gringos

first off, before this trip i hated the word GRINGO, from its origin, to its present day use, but as often as im referred to as one, i´ve come to realize that its not so much used as a derrogatory term, but more as a descriptive term, meaning foreigner. specifically, foreigner from the united states. i come from america, so therefore its always, "meet my friend, Ed, hes a gringo".

but as an african-american who now speaks decent spanish, i take full advantage of my ability to blend in. sometimes, so much so that i forget where im from and i catch myself watching foreigners with the same awe and curiosity as the natives do.

gringos are everywhere. they usually appear in bunches, and come from united states, canada, europe, israel, or australia. the ´privigeled´ bunch, for whom traveling is an option, and leisure. (im not excluded from this).

there are things i love and hate about them: love the boldness and adventerous spirit. in hostals, cafes and tourist sites, gringos-...with their large backpacks, thick hiking boots, and hippie appearance, are always focused and on the move. theyre discoverers.

its common to see them sliding their fingers across maps, arguing over the best land routes to wherever the Lonely Planet tells them they should be going.

my nomadic indifference to guide books and maps, combined with my horrible sense of direction, often gets me lost, or in trouble. but thats my perogative. my problem. typical gringos are much more efficient travelers than me.

honestly, i admire their knowledge of places theyve never been and willingess to try new foods, meet new people.

what i dont like is the occasional unwillingness to speak the language of the country theyre in. how they rush through countries snapping pictures without ever getting to know the people (besides cab drivers), as if the point of traveling is to see the sights, and not experience the culture. maybe it is?

so, as hard as it is to write this since i come from the gringo world, i felt i had to because it brings up so many mixed emotions within me. i mean, i prefer staying with people, in their homes, or at friends apartments, but at times i miss speaking english. i miss the hostels, because theyre easier, more comfortable. at the same time, i hate this convenience. why go half way around the world to stay in a hostel all day, watch tv, and talk?

love meeting people from all of these different countries who all love to travel, but hate going out in groups with them. to me, its an invitation to getting ripped off.

its also confusing being considered rich. as though, not only am i lost in translation at times, but also in currency exchange rates and opposing interpretations of cost of living.

i pay $20 for a bag that would easily cost $100 in the states, and both me and the person who sold it to me walks away thinking that the other got ripped off. my colombian friends look at me like ive got money growing off a tree in my backyard or something. it gets confusing.

all in all, like anything else, there the good and the bad. ive met some absolutely amazing and incredible people, who, like me, are also "gringos", but dont fit the profile. of course, ive also met many that make me more embarassed than i already am to be an american. it is what it is.

gringo ED