Guatemala

Something that's great about Guatemalan culture is that they are not as obsessed with time as I am as an American, as lots of Americans are. They have a thing over there called hora chapin, which just means like Guatemalan time, and it was something that was really difficult for me to learn at first because I wanted to get things done in an orderly manner, but it was really great because it helped me to focus on the people and um, they were just kind of not in a rush to always go places, so that was something really great, but that was something that might be, you might be able to keep in mind before going that things might not always go on time, but that's okay, just focus on the people and you'll be fine.

One of the biggest things about Guatemalans is they give you their whole heart. And part of their whole heart is the food they serve you. And so one of the things I would really recommend is trying to eat all of the food they give you because they really do it with so much love. And you'll see their plates, they'll give you a ton and they'll give themselves so little. And it's just because they want you to know how much they appreciate you. Another thing is that they're late to everything. All the time. So, expect to say a time and expect about an hour later. At least in retoleo. And then another thing that I would say is when you leave, make sure you go and say goodbye to everyone or else they will be extremely offended. So more than anything, they're people that are easy to love but also easy to hold a grudge. So make sure to not offend.

When you're eating, make sure that you eat everything that's on the plate, because it's considered rude if you don't eat everything that they give you. Also, eat tortillas with all of your meals. They set a giant pile of tortillas out there, and at first it doesn't look too appetizing, but after a while you get used to it, and everybody eats tortillas there with your food, and they'll call you out if you're not eating tortillas with your food, so make sure you do that. Make sure you say thank you after you're done eating, and make sure you tell them that their food was delicious. Another thing is that people there in Guatemala, and in all Latin America, I believe, everybody says hi to each other. They say good morning, good afternoon, and good night. They're very polite there, and they always greet each other, so make sure you do that.

So one of the main things about Guatemala, and especially the place where I serve, is the people are very humble, especially financially speaking, and it's become a big part of the culture, and you're able to connect with the people more if you can relate to things that they do on a daily basis, like washing their clothes by hand and drying them, just small things like that, that you can help them with, that are maybe things that you've never done in a place like the United States before, but if you really branch out and get to do those things that are maybe more humble to do, then you'll be able to connect with them on a more personal level, and they will listen to you more as well.

Act like you know what you're doing. Even though you may not, pretend like you do and they'll respect you a lot more. I feel like whenever I was confused or where I was going or who I was talking to or if I was trying to purchase something and do a bargain because they love to bargain, you always have to act like you know what's going on and you always have to act like you're the big dog in town because that way they have no other choice but to respect you. So that way, you know, you can get around a lot quicker and not have people take advantage of you. That's a really good thing. If you speak Spanish, that's helpful. If not, I would suggest to stick to some friends who can.

There's a lot of culture tips I could give you about Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. First off, their hand gestures are really funny. Like, to say what's up, you just do this with your hands. It's like, hey what's up brother, and you do kind of a heads up. Don't ever do this gesture to someone because that means like I hate you and your mom and that sort of thing, so don't do that. If you're gesturing about size, it's weird. So if you're saying like some individual is really tall, you'll say they're this tall. And then if you're talking about an animal, you'll say they're this tall. So the difference is that. I don't know why Guatemalans do it, but it's really funny. They will feed you.

The people are amazing. They're so humble, and they're so respectful, and they're so giving and loving. A few tips I would say, love them. Don't sass back. They don't understand sarcasm. They're really loving and humble. They'll try and give you everything that they have, even when you don't want it. And when they offer you something, take it. They're doing it because they love you, and they want to share with you. And so if you don't, they take it kind of personally and can be really offended. So if they try and offer you something, especially food, though sometimes it might be hard, take it. They'll love you even more for it, respect you, and it could avoid a lot of problems by just taking it and being grateful. Love them, try and get on their level, understand them, and do what they do.

Something I learned a lot from the Guatemalan culture is they are very polite people. Very loving, very loving. So when you walk into their home, you need to say, permiso, or permission. And then they let you in, they're like, yes, come on, come on. When one eats, one says, provecho, before everyone eats, so that they know, oh yes, enjoy. There's a lot of little mannerisms they have, that when someone from outside of their country adapts them, they take it as the hugest compliment. Especially when you finish your food, when you eat everything they give you. They love these kinds of things because it shows that you care, and that you're interested. And you will always gain their respect, and they will love to listen.