Archive for April, 2008
Little Things: Cultural Differences
Posted on 27. Apr, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: I detail miscellaneous oddities to a gringo in Peru.
On the plane from Miami to Bogota, I sat next to a girl from Colombia. She said that, among the things I might miss in America were the general cleanliness, order, and THINGS THAT WORK. Every day at the office we lose internet for a while. About twice a week we lose power. The water didn’t work in my apartment for two hours this morning. I wouldn’t have remembered to include this point, but the power went out for five minutes while I was typing this up. … Read more
Continue Reading
Amigos and Bricheras
Posted on 20. Apr, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: I learn a new word: ‘brichera’. I define it and describe meeting one.
My old boss in the States, who’s seen much of South America, told me “Latinos are very curious about America and Americans,” and that he enjoyed “semi rock-star status” in a lot of places. I got this impression in Brazil and definitely here in Peru. It’s not just the women. It’s everybody. … Read more
Continue Reading
More Culture Shocks in Arequipa, Peru
Posted on 13. Apr, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Another round of culture shocks from Arequipa, Peru, some I don’t like and some I do.
I’m in full-blown honeymoon phase for my new life here. There are things I don’t like, greatly outweighed by what I do.
Things I Don’t Like
Continue Reading
Initial Culture Shocks in Arequipa, Peru
Posted on 10. Apr, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: The first differences I notice about life in Peru vs. America.
Culture shock is natural when living away from home. I felt the most when I moved to the greater Los Angeles area. It’s similar to getting a new phone. Learning all these new buttons and functions can be a pain. It’s not that you pull your hair out and have a panic attack, but having to learn new things is different – a shock … Read more
Continue Reading
Anticipation of Expatriation
Posted on 01. Apr, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Why I’m leaving America, why I’m choosing Peru, and what I hope to achieve.
Why do I want to leave home? St. Louis, MO. It is a medium-sized, mostly suburban city in the heart of the midwest. I’ve moved away before (within the States) but always seem to come back. However, I didn’t really want to come back last time so much as my circumstances dictated it. It’s no secret to my friends that my distaste for St. Louis borders on hatred and it was a foregone conclusion that I’d leave as soon as I finished my MBA.
My life here feels so boring that I seem to have gotten back into the habit of getting in trouble. I know this sounds really corny and clichè, but I feel as if I’ll be dead or in jail if I don’t get out of here…. Read more
Continue Reading
