...

I just finished having a wonderful lunch with my family for mother's day, and I was talking with my Chilean uncles about the differences. Whenever I meet a Chilean, they ask if I like life here in Chile. Of course, I say yes. I do enjoy life here in Chile. I always say it is different, but I like it. Many Chileans counter and say that life here is not that different from the United States. In some aspects they are right. Life here is modern, with cars, public transportation, tall buildings. If you are out of something in the kitchen, you can run to a nearby store or the supermarket to pick more up. There are places to go to spend time with friends and family, as well as places to go on vacation. People work, kids go to school, university students learn. All that jazz.

But some aspects are different. Family is more important here than it is in the states. There exists much more emphasis on being with the family. I am lucky, because my family in the states values family time as well. However we can't always spend time together because of our locations. Pace of life is also different here. Instead of rushing around to be here at this time and there at that time, Chileans take their time. If you are late in the United States to something, it can sometimes be a big deal. It is not a very big deal if you are late in Chile, of course depending on the situation. Chileans seem to always be late, so they never worry about it. I wish that we kissed to greet each other in the states as well. Chileans always kiss each other on the right cheeks when they greet and say goodbye. Even in a room of 10 people, a person will walk around the room and kiss everybody on the cheek when they walk in. I like this aspect of culture, especially when meeting new people. The kiss on the cheek gets rid of any awkwardness right at the beginning.

I miss pepperoni pizza. And block cheese. And my family and friends (that's you!)