LL-L "Cultural contacts" 2004.10.18 (03) [E/Spanish]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 18.OCT.2004 (03) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: Brooks, Mark <mark.brooks at twc.state.tx.us>
Subject: LL-L "Cultural contacts" 2004.10.17 (03) [E]

I love La Frontera.  That's what it's called on both sides of the border
between the US and Mexico.  Some say that for about 30 km in on each side of
the border is yet a third country.  There is the US, there is Mexico, and
there is La Frontera.  La Frontera has many, many contacts that do not exist
the deeper you go into either country.  There is much inter-marriage and
business contacts, both legal and non-legal.  Primarily the language is
Spanish at least here in the Texas area.  I was in the San Ysidro area about
8 years ago, and it was much the same.  In fact, there are many US citizens
in La Frontera born on the US side of the border that speak no English.  I
work for the State Agency that administers Unemployment Compensation, and I
am bilingual English-Spanish.  I used to work in our Tele-Center that
handled calls from the entire state.  I would often spend more than half of
my day speaking Spanish at my job.

I like to joke that La Frontera has all of the worst that the two cultures
have to offer.  On the US side it's fast food, Wal-Mart, cheap motels.  On
the Mexican side it's cheap liquor, cheap food, and cheap trinkets.  The
abundance of red felt sombreros with silver and gold sequins is just
unbelievable.  It's such a different place from the interior of both
countries, it's just fascinating!  I love it there!  You never know what to
expect, and if you think you've caught on, they'll change it on you.

My wife and I used to go there about 3 or 4 times a year to buy some great
Mexican coffee, and stay in a hotel on the Mexican side that was very, very
nice for little money.  ¡Viva Mexico!

Mark Brooks

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Cultural contacts

I wholeheartedly agree, Mark.

¡Viva México, la tierra bendita!  And friendly regards to our subscribers
there!

Let's not forget that most of the US Southwest used to belong to Mexico and
that Hispanic language and culture are strongly represented in the US and
will influence mainstream language and culture more and more, something that
some people fear.  I say, "Bring it on!"  We could do with another hefty
dose or two of Hispanic _alegría de vivir_.   Let's also not forget that
more
and more US citizens go to live in Mexico, mostly to retire, not only
because
their meager retirement money goes a longer way there, but also because of
attitudes, lifestyles, good climate and good food.  Just watch the
baby-boomers fly south!

Con respeto amistoso,
Reinhard/Ron

P.S.: Mexican coffee?  The best in the world, as far as I am concerned (and
I don't want to tread on anyone's toes here).  The medium-roast organic
Mexican coffee I usually buy?  ¡Como el chocolate con crema!  ¡Muy suave y
delicioso!  ¡Absolutamente el mejor del mundo!  :-)

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