Culture Shock: Updated 17-Oct-06

Well, I've been here for 2.5 months now. I'm getting into my daily routine, have travelled a bit, and have experienced quite a bit of culture shock. I've been able to speak to some of you on the phone, exchange emails, and plan visits. For those of you planning to visit (or those who aren't, but are still interested), here are some tips on cultural differences here in Honduras. Check back often for updates!

1. Do not put used toilet paper in the toilet -- throw it in the wastebasket.

2. Banana clips and hair scrunchies are totally in style.

3. Place money in different hiding places on your body when in Tegucigalpa (pockets, underwear, bra).

4. Cold showers.

5. Going places in "jalon" (a.k.a. hitchiking).

6. Waking up to roosters crowing.

7. Many ugly dogs walking the streets.

8. Men making cat calls to any 'gringa' walking down the street (e.g., "Mi amor"/my love, "Casate conmigo"/marry me, "Hello lady", "tss tss", "Beautiful").

9. Kids borrowing something and never giving it back.

10. The main mode of transportation is old school buses from the U.S. Some are 'pimped' out, painted, etc. There is a very eclectic mix of people and music on the buses. You'll see everything from old men wearing cowboy hats, young school kids, mothers breast feeding their kids, and locals selling baked goods up and down the aisles. Some blast reggaeton music and others play 80's ballads. Riding the buses is a great way to see a little bit of the old and the new in Honduran culture.

11. Drinking out of plastic bags. I guess in order to cut down on pollution, and costs, markets sell beverages in plastic bags.

12. Buying a can of pop/beer is more expensive than a bottle of pop/beer. If you buy a bottle of pop, places are able to recycle them; in fact, many pulperias give you a discount if you bring an empty bottle in when you buy a drink.