Honduran tacos (flautas) covered with cabbage, onions, and tomato sauceI think that everyone who moves to another country experiences some kind of culture shock. Things may be better or worse than where you came from, but customs, manners, language, climate, everything down to the food may be different and that takes some getting used to.
Here are some clues for you. You haven't yet assimilated in Honduras if you:
- Still ask "why?"
- Are still surprised when the fried chicken, pastelitos, tajadas, tacos, or anything else that you ordered comes covered with shredded cabbage, onions, and watery tomato sauce.
- Assume that 'mañana' really means tomorrow.
- Think that all restaurant food is 'preparada' (prepared).
- Believe that the police are just there to help you.
- Still cry when you find your favorite American magazine or chocolate chips in the store.
- Assume that the person who has been waiting the longest will be served next.
- Think that any bathroom will have toilet paper or running water.
- Are surprised when a store is closed at 2:00 in the afternoon or when a restaurant manager holds an hour-long staff meeting at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.
- Believe that waiters will be happy to have customers.
- Think that an invitation for 7 p.m. means to come at 7 p.m.
- Assume that you can order anything on the menu, because they must have it if it is on the menu.
What else? Let's hear from some of you expatriates.
And for a really good article about culture shock, check out this one by Jennifer Miller, who also writes a blog that I really like about living on the island of Dominica, called, what else?, Living Dominica.
Update: Clues that you have assimilated in Honduras are in this article.
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