24 Hours in Uruguay

It’s been less than 24 hours and I have a list of culture shocks to share. I think I love it here but it’s hard to say this early. I’m really excited to start a routine and get used to the place. My host family is amazing and I already feel comfortable with them. I’m speaking a lot which is something I didn’t think would happen since I barely know Spanish but I feel like I’m learning fast. It’s hard for me to switch between the languages though and I don’t know if that’s a permanent thing or just a culture shock. I can confidently say that if I didn’t go to India my list of culture shocks would be much longer. Anyways, here it is:

• Food. The food that I’ve tried here is good so far (empenadas, dolce de leche, pescado, bizcochos) but my stomach is still getting used to eating meat and the new flavors.

• Crocs. Here I don’t think it’s very common to take off your shoes when entering the house. My whole host family wears shoes in the house and last night I borrowed my host sister's second pair of Crocs so that I wouldn’t be barefoot. I think they like Crocs here. Tomorrow is Dia De Los Niño’s and my host mom bought me a pair of Crocs to celebrate. I really like them; they are mint green!

• Short People. I’m only 5’4 but here I feel super tall because a lot of the people are short. I hope I don’t get back problems.

• Besos. To greet people, Uruguayans give a kiss on the cheek which I don’t mind but is different and I don’t think I’ve mastered the art yet.

To be continued when I start school and spend more time here. Also, I changed my phone number including Whatsapp so if you don’t have it ask my mom or contact me another way.