Job Discussion Forums

[MELEE]

Okay, I'm doing my part to get things going in here

A while back in the Mexico forum we had the question of how has living in Mexico changed you. So how about we do it again, there are some different faces around here now, but broaden it to the whole of Latin America.

To start it off I'll list something I did a couple of weeks ago that would have shocked my former self.

I bought meat (cecina) from a lady who was selling it door to door out of vinal shopping bag.

[ls650]

[Guy Courchesne]

[Luna Chica]

I have only stayed in peru for a few months, but have been dating a Peruvian for three years and have been surrounded by his family and friends. I think from this experience I have learned to be more patient - you know they never get anywhere on time and morning plans invariably become afternoon evening plans. For example we decided we would go out for lunch at about 12 the other day and didn't end up eating anything until 5:30 By the time they had stuffed around, done their hair, waited for a friend etc etc... you know how it goes. But I have learned to take it all in my stride.

I also adore the affection they have for children. My son gets so much affection from my partner's 20-something Peruvian friends. Completely unlike the reaction he would get from Australian males. They are so warm and effusive. I tell ya it warms the cockles of my heart. Awwww

[Luna Chica]

I have only stayed in peru for a few months, but have been dating a Peruvian for three years and have been surrounded by his family and friends. I think from this experience I have learned to be more patient - you know they never get anywhere on time and morning plans invariably become afternoon evening plans. For example we decided we would go out for lunch at about 12 the other day and didn't end up eating anything until 5:30 By the time they had stuffed around, done their hair, waited for a friend etc etc... you know how it goes. But I have learned to take it all in my stride.

I also adore the affection they have for children. My son gets so much affection from my partner's 20-something Peruvian friends. Completely unlike the reaction he would get from Australian males. They are so warm and effusive. I tell ya it warms the cockles of my heart. Awwww

[Aramas]

Cockles are evil (the censors say so!), whether they be of the heart, cohabitating with mussels, alive or alive oh! What the Dickens! Is it cocktail hour already? I'll have a margarita!

[denise]

I haven't been here long enough to say for sure, but after a few months in Chile and a few days in Peru, I'm hoping that I'll be able to connect more with the students. I think the difference is in the students, though, not in me. They're just so much more outgoing than my students in Japan were!

d

[Ms. Atondo]

Oh God, I don't even know where to start. Some things I never imagined myself doing....

Riding in the back of a pickup down the highway finishing off a carton of Indio

Riding in the back of a pickup holding on to a bookshelf so that it doesnt fall out (wedged between a full-size fridge and the edge of a truck)

Eating tacos de ????. Looked like meat to me.

Buying meat at the corner "deli"

And then...

Finally being in a profession where I feel appreciated and respected, being swarmed by little children in small town who prectically fall over in shock when I speak to them in Spanish, being able to buy food from the local store two days before quincena when all the money is gone...*cry, cry*

[Flo]

Tacos de ????. You were probably eating boiled pig's blood or something. If its cooked right its not to bad until you bite into a vein (or was it an artery?), I'm not too sure.

Like others, I also learned a lot of pacience. I learned to deal with extreme temperatures with out heat or hot water. I don't even worry much about washing my hands. I figure if I survived in Peru for year without soap or running water, I can handle anything!

I am back in the U.S. now and having the worst culture shock ever! Help!