1. Hospitality: We Americans have such a tendency to "meet and eat" at restaurants. Of course, there is generally good reason...we save lots of TIME and ENERGY. We value these savings, since the culture itself mercilessly demands those two things. But I find the general joy to entertain guests very refreshing. Here the emphasis is on relationships, not time. And while I sometimes have to shut the little frustrated beeping stop-watch up inside me...I am happy to experience a place that emphasizes friendship over punctuality.
2. Spicy Foods: I am sorry to disappoint, but mild salsa in a Mexican restaurant does NOT qualify as "spicy food." ;-)
3. Produce: I don't buy my vegetables and fruits in a supermarket. They are sold fresh on my street every day...at a good price!
4. Women's Clothing: I've gladly traded in my blue jeans and button up blouses for long, tunic tops and comfy, light weight pants.
5. Thrifty shopping: Don't like the price? Barter a little.
6. Less-stress on punctuality: Traffic is bad (notice its NOT on my list of things I love)....so if you're a little late, its simply no big deal.
7. Floor cleaning: There is a drain in my kitchen and bathroom floors. Spill something in the kitchen? No biggie. Just pour some floor cleaner and fresh water down and squeegee towards the drain. Voila!
8. The cultural adoration for children: My son is never a bother. His cheeks are often stroked by passers-by and the people are very understanding towards the little (and sometimes big) mistakes toddlers make.
9. Chai: I ADORE you, Starbucks, but Chai doesn't come in a teabag.
10. Chinese food: Haha....seriously, I've never found a Chinese restaurant in America that beats the ones over here. Its SO yummy! :)
Don't get me wrong, here. I love my home country. I'm a patriot. And I am also not blinded to the many problems and inconsistencies you can find in EVERY society. Culture shock has violently BEAT down my door on some days. But I am learning something very important: just because my home country does something one way doesn't mean its necessarily the RIGHT way. Much of culture is preference and familiarity.
After all, if we were all the same wouldn't the world be boring?
