My short time here thus far has highlighted many differences between Americans and Cusqueños.
1. Staying Close to Home: Most Cusqeños go to college in the same city they live in. Furthermore, they live together with their extended families and kids do not move out of the home until they are married. Yep, you heard that right. Only once they're married do they venture out on their own. Additionally, mother's are known as mother hens and spoil their children.
2. Hora Peruana: In Peru, people take life as it comes. There is not the hustle and bustle of Boston that I am used to. Often times, Peruvians are late to commitments because they tend to over commit themselves by not saying "no" to anyone. The people are very kind here.
3. Pedestrians beware: In Cusco, cars have the right of way. They will not stop for you, even if you are already in the road. Jaywalking can not even be a consideration here; only cross when the light signals you and even then, keep your head on a swivel.
4. Drivers beware: In Cusco, the traffic is crazy. As a foreigner, it appears to me that nobody follows any type of rules. Cutting across lanes, honking, and driving very close to other cars, buildings, and people is commonplace.
4. Don't drink the water: Cusco does not have potable water like Boston. You can only drink from water bottles, filtered water (sometimes), and boiled water. Beware of buying juices on the street and any drinks with ice in them! Also, used bottled water to brush your teeth.
6. No Taxi Meters: Here, taxis are very cheap if you know what you're doing. Before you get into the taxi, you state the destination and work out a price. The taxi then takes you and you pay the agreed upon price. Also, taxis will drive past pedestrians honking at you in hopes you will hail them. Any car can be a taxi. They are not all yellow and labeled like in the US.
7. No Addresses: Cusqueños do not know the addresses of buildings, restaurants, or even their own homes! They use reference points and districts. So, when getting in a taxi or giving directions (which Cusqueños are not good at), you use reference points. Example: "I'm going to the block near Caja Banco in neighborhood X"
8. Forget about personal space: Cusqueños greet each other with hugs (even for men!) and a kiss on the cheek. They are very loving and close with each other, so expect to be touched!
9. No Such Thing As PC: There is no political correctness in Cusco. Terms one might find offensive in the United States are seen as terms of affection and endearment here. For example, they might call are larger person "Gordito/a", or an Asian person "Chino/a", or foreign people "Gringo/a".
10. Don't flush the toilet paper: The Peruvian sewage system is different than in the United States and often can't handle toilet paper in the pipes. After you use toilet paper, you are supposed to put it in the trash can, yes, the trash can. Also, don't expect there to be toilet paper everywhere you go. Carry your own.
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