:: naazita ::

Friday, April 15, 2005 at 17:13

Hola this, Hola that

Everyone here is so polite. Greetings are a big part of the culture it seems. I think I'm slowly getting in the groove now. Every time I leave home, there's a long exchange with the watchman. Buenos Dias (or Tardes or Noches depending on time of day, and you never ever mix it up!). Como estas. Blah Blah. Then he opens the door for you. Then you say muchas gracias, maybe throw in two bits about the weather, say have a nice day, hasta luego blah blah and you're finally on your way. A ritual that you would follow even if you're seeing him for the third time in the day...

Everyone's always wishing you a nice day and thanking you profusely and smiling a lot and nodding their heads and what not. Which for me is nice... but just different. And sometimes it just takes me by surprise. Like the other day, we were at the supermarket. A lady came up to us to promote some product. Javier patiently let her finish her sentence, then smiled, then did the customary 'no, muchas gracias' followed by a 'tu eres muy amable'. Which translates into 'you are very kind'. Now I was just standing there, a tad shellshocked. 'Javier, did you just say "tu eres amable" to that lady?'. Of course he did.

If I was in India, I probably would have just avoided eye contact with the sales lady and run off in the other direction. Which is a far cry from this patient and considerate "you are most kind" business : )

Ah, cultural differences I tell you, just lovely...

Surya Swamy said...

Latin culture - suave, friendly and with all the right greetings that will indeed put a smile on your face. World of a difference from the "dai, poda..unum vanda.":)

Love reading your perspective on things. keep writing, porfa.

Ostrich said...

You are hilarious! Loved the post on the un-pronounceable hair salons too. so where's my package dammit???!!!

j-Colombia said...

awsome to see your page, It's nice to see someone from india in Colombia and enjoying it...
I recently visited Colombia, and planin to go to India soon.
Enjoyed your writting, thanks for sharing!. : )

nida said...

khekhe - nice culture, can't imagine doing that here in pakistan - i'd be labelled crazy!

Abster said...

surya..usted tiene razon
Indios no son muy corteses..
naazita..continue escribir..
hasta luego

:: naazita ::

Friday, April 15, 2005 at 17:13

Hola this, Hola that

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