This book was born from the notebook of Amanda Duque. In this little book my grandmother, Amanda, writes down from time to time stories, jokes, and Colombian sayings. It’s an every growing collection that isn’t finished in this book. This is instead just the beginning. Amandismos started when my father Nelson Cardona Duque, son of my grandmother Amanda, was gravely ill in the hospital in Bogotá. My grandmother and I to distract our minds transcribed hundreds of these saying and jokes, some which I decided to collect and immortalize in this book.

I want to dedicate this first volume to my father, Nelson. Today he’s full of energy and health. He’s a true warrior, fighter and my inspiration to never give up in the darkest moments of life. I would also like to dedicate this book to my grandmother (the author), for keeping this valuable treasure of memories from our Colombian culture. Finally I want to thank my entire family, because I could never ask for a better one. Read this, re-read it, enjoy it and keep it as one more memory of our beautiful family.

Esteban Cardona Jiménez