Everyone wants to think they are special. Everyone wants to think they are living the nomadic life full of exploration and organic ingenuity. Then everyone meets someone and realizes that we are all the same. And that homogeneity makes us mad. Enter Manila, Medellin the perfect town for tricking yourself into believing that you are a globetrotting explorer. I knew I was in Latin America light when I stepped into this neighborhood. To begin, speaking Spanish was not required at any of the shops or restaurants. Attempts to do so were welcomed with words in English. “One double espresso, one orange juice.” Sitting in the Clemente coffee shop, I wondered where each patron was from, what they were doing there, and if they fancied themselves an exotic expat. Having traveled to 147 countries and territories (see Is Hawaii a Country?), I have learned that the worst thing I can do is underestimate another stranger. I would hate to live in a world where I believed there was no one as fascinating as TPOL. I have also learned to tolerate oblivious people (see An American Douche in Tokyo Lounge). Those people act with disregard for others. On this particular day, I picked out an American couple working from the coffee shop. They had come with their little dog who barked non-stop. Instead of taking the dog out of there, they would pet the little bitch, and get back to work. A few seconds later, the dog would bark again. I grew increasingly annoyed and wondered if I should say something. I scanned the room and also saw the collective eye rolls of others. Ever the diplomat, I finished my coffee asked for la cuenta, paid, and left. Unfortunately, this anecdote in Manila is far too common. The influx of gringos is the norm. I can’t blame them. It’s quaint. It’s safe. But why must those people be so annoying? TPOL’s TIP: Clemente is located at Cl 11B #36B-13, Edificio C36 Local 2, El Poblado, Medellin Colombia
