Culture

We just returned from our trip to Guatemala. We went to spend time with Harold's parents. His dad is 82 years old and has been deteriorating healthwise. It was a great trip. We spent time with the whole family and some cousins that were in town. One thing I enjoy most about this country of old, our birthplace, is that no matter what is happening there is always such politeness and manners exhibited at all times.

As soon as you arrive there people greet you. Many say "God Bless you". There was a women at the baggage pickup that worked for American Airlines that was directing people with their luggage and she was constantly saying "Welcome home, Welcome to Guatemala, May God bless you're stay". It was so refreshing.

If you go eat, the greeting is always the same..."Good Morning Madame" or Good evening....or How can I serve you? This is from all ages and anywhere you go...There is a politeness and great manners.

If you enter a household....everyone greets you with a kiss to the cheek. Now the proper way of this kiss is cheek to cheek and the kiss is blown to the air. Never kiss this cheek directly. Even the littlest child knows how to greet this way.

If you are sitting at a doctors office or any kind of office and someone walks in they greet everyone that is sitting. As they walk in they automatically say "good afternoon" to all that are waiting. Or if someone walks out they say "have a good day"... Even the teenagers do this...its amazing!

Another thing I love is the fact that when you arrive the whole family is there to greet you at the airport. When you leave the whole family goes with you to the airport to send you off. There is always alot of hugs, crying and kisses. You should see the airport is filled with families where one person is leaving and the family of about 20 show up to say goodbye! I love this Country of Guatemala because its my parents country and this is where I met Harold.

There are obviously some culture differences but I've been blessed to have the option of taking the good of this Latin culture as well as taking the good of my American culture.

This is a place full of memories for me....some good and some bad. I am however, so glad to be home because I love the U.S. and its where I've lived most of my life.

As I walked into the elevator in my building this morning....I greeted everyone with a "good morning" instead of my usual nod or smile....I got a reply from them all (strangers)....it was a good beginning.....

We need to be more respectful of each other is the main point and lets greet one another even if we don't know each other.....

Ruth