- There is Graffiti EVERYWHERE. Literally everywhere you look. Sometimes you even see people sign their name on their graffiti. Yes, there is graffiti in Chicago, but Daley tries to paint over all of it as much as possible. It doesn't get painted over here and just builds up and up.
- Most of you probably know this, but the proper greeting here involves a kiss on the cheek. You are supposed to give everyone you know a kiss and shake the hand of those you do not know. And when you leave you should go around and kiss everyone again. I've never been a touchy person, so this has taken some getting used to.
- If you are walking with a male companion, in order to be a gentleman the man will walk on the street side of the sidewalk in order to protect the woman from any dangers that may fly from the street.
- People in general would rather agree to come with you some where and then not show up, than to tell you they can not make it. Sometimes you may be left waiting for no one to come.
- Being a vegetarian means that you don't eat red meat. You will be offered chicken as a vegetarian option frequently.
- Speed bumps are very popular here. Just about every stop light has a speed bump. And by speed bump they are like speed mountains. The bottom of most cars gets scraped while going across them. Since people don't really follow traffic laws this is an attempted way at slowing drivers down.
- Laws are more of recommendations than rules here. Most drivers (including bus drivers) will drive through a red light if there is no on coming traffic.
- The Bus and the Metro are between 30 and 50 cents. YES, it is amazing.
- The Buses her are not automatic. With the combination of stick shift driving and the huge speed bumps in the road I almost always get motion sick. I usually try to take dramamine if I am going to be on the bus more than 10 minutes...- It is very common that while you are riding the Metro (subway) a person will be walking around with speakers blaring a mixed cd that he/she has made and that is for sale for $1.
- Being Catholic is not something that people resentfully admit. Catholicism is a part of the Mexican people's culture. Mass is used to celebrate all important parts of life and people genuinely like going. (I've already been to Mass twice this week to celebrate friend's achievements. And I did not resent going.)
- There is a big square/patio area in front of the church where many people just gather for hours before or after church to be together. Kids play with their bikes or balls here and quite frequently teenage couples are seen making out here.. haha. Either way it definitely inspires community within the Church.
- The sewer system is not exactly functional, therefore you can not flush down your toilet paper. So there are always garbage cans in the bathrooms where you throw your toilet paper. (While at first this disgusted me, you get used to it pretty quickly.)
- Most people and businesses do not have heat or air conditioning. We have purchased a space heater for our bedroom, but I have a feeling Im going to be wearing my winter jacket 24/7.
- Water does cost money here. You can not drink the water out of your faucet. Therefore you must go and purchase jugs of water (ex: Hinkley jugs) to drink. Therefore when you go to a restaurant or a bar you are always charged for the water because it is bottled. Also make sure to request water simple or else you will get mineral water (yuck).
- Tortillas are offered at pretty much every meal. They are a very essential part of the diet and most meals have them.
I thought that this list would help provide you with some understanding of lifestyle differences here. Im good. I had a pretty normal week. I hope you are all well.
All my Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment