By Rocío Arango Giraldo

COLOMBIA: At dawn in Latin America, historic monuments stand in contrast with highly technological and luxurious buildings.

Television actresses and executive women drive to their offices, while blue-collar workers hurry to their work places.

Chanel Nº5´s scent gets mixed up with the scent of fresh flowers, both scents eventually dissipating into thin air — just like our government’s policies.

By Sylvia Rodriguez

Venezuela: It is extremely difficult to understand what is happening in Venezuela nowadays. Political polarization is probably the hardest thing we have faced in Venezuela ever.

It is even responsible for many marriages and friendships breaking up.

By Janett Chávarry García

PERU: This year, the Peruvian Parliament approved a controversial law that says people can have sexual intercourse with those as young as 14-years-old.

Some people think that this law is illegal because it could provoke more sexual attacks, a common practice which already happens in Peru on a daily basis and principally affects children and young people.

By Mayra Beltrán de Daetz

GUATEMALA: In September, Guatemala was caught up in the difficult decision of choosing a suitable political leader to govern the country.

It was difficult because no one had the minimum qualifications wished by the Guatemalans. Yet, in the middle of making such a hard decision there arose a newfound hope for the country — not in the form of a politician, but of a young singer.

By Roxana Urrutia

SPAIN: Today I was in the hospital (asthma) and the waiting room was hilarious.

You know, in the States, the waiting room is quiet and there is usually a TV on and every now and then a person gets a coffee and then the loudspeaker says, “Mr. Smith, please go to room #4, Mr. Smith room #4,” and while the announcement is on, everyone stops, what little noise they contribute, for a complete respectful silence for the loudspeaker.

OK, here in Spain the waiting room is cramped full of people. For each ill person, there are at least 8 family members all talking at once and complaining about having to wait. The people bring in beers and soft drinks and bocadillos de tortilla (omelette sandwiches) from the bareto (family-owned bar) across the street, and there is no TV but plenty of talking about the daily soap opera.