Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Cultural Differences

Every culture has their differences. From food, to dress, to tradition, things can feel like you really aren't in Kansas anymore. I just want to share a few that I have noticed while I'm here.

#1 After doing some traveling, I already noticed that American's really aren't the most affectionate people. Here, women greet and bid farewell by touching cheeks and making a kissing noise. Men and woman do this as well, sometimes with the men giving a real kiss on the cheek. But don't worry, men typically shake hands :)
#2 Costa Ricans NEVER walk around barefoot in their houses... ever.
#3 Since there is no air conditioning, during the day all the windows and doors are open. We don't get many bugs, but I do know that we get ANTS like crazy! Sometimes I walk in the kitchen and there are birds on the counter. It's the norm :P
#5 Staring is completely OK. It doesn't matter the age or gender, they will stare you down. Even when you make eye contact, they don't even look away and 'pretend' they weren't staring. Well isn't that awkward?
#6 As I have mentioned before, no street signs or names (except for main streets), or home addresses. No one has mail boxes.
#7 Costa Ricans don't have dishwashers. This is very common in South American countries. Also they rarely use their ovens to cook food. They claim it uses 'too much electricity.'
#8 Everyone wears pants! It doesn't matter the temperature (although we are near the equator so it's almost always 80s), shorts are uncommon. Let me tell you, it gets hot :(
#9 Don't put the toilet paper in the toilet.... yeah you have no idea...
#10 The water can go out for days at a time. Usually if they are just doing work on the pipes, you will know in advance that the water will be off. Each day they will turn on the water for a few hours in the early morning, and then turn it off again. The days it breaks unexpectedly who knows how long it would take to fix. I have already experience water being out, and taking a bath in a tub with water that has been heated on the stove... I felt like Laura Ingalls Wilder!

I know there's a lot more, but I really can't think of anything else! The people here are sooo kind and patient, all so excited that you are willing to learn their native language. Most people will take the time to slow down their speech and help you with new words. Even though my classes are still slow as ever, I know every day I'm improving. I will be getting in contact with a foster home type of place here locally in the next few days, so I really hope I can get involved with the children here in my city!
Caio!

2 comments:

  1. This is so interesting!! #2- they never go barefoot in their houses?! That is sad! I hardly wear shoes inside! #5- that is so funny! That is against an American culture thing- I feel like staring is considered rude here! #7- how do they cook food?! Love and miss you!! So glad you are blogging! xxoo

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  2. Lily, I know! When i go barefoot i always gather dust due to the dirt they bring in on their shoes! They wouldn't have to sweep so much if they just took off their shoes! And for real, staring is SO rude, but here, it's totally fine. It's creepy. They use the stove for eevvverrryyythhinng! and the microwave! My mom asked me if she could make Betty Crocker brownies in the microwave.... sorry Mom... NO!
    Love you and miss you! xoxox

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