An expat in Honduras offers her views on managing culture shock in the Central American country, including the challenges that remain even after you learn to speak Spanish. An interesting read.
Siguatepeque
No, but I lived in Colombia for many years in my youth.
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I speak the language very well. I learned it as a youngster when I lived in Colombia.
Not much, since I had lived in Latin America before.
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Much more than I expected. Honduras is much poorer than Colombia, with much less infrastructure and fewer amenities. Also, I had not lived in Latin American for many years,
Yes. The first few days were delightful, if disorienting. Then I got very anxious and fearful, especially since I am by myself. I do find some things irritating, but I don't get angry much.
All of the above, except drinking (I don't drink). Also loss of appetite. However, on the bright side, even though I regained my appetite and am not watching what I'm eating nor exercising much, I lost weight. Fewer processed foods.
Friendliness, non-materialistic--that is, no one cares what kind of car you drive or how big your house is. As odd as it may sound, I appreciate the lower standard of living, and the fact that everything doesn't have to be enormous and fancy. I also like the freshness of the food.
Backwardness, bureaucracy, security and safety. Also, because I don't know how things work, the most basic task can be very daunting--buying groceries, opening a bank account, even taking a walk.
People think that because I know Spanish so well, I know what's going on, but it's not always true. Sometimes I am totally bewildered. Also, while some of the food is familiar, it's all called by different names, so I am always asking, what is this called? People think I'm crazy--it's a banana, for crying out loud, don't you know? No, sometimes I don't.
Ride it through. This strange, bewildering place will come to be familiar and comfortable. Really.
Expats offer tips and insight into what it's like to live in Honduras. The discuss crime in Honduras, the slow pace of life, culture shock, where to live in Honduras and more.
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I can attest to the stages of culture shock. My wife and I spent two years in Sigua and my first stage was the excitement and wonder at everything new. Then after a week or two we started getting irritated at some of the cultural differences-everyone 45 minutes late, trash in the streets and stray dogs everywhere. People so caught up with "appearances". Paperwork that had to go through at least three levels and stamped four times after being notarized. The indifference of the rich toward the poor. Then we started adjusting slowly and appreciating the differences. Finally we came to love the closeness of friends and family, the happiness, celebrating the holidays, open Christianity.
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Expats offer tips and insight into what it's like to live in Honduras. The discuss crime in Honduras, the slow pace of life, culture shock, where to live in Honduras and more. (more)
If you're moving to Honduras, this must-read article covers healthcare, best places to live, culture shock, crime and much more.
When people talk about the best places to live in Honduras, you'll often hear Roatan and La Ceiba. But, our list also includes 4 lesser-known places to live in Honduras from a remote island to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (more)
Health care in Honduras is an especially important topic for expatriates living there. It is critical to carefully consider the area you move to and what that choice will mean for your individual health. (more)
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