What do the British people think about the countries in Latin America?

Question

Mick, Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela

Answer 1

I lived in Mexico DF for a year and thought it was fantastic, if a little bit of a scary place at times. Even better once we got out of the City and to the country and coast.

Also visited Caracas which I thought was really amazing - I remember I was on the phone on the top floor of one of the tallest buildings in the City - there were floor to ceiling windows and I was watching eagles flying past. Also, seemed a bit dangerous (for a Gringo like me, although I'm from UK not USA) - but the nighlife was great. Funny, I was there on business and a lot of the people I met raved about Puerto la Cruz - many had homes there.

Also visited Guatemala which had really amazing, quiet beaches.

Answer 2

The stereotypes are not usually too flattering. Typically the tabloid press (and Hollywood) focus on the following:
- Drug smuggling
- Deforestation
- A history of producing leaders that make the West uncomfortable, Castro, Pinochet, Galtieri etc
- Sporadic kidnapping

But that's not all that's covered, the good side includes:
- Massive archaeological treasures
- Natural wealth, rainforests, Amazon basin etc
- Amazing footballers! That's real football, not rugby with helmets.

You have to remember that most British people see the world through a TV screen, so when people say South America we think of City of God, Scarface, Paddington Bear or the Falklands conflict. Except for a Saturday night when most people will answer 'Tequila'.

Answer 3

Sadly - me included - we don't tend spend much time thinking about Latin America and the entire continent has a poor image as the media presents it as a country of military coups and poverty overshadowed and exploited by its greedy neighbour, the US. British people tend to focus on Europe, Africa, the US and Asia.
To my shame, I cannot name a single Latin American president or politician currently in power.
Personally, the wild life and history interests me, particularly the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas. The scenery shown us on TV is spectacular
This seems to me to be awful considering the diversity of people, language and cultures, not to mention its share of world trade.

Answer 4

I'm afraid we're probably pretty ignorant. I had a friend from Chile who told me that Chile was the England of South America because of the attitude of the people. I hear Venezuelan's tend to be very well mannered. I knew a flautist from Guyana. He was lots of fun. I suppose Brazil has by far the highest profile (parties, beaches, caperhina's, favelas etc..)

Answer 5

some northern Europeans immigrated to Brazil and Spanish-speaking American international places. i think of Germans and Irish have been the two best northern eu immigrant communities in Latin united states of america. Argentina and Brazil seem to have taken in the biggest numbers of eu immigrants. in case you want greater precise concepts, then you certainly could seek for books on the situation.

Answer 6

Passionate, stunning scenery and history but very corrupt and unsafe.

I'd love to travel South America more than anywhere else on earth however I'd be afraid of being kidnapped, shot or robbed.

Answer 7

Hugo Chavez - Legend!!
Fidel Castro - Legend!!

At least somebody in the world has the balls to stand up to 'das Amerika!'

Answer 8

I've always pictured them as being of kind of like Cuba but a bit more modern.

Answer 9

CHANCER G ,should know hes travelled a lot , see his photo.

Answer 10

Bloody good at football...