I have a question that I will throw open to anyone interested.  It will concern a subject that has been addressed here before, but hopefully, from a little different prospective.  I am referring to the lifestyle or quality of life that a latina would go through when coming to the States.  Kented just updated us on bringing his new family to Phoenix from Costa Rica.  I realize that there will be a good deal of variables; but what I am asking concerns the basic, "garden variety" agency girl that we would most likely meet.  In Colombia, for instance, do most of the families there have kitchen appliances like refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc?  Now, I know they are there.  I am asking about the availability to "Jose" or "Maria" average?  Everyone talks about the difference is wages for an average worker in LA etc.  But, when I was in Cali in August, I went to only one girl's home.  She was a dentist, and worked for the city of Cali; so I am sure that she lived better than most.  She lived with her son and mother in a small,but nicely furnished apartment.  I was only there for a few minutes, and only in the living room. So, I did not get to see the kitchen. Up to this point, I have not had a serious relationship with a latina, so I have not slept over yet.  I guess that we americans often think that we are going to really impress these little latinas, but Cali seemed to be a thriving metropolitan area to me.  Frankly, before I actually got there, I really did not know what to expect.  Now, put that in reverse for the girl.  Some of you on this board have already gone through that, and you have posted about the relationship, the culture.  I agree that those are much more important issues, but I am still curious about the expectations of the girls, what they are used to having or not having?  Also, how about things like dishwashers, automatic clothes washers and dryers?
I mean we pretty much take that for granted here in the US.  Since I have been focusing on other things, I have not thought about this until recently, and Kented's story reminded me to ask.  Also, I will pass on an interesting story. This summer, I became acquainted with an american guy and his wife who were building a new home a few blocks from my home.  Come to find out, his wife is from the Ukraine!  Boy, is she gorgeous; and sweet too!  But, the husband told me about how she could only dream of having some fairly basic things in the Ukraine, and how many of her family members were crowded in a small apartment and so forth.  So, needless to say, she has been overjoyed at what this guy can provide for her.  Well, anyway, I think you guys understand what I am trying to ask.  I look forward to reading your responses.
                                OkieMan

... in response to Change in Lifestyle?, posted by OkieMan on Dec 30, 2004

Since wages are so low, most middle class people have someone come to clean and wash for them. My wife had a good life but she did not have a dishwasher, washer or dryer. The cleaning woman washed her clothes by hand and hung them up to dry on the patio. This was one of the things I emphasized to my wife, that personal services are expensive in America, appliances are cheap. This is the reverse of Colombia. My wife's a smart cookie, she pays attention and figures out what's what soon enough.

... in response to Re: Re:  Change in Lifestyle?, posted by valuedcustomer on Dec 31, 2004

Hey, it was an experiment!

... in response to Change in Lifestyle?, posted by OkieMan on Dec 30, 2004

The hardest part of this adventure doesn't start until you get her here. I don't think there is anyone who will argue that point. When my soon to be ex first got here, I let the dishwasher fill up before I turned it on and when I did, she ran into the kitchen, ran out again and looked at me, and then ran back in there. She was looking at it like it was alive. It actually scared her. I opened it up slowly and she saw what it was doing, and then she got it. She just thought it was a place to put dishes to dry after you washed them by hand. She would turn on the TV because she was used to one, but she wouldn't even touch the VCR or the DVD Player. Same thing with the vacuum cleaner. I tried to show her how they worked, but she didn't want to look stupid (waaaaay too much pride), so she just acted like she wasn't interested in them. Her pride was one of the things that helped me to show her the door. Being proud is one thing, but to refuse to do things that might benefit you because you don't want anyone to know that you don't already know how to do it is extreme. Make sure you don't bring back one of those. It is very hard to tell when you are in their environment. Almost everything that we have, they can get, but those things are too expensive for the average person there to afford so many have never even seen them or if they have, they haven't used them. It doesn't matter how well off or educated your future partner will be, there are going to be things here that will amaze them if they have never left their country. We aren't the largest capitalist country in the world for nothing. We have all the best toys.

... in response to Re:  Change in Lifestyle?, posted by CartagenaPapito on Dec 31, 2004


I have been to both the Ukraine and Colombia.. and Colombia is more developed.  Bogota has all the conveniences of any modern american city .. and there is nothing like the Andino shopping mall in Kiev.  The stores in Kiev were meagerly stocked ... no supermarkets (but this was five years ago, I don't know if it is the same).  

One of the most important things you have to find out is your novia's attitude and expectations about money.  You also better find out who you are going to be supporting.. at the very minimum... Mama.  Most guys are doomed from the start because they are looking for the hottest chica.  Alot of guys have to crash and burn before the try again with a wiser strategy.

... in response to Re: Re: Re:  Change in Lifestyle?, posted by OkieMan on Dec 31, 2004

Every women is different.  You should get a detailed history of your novia and all the details of  her present life situation.  In my case, my novia was fully supporting her mother and sister so when she comes to the US I have to pick that up.  Although she is a good worker and wants to get a job to support them.. but she has to learn English first.  Also, take your novia to the grocery store to see how she shops.  Mine comparison shops and buys the most inexpensive choice.  Test your novia in different areas every chance you get.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  Change in Lifestyle..., posted by OkieMan on Jan 1, 2005

On average I have found Latinas to almost always be open and straight forward when talking abiout their past.  Even my ex-wife told me everything I needed to know (but chose to ignore) to drop her like a bad habit.  

The vast majority don't play games, I have found.  But if a woman lies about things you will catch her at it eventually.  Of course you need to both speak the same language.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  Change in Lifestyle..., posted by OkieMan on Jan 1, 2005

I got this information in the first interview.  You just start talking about their family and work.  Then point out that if they go to the US they will not be working for a while and are they presently supporting anyone with their income.  I suspect the main reason most guys don’t get this information is because they don’t ask.