shouldn't be allowed to travel. I respect your opinions but completely disagree with you. Americans think that their "America" is better than any other country, let me give you a newsflash, you are so WRONG. Also, I noticed one thing that really bothered me, you said that you didn't like the fact that you had to pay $130 to enter the country, well let me tell you something, I'm sure that Argentinians and people from a lot of other countries don't like to pay a lot more to enter the U.S. Argentina started requiring Americans to pay that fee in December and they should've started way before. About the comment that you made about paying to enter the U.S saying: “But then you get to be in America,” all I have to say is that you should learn about geography before saying such a comment, I don't know if you realized but Argentina IS in AMERICA... so they already are in America. The U.S is just NORTH america, not the whole continent. Another thing that you need to learn is that in every country people have different names for the same thing, that also happens in the U.S and England. The so called "French" accent is just their way of talking, their accent. It's the same as going to the southern states and trying to talk to someone there with their accent that they only understand. The so called European lifestyle is a cultural thing and in case you didn't know Argentina and specifically Buenos Aires was founded by europeans that immigrated specially germans that went into exile after WWII and the holocaust.. Also about the language, if you are traveling to a country that their native language is not english try to learn the language because most of the people for example in Argentina do not speak english and you shouldn't criticize them in any way for that because YOU can't speak spanish. They are not the ones visiting, you are, so either respect their culture or leave. I find it very disturbing, degrading and shameful how you talk about why you enjoy drinking wine : "What Alisa and I, and most Americans who can afford it, love about wine is that you are literally drinking the blood and sweat of the peasants. The label on the back of a good bottle of wine in Napa will actually go into great detail describing the salty taste of Mexican tears in their latest vintage". You should be ashamed of writing that in a blog even if it's just joking. Wine is part of the Argentinian culture and yes, everyone drinks it and is able to afford it, why not!? and they even mix the wine with coke sometimes, people do it in spain also. About their peso, learn about their recent history and you'll understand why it is devaluated, don't talk without knowing the facts. I also think that you should know that what happened in Argentina is very similar to what is happening in the U.S now, because in case you haven't noticed, the dollar is also loosing value. The last thing that I'm gonna tell you is that the Universal Healthcare is what the U.S should've implemented a long time ago, it's a shame how a lot of people in the U.S do not have healthcare and how our health is just another thing the big companies like to play with. I hope that you stop being so close minded and so ignorant and start reading and being aware of the world more. The sad part is that there are more americans like you. P.S: Lima is not one of the most dangerous cities in South America and what ATMs ask you when you finish doing your transaction is the same as ATMs in the U.S , they tell you if you want to do another transaction.
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 16th March 2010
p.s.
I forgot to mention: Bolivia, Brasil and Venezuela are among the other South American countries also charging the $130 "reciprocal" entry fee if you fly into the country. Also, the custom of putting used toilet paper in a waste basket is not a "gringo joke" as you suggest, but a fact of life throughout all of Latin America and elsewhere. This apparently is due to generally poorly designed and constructed septic systems that won't deal with the extra bulk created by the added paper. But as you may have discovered by now, that little "doggie bathtub" sitting next to the toilet throughout Argentina (also known as a bidet) solves the entire problem and eliminates the need to use paper at all -- if you're so inclined!
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
p.s.
I forgot to mention: Bolivia, Brasil and Venezuela are among the other South American countries also charging the $130 "reciprocal" entry fee if you fly into the country. Also, the custom of putting used toilet paper in a waste basket is not a "gringo joke" as you suggest, but a fact of life throughout all of Latin America and elsewhere. This apparently is due to generally poorly designed and constructed septic systems that won't deal with the extra bulk created by the added paper. But as you may have discovered by now, that little "doggie bathtub" sitting next to the toilet throughout Argentina (also known as a bidet) solves the entire problem and eliminates the need to use paper at all -- if you're so inclined!
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 16th March 2010
Entertaining piece, but I am driven to point something for the benefit of those who don't know the full story behind the reciprocal $130 entry fee. When an Argentino (and presumably people in many other countries) apply for a visa to the glorious and wonderful USA they have to pay $130 when they submit the paperwork. Maybe they get the visa, maybe not - but they don't get a refund if they are denied. And many are denied, because our government recognizes that anything south of the Rio Grande is really Mexico, and they all just want to come here and stay illegally - doesn't EVERYONE want to be an American?
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Entertaining piece, but I am driven to point something for the benefit of those who don't know the full story behind the reciprocal $130 entry fee. When an Argentino (and presumably people in many other countries) apply for a visa to the glorious and wonderful USA they have to pay $130 when they submit the paperwork. Maybe they get the visa, maybe not - but they don't get a refund if they are denied. And many are denied, because our government recognizes that anything south of the Rio Grande is really Mexico, and they all just want to come here and stay illegally - doesn't EVERYONE want to be an American?
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 16th March 2010
BA
Too bad about your debit card, but that's a common experience in South America. Some countries give you your card back before the cash, or you just do a swipe and hold on to your card. Most countries in SA do it the way you sadly discovered, and it's easy to forget your card with your cash already in hand. You could have avoided the $130 charge by taking a bus from Peru, also saved some money on the flight down and seen some incredible country along the way. A bus from Chile would not work, they also charge the $130 reciprocal fee. Enjoy Argentina!! I'd highly recommend the northwest part of the country around Salta and north as some of the most beautiful and varied, also the Mendoza/San Rafael area. BA is not truly representative of Argentina in general, and I would guess you'll enjoy the laid back interior even more than BA with its European elegance and wild night life (altho the night life won't change that much!) Enjoy! from Trujillo, Peru
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
BA
Too bad about your debit card, but that's a common experience in South America. Some countries give you your card back before the cash, or you just do a swipe and hold on to your card. Most countries in SA do it the way you sadly discovered, and it's easy to forget your card with your cash already in hand. You could have avoided the $130 charge by taking a bus from Peru, also saved some money on the flight down and seen some incredible country along the way. A bus from Chile would not work, they also charge the $130 reciprocal fee. Enjoy Argentina!! I'd highly recommend the northwest part of the country around Salta and north as some of the most beautiful and varied, also the Mendoza/San Rafael area. BA is not truly representative of Argentina in general, and I would guess you'll enjoy the laid back interior even more than BA with its European elegance and wild night life (altho the night life won't change that much!) Enjoy! from Trujillo, Peru
From Blog: Argentina-Ruining a Good Bottle of Wine
Date: 27th February 2010
Can't stop laughing
Each time I read one of Mateo's blogs I think it's the best one. After reading about the bullfights, clicked back to read about Herman the Goose. Sitting here alone laughing my ass off. the depiction of the lovesick goose is just too much, especially how it bites everyone else in the butt who tries to get between it and Mateo. Once again, the author's sense of wry and often sarcastic humor is used to create a moral observation of the human condition. Having just come back from Costa Rica and testing my limited Spanish, can so relate to the awkwardness and even exhaustion of trying to keep up in a language that's not quite there yet. I even had a similar pig slaughter experience years ago in Bratislava visiting my best friend's Slovakian family. Force feeding of pork at every meal (gross after observing the making of sausages out of the intestines) plus trying to remain cheerful while communicating in a language I had not a clue about (ended up using German). Great story, Mateo. Am thinking of that poor little puppy, too....
From Blog: Dinners With Herman
Can't stop laughing
Each time I read one of Mateo's blogs I think it's the best one. After reading about the bullfights, clicked back to read about Herman the Goose. Sitting here alone laughing my ass off. the depiction of the lovesick goose is just too much, especially how it bites everyone else in the butt who tries to get between it and Mateo. Once again, the author's sense of wry and often sarcastic humor is used to create a moral observation of the human condition. Having just come back from Costa Rica and testing my limited Spanish, can so relate to the awkwardness and even exhaustion of trying to keep up in a language that's not quite there yet. I even had a similar pig slaughter experience years ago in Bratislava visiting my best friend's Slovakian family. Force feeding of pork at every meal (gross after observing the making of sausages out of the intestines) plus trying to remain cheerful while communicating in a language I had not a clue about (ended up using German). Great story, Mateo. Am thinking of that poor little puppy, too....
From Blog: Dinners With Herman
Date: 27th February 2010
Another hit from Mateo
Wow, Mateo's writing continues to astound me. His often hilarious descriptions of sometimes uncomfortable events are so entertaining (often secretly guilty entertainment). His style of self-deprecating humor is great. Behind it all, though, is a razor sharp ability to comment on the human condition through his travel writing. Can hardly wait for the next entry from such a gifted writer,
From Blog: Men and Bulls: A Worldwide Idiocy
Another hit from Mateo
Wow, Mateo's writing continues to astound me. His often hilarious descriptions of sometimes uncomfortable events are so entertaining (often secretly guilty entertainment). His style of self-deprecating humor is great. Behind it all, though, is a razor sharp ability to comment on the human condition through his travel writing. Can hardly wait for the next entry from such a gifted writer,
From Blog: Men and Bulls: A Worldwide Idiocy
Date: 7th November 2009
The best yet!
Am falling out of my chair laughing...this has to be the best of the Costa Rica series from Matt Amaral. Keep 'em coming!!! Leslie
From Blog: A Lesson in Culture Shock: Getting Used to the Wildlife in and Around the House
The best yet!
Am falling out of my chair laughing...this has to be the best of the Costa Rica series from Matt Amaral. Keep 'em coming!!! Leslie
From Blog: A Lesson in Culture Shock: Getting Used to the Wildlife in and Around the House
pmacfar
non-member comment
Cool
I'm still looking for a good jazz act in Tianjin. Not likely to find it, so it was great to read about this one.
From Blog: An Authentic American Experience Abroad