By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program
I take in
stride all of the differences I’ve observed between the Latin American and
North American cultures. One of my favorites is the ‘Adios’ I hear every time
friends or acquaintances pass one another on the street. At first I was very
confused because the act sounded somewhat rude. But soon I realized the mere
sense of the act. We North Americans are accustomed to saying, ‘hello,’ as a
greeting but when one is not actually going to stay and chat with these friends
it makes perfect sense to just wave goodbye as you are passing through and
leaving. This habit of farewell has grown on me and I’m afraid I may start
doing it back home! My favorite is when the Ticos (Costa Rican Locals) insist
on using English when a group of gringos pass by. The translation is humorous
to hear: ‘Bye!’ or ‘Good Night!’ as in the US we would actually say, ‘Hello’
and ‘Good Evening.’
Another cultural difference is the kisses. It is a customary greeting of family and
friends in Latin America to give a sweet peck on the cheek. I’m sure other
North Americans will agree; we are much more comfortable with a hug for close
ones, simply a handshake for first time meetings, or even just a head nod of
acknowledgement from across the room. My first night I had been sitting at the
kitchen table in my PJs, playing Scrabble with my host mom when one by one
relatives and friends made their routine or random appearances. Each person,
including the toddlers and grown men, greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. And
no matter how long their stay consisted of even just a couple minutes, they bid
farewell with another kiss. In comparison to this culture, ours seems so
impersonal! I do not know many who visit relatives and close friends daily just
to chat for a couple minutes and then carry on with their night. The closeness
of this culture provides a very comfortable environment for newcomers.
Which leads me to remember the not so comfortable aspect of a different culture as well! Ladies, prepare to be hissed at. Honestly, I would say its more entertaining then intimidating. I have learned to take this too in stride and as long as they don’t grab or follow all is
good. Like some North Americans, the Tico men are not shy about communicating
their interests in a female but most will stand a respectful distance away and
just watch you pass by with a hiss or kissy sounds. In my experience it has not
been a problem. Just keep your chin up, walk proud, and strut your stuff girl!
Click for more information on AmeriSpan’s Independent Teen program in Coronado, Costa Rica.
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