[Velvet]

Yeah, I noticed too that no one asked me where I came from, what I believed in. Nothing, just money, do you have it or not, for the house.

[dewilson58]

We have them all in TV.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well I'll own up to being the different one here (surprise surprise, not). I'm a white non-Christian 3rd generation American with Russian, German, and Latvian roots. I don't "not notice" differences between races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. I actually embrace them, and look forward to them. There are absolutely positively differences, and I learned to appreciate many of these differences when I was "la gringa" on the bicycle who used to ride to her Puerto Rican boyfriend's house in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood, from my predominately Jewish neighborhood 6 miles away. I don't want to "not notice" or pretend that when I see a person of color, that I'm not seeing a person of color. OF COURSE they are people of color. That's one of the many things that makes them interesting. If we were all the same we'd be boring. Our differences are what make us who we are, and that includes physical looks, culture, heritage, language, regional accents, social and romantic preferences, and so on and so forth.

I had to google most of the foods you mentioned, OP. It sounds as though I've probably had the pastelitos a few years ago at a food truck festival, from someone making Salvadorian sandwiches. Very flaky pastry-like turnovers, and mine had some kind of shredded spiced meat in it. Might've been chicken, I don't remember the ingredients, just the overall enjoyment and texture of the thing. I think you'll have to go to Orlando for papusas or other Salvadoran food, or Tampa as someone else mentioned. As for the pork sandwich, there are a couple of Cuban restaurants in Mt. Dora, which isn't very far from the eastern side of Lake Sumter. There's also the Mojo Grill in Belleview, which is north of the Villages.

For paella, my personal opinion is, you will always make it better than you can buy it, unless you go to someone's house in Spain. This is something my Spanish teacher taught her class, back when I was in High School in the 1970's. She also taught us how to make -sweet- fried plaintains with brown sugar and butter. She was from Spain.

As for the helado, the only thing I know of that helado would be, is ice cream. The closest thing to anything *specifically* known as Spanish ice cream that I've ever seen are the paletas (Mexican popsicles) sold at the local taqueria up here in Connecticut.

If you're okay with "just" Mexican food, Ay Jalisco is authentic western Mexican, which is a little different from Central or northern Mexican food. As Western Mexican food in the USA goes, it's pretty good. Not fond of the salsa but Western Mexican salsa really is mostly just slightly tingly ketchup. I prefer pico de gallo, or hot sauce.

[Nucky]

Bravo is about 30 minutes away in Ocala. There are many Hispanics in The Historical Section and they often talk about the fun they have at their meetings. I also sleep next to one my damn self. It’s exciting to say the least. I’m 51% Boricua maybe more!

[queasy27]

How many people honestly would have moved here if the demographics were lopsided the other direction at 98% non-Caucasian? Saying you don't notice ethnicity doesn't mean much when the overwhelming majority is pretty much the same as you.

I'm sure many here are like me who have lived overseas where Caucasians are the minority. It was disorienting at first, it was educational, it made me think about not being part of the group in power and being held back by law (not permitted to buy land, etc.). I loved my years in foreign countries but there came a time that I just wanted to be back where everything was familiar. safe. and even unchallenging. I certainly sympathize with the desire to sometimes spend time with "your" people and not have to explain, or wonder, or feel less than.

To the OP -- yes, The Villages are expansive and welcoming, and the Latin clubs are likely to satisfy your desire for some cultural touchstones.

[jebartle]

Originally Posted by Velvet

Yum! That sounds delicious. I can’t find my native kitchen, pastries, and the like either. So I got a house with a wonderful kitchen.

Giggle, snort, I've got the kitchen, it's the good cook that is missing!
When I ask what he'd like for dinner, I hear the car engine start.

Back to post, love the Village peeps, all of them!

[bilcon]

You should feel privileged to golf with a New Yorker. I'm not sure what your comment means.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by bilcon

You should feel privileged to golf with a New Yorker. I'm not sure what your comment means.

Exactly. Point made.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Exactly. Point made.

I have nearly ruined my keyboard from coffee snorts due to your humor. Thank Goodness we have all read you enough to know that you approve of all kinds of diverse folks, even people from Ohio like me.

Some folks are more outspoken here than my mother would have put up with. We are all different. We are all valuable.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I have nearly ruined my keyboard from coffee snorts due to your humor. Thank Goodness we have all read you enough to know that you approve of all kinds of diverse folks, even people from Ohio like me.

Some folks are more outspoken here than my mother would have put up with. We are all different. We are all valuable.

They can probably close this thread.............I think we answered to OP, "They are not hiding."

[Mosells]

The answer to your basic question is, they live where every they want. As do everyone else.