May surprise you...

A few things about the Chilean culture have surprised me. They may affect you the same way, or they may not. Let me know what you think.

* Napkins at restaurants are tiny. Many times I find myself using 6-8 tiny napkins at one sitting. Chileans must not make messes.

* Although it was summer last week and just the start of fall now, Chileans dress as if they are cold. Last week, I saw many people in the street in full sleeves and long pants. The other day I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt when I saw a man wearing jeans and a hoodie, hood up. Full blazing sun. Tonight my family gathered for once (light dinner) and they all sported sweatshirts. They were surprised I was wearing short sleeves and capris. Yay South Dakota for my tolerance of cool weather.

* Busses are not made for tall people. The average Chilean man is 5'6" and woman 5'1" (La Tercera). Let's just say that a lot of public areas are not intended for 5'11" people. My knees hit the bus seats, school desks, and bathroom stall doors.

* Toiler paper seems sacred. In many public facilities, you must pay an attendant for paper. In other public places, the rolls are located outside of the stalls and ladies must remember to grab some before they enter the stall or you're SOL, hun.

* There is a fruit called tuna. Want some tuna juice?

* The people of Chile are very homogeneous. If a person's skin is white, black, or yellow, they draw attention. Sometimes they draw a lot of attention. It is not rare to hear Chileans (especially men) cat-call or whistle at people who look different on the street (mainly women). Much of the time, these hollers are not meant to be bad. White people here are called gringos, which can be used in a derogatory way, but is usually just another word for "white person". I find it somewhat difficult to be a gringa in Chile. It is near impossible to walk around in Valpo or Viña and not receive stares, especially if I am with some other gringos. I don't have enough fingers to count the amount of times when people have stopped their conversation to watch us walk by. Slow and full 180º head turn. I'm trying really hard to ignore it. It is not really part of everyday life that a Chilean will see a gringo. If I had a really good stink eye, I could practice it here when I see people staring. But I don't. Maybe it's for the better :)

* Fanny packs.. I don't want to say that they're "in" because not a high percentage of Chileans use them. But you can see people wearing them on the streets, especially men. Women will sometimes have a fanny pack and a purse at the same time. Thinking of convenience and an upcoming trip, I purchased one. Yes, I did. And I'm going to wear it every day. Take that, American fashionistas.

Peace out.