Reverse culture shock

So we’ve been back here in the US for almost a year!  It’s hard to believe where we stand now, when you think about where we started.  With each of us working, the prospect of classes next September, a decent apartment, and nowhere to go but onward and upward… It’s easy to feel like life is full of blessings… BECAUSE IT IS!

When we first got back from Honduras, I definitely experienced a bit of a blurry reverse culture shock.  It was weird to be back in an orderly place like the US.  There is a lot I miss about Honduras.  The laid back culture and emphasis on family values are the two biggies.  When a Honduran enters the room they greet everyone with a respect and love.  Even my little cousin, Napo, would greet me every time he saw me.  We would hang out all night and the next morning he would come into the kitchen and still shake my hand.  It takes a while to adjust to these formal greetings, but they are a must have in Latin culture.  To not give some respectful recognition to their presence is just as bad as all out insulting them.

Here in the states we are a bit more casual with our visits.  We can spend time with family, feeling like one greeting is enough for a 24 hour period.  I remember when I first noticed the difference between our way and the Honduran way.  We were spending the weekend with Karina’s family and had just been with My sister and brother-in-law all the previous day.  So the next morning, when we stopped by to do some cooking, I didn’t give a formal “good morning, Candi. How are you?”

She gave it a few seconds to see if I was stalling on my salutation, and then when she was sure enough time had come and gone she exploded in a loving, but disciplinary, “Puncha! Clin, you’re not going to say hello to me in my own house?!” Followed by laughter and some understanding that I meant no harm.

Little things catch my attention like respect, traffic, eye contact, tone of voice, and interaction with strangers.  In Honduras we greeted at least 20 people on the way to the bus terminal.  Everyone knows everyone and even strangers share conversation like neighbors.  Hondurans communicate like they know we’re all humans living on the same rock.  We already have common ground, so there’s no need to ignore each other when we pass.  I’ve noticed in North America (at least North East… North America) we stay in our bubble and we give these little “half hellos.”  Like a smile or nod.

So all this has been a bit of reverse culture shock for me, but none of it has been negative or overwhelming.