
Pereira
Not at all!
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They speak Spanish, but I do not. I had a basic understanding of Spanish, but it turns out that it was Mexican Spanish...trust me when I say there is a BIG difference. The LL sound in Mexican Spanish is pronounced Y, whereas in Colombian Spanish it is pronounced J. People love asking me my address because I still pronounce calle as cayay instead of cajay. I have started Spanish lessons, but not soon enough.
I was aware of culture shock, but wasn't particularly worried. I studied culture shock as part of my degree and knew what to watch for.
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My culture shock is still on-going and IS extremely significant.
Honeymoon phase: This didn't last as long as I would have preferred. Possibly a week. I loved everything and everyone.
Irritation-to-anger stage: This was probably my most interesting stage. I was lucky enough to instantly make friends here and only had them to talk to. They weren't too thrilled with my complaining. I whined about being stared at, about how the food has NO spice, how I nervous I am, etc. I didn't pull through this until I realized that I was isolating myself.
Rejection of the culture stage: I still feel like I'm somewhat in this stage. I am still refusing to wear Colombian clothing. To me it is too revealing. I also had a hard time forgetting my culture's food. Finally, was my rejection of Colombia's sense of time management. I still expect everything to happen on an American time schedule.
Cultural adjustment phase: I am just beginning this phase. On some things I am willing to conform to a Colombian time schedule, but not always. I have also fully embraced Colombia's food.
I had a decreased appetite. To the point that people had to remind me to eat. My caffeine intake exponentially increased along with this. I suffered from daily, almost debilitating, headaches from overload.
The people! The people I have met here are the most sincere and kind people I have ever met. I am from the Mid-West (USA), but have never experienced the level of hospitality that I have here. Colombians never take themselves too serious. They always take the time to enjoy life and explore its possibilities. This is something that I am hoping I will learn while living here.
I have the American sense of time ingrained in my very soul. I am really struggling to accept that things don't always happen when I want them to. I purchased a refrigerator that was promised to be delivered the next day at 4pm. 4pm came and went with no refrigerator being delivered. I then called the company and they assured me that it would be delivered by 8pm that night. Again, it was not. This pattern continued for several more days, until it was finally delivered. It didn't HURT me to wait, but was extremely frustrating for me.
My use of Mexican Spanish is a constant embarrassment. People love hearing me use it and often laugh. It's all in good humor, but is something I am always conscious of. People also love my gringa accent. I'm always getting asked to say certain words because I struggle pronouncing them.
This to shall pass...
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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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