I was born in Saint Toribio of Chinche, a town located - on the other side of the wall - between the River Grande and the coldest part of the Patagonia.

I left my family hypnotized with the idea of a better life in the North Country, where people can purchase - on time - the "American Dream".

I swore to work hard all the time, save my money under my mattress and send some back to cover the foreign debt of my country.

I asked my girlfriend - Ceci - to behave herself and one day I would send her a first class ticket.

As my only baggage, I brought a bag full of hopes and three changes of underwear.

I think I am half tri-lingual. When one is harassed by dire straits, he can even learn Mandarin Chinese. At first, I defended myself with my "Spanglish", but now with the building of the fence, I have had to learn English "without barriers".

As for the rest, I pay taxes, dream in "Spanglish", am a All-Worldly worker, I volunteer to help my countrymen, go to church to pray for those on this side and the other side of the fence, I don't bother anyone and I stand up for myself.

If I look homesick, it is because I have my feet on this side of the fence while my heart is on the other side.