Archive for April, 2008

Little Things: Cultural Differences

Posted on 27. Apr, 2008 by .

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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

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Amigos and Bricheras

Posted on 20. Apr, 2008 by .

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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

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More Culture Shocks in Arequipa, Peru

Posted on 13. Apr, 2008 by .

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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

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Initial Culture Shocks in Arequipa, Peru

Posted on 10. Apr, 2008 by .

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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

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Anticipation of Expatriation

Posted on 01. Apr, 2008 by .

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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

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