You're avin' a laugh int ya? They rule half the World by proxy as we speak. The modern empire is not achieved like the old one of hundreds of years ago IE invade, conquer and hold. No, its done largely on a commercial, economic level where they practically rule Governments via their huge Corporations. They've also toppled more democratically elected Governments in the last 50 years than everyone else combined then installed their own puppet juntas. They've broken more international law than anyone else and have started more wars than anyone else in recent history.They hold control of the Middle East via their Satellite gangster State Israel and have Army bases in damn near every Country on the Planet. The US Empire is the biggest and most powerful the World has ever seen. COL, I do wonder about you sometimes.
BLOODY HELL SWORDS !!!! I didn't see that post coming. I knew where we all stood expecting insults but WOW....that one got me . Totally agree with you btw, I was seeing a girl a few years back from Guatemala, who's family we're involved in the left wing guerrilla movement of the 80's and some of the stories of US backed killing and destruction really sickened me.
How on earth, do you get to meet a girl from Guatemala whilst living in Staines...? Wasnt part of the "Staines Massive" was she?
My post wasn't meant to be alf garnett like. I believe what I've written to be correct. But I've been to many countries in my life and I have and will always make every effort to speak the local language when abroad. You certainly get treated better if you try. I am currently enjoying teaching my 3 year old fruit and veg in Spanish, courtesy of Dora the explorer. Nothing annoys me more than English people who move abroad to Spain and France etc. don't learn the language then moan when it all goes tits up!! Well one thing does, people who stereotype English people's attitude towards language.....
I met her through work mate. Guatemala is a fantastic place to visit. One day I was climbing up a live volcano, next sitting on top of an ancient temple and the next having dinner with one of the Commandantes of the guerrillas . A mad trip that I will always remember
You are spot on there sooper...maintenant je suis en train d'apprendre francais (i'm trying to learn French), but it is difficult, and so much easier when you are a kid to pick up a language. I work with tourists, and those who approach the Parisians and start a conversation in English often get a rude response, compared to a simple , 'Bonjour, desole mais je ne peut parle Francais, vous parle Anglais?' (sorry I don't speak French, do you speak English?)...starting in French makes all the difference, even if it just gives the locals a little entertainment listening to my French accent. Thankfully though, Joey has now shown that I'm not that bad after all! Barton the encourager! Never thought I'd say that.
1.It makes a big difference when you make an effort to meet people in *their* culture rather than expecting them to meet you in your culture. 2. French don't like you. You would have no problems asking people do they speak English in Bosnia
Not sure what the British Empire and US poltical interference has to do with what is now Bosnia over the past 300 years? 400 years as part ofthe Ottoman Empire followed by a few decades under Austria-Hungary would be more of an influence surely? El Pirata or El Topo. you decide.
