When you come to visit Paraguay, (and I know you will), here are a few cultural adaptations you may encounter. Here are a few of my observations in the form of a top 10 list...
1. If you want to say hello, don´t say "Hola", instead say, "Adio".
2. If you want to say goodbye, don´t say "Adios", instead say, "Chao".
3. To visit someone´s house, don´t knock on the door. Instead, outside of the property, clap, clap, clap your hands until someone comes out, then exclaim, "buen dia!"
4. Get rid of the dinner bread basket, replace it with a steamimg bowl of mandioca.
5. A regular medical check up may include vaccinations for: Yellow fever, Hepetitas A and B, Rabies, Typhus, and tetnus.
6. Get rid of your germ phobias and get ready to share a bombilla and guampa, (a special cup and straw that are shared with everyone in the group), filled with delicious terere, (cold yerba mate), while enjoying conversations with visitors to your home.
7. Slow down- long pauses during conversation are the norm while sharing terere.
8. Be prepared to assume "moto formation" while walking in groups as several motos will be passing you on your trek.
9. Enjoy your fruits and veggies in the states- these are seasonal in the campo and are not available year round- like now :).
10. Be ready yell a friendly "Adio!" to every house or moto or house you pass- Paraguayans have to be some of the friendliest people in the world!
Chao!
No comments:
Post a Comment