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jennifer rose

Mar 17, 2008, 10:08 PM

Post #1 of 24 (3701 views)

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Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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For those of you who live here, what shocks you whenever you return to the US or Canada? The prices, monster servings of food, abundance of super-sized people?

donnameyer

Mar 17, 2008, 10:16 PM

Post #2 of 24 (3688 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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All of that, plus the general unwillingness of most people to make eye contact with strangers. I'm so used to smiling at everyone in Mexico and saying "Buenos Dias." I have to remind myself that people NOB are a bit too paranoid for that.

Donna
Donna
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bournemouth

Mar 18, 2008, 8:20 AM

Post #3 of 24 (3650 views)

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Re: [donnameyer] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Donna - do you think that is paranoia or just a cultural norm - that people are not used to connecting with everyone they pass in the street NOB. Imagine trying to greet everyone you meet on a crowded street in NY for instance. I notice that you don't greet everyone you meet when in the bigger areas, like Guadalajara - there are just too many people around.

carlw

Mar 18, 2008, 10:32 AM

Post #4 of 24 (3627 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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at 5'6", I am not tall any more. In Mexico, I always feel tall.

Georgia

Mar 19, 2008, 12:41 PM

Post #5 of 24 (3532 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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We often go to Austin, and I am always overwhelmed by (1) the huge size of almost all the cars and (2) the very aggressive and hostile driving. In Mexico there is a certain amount of lunatic driving, just as anywhere, but generally people are courteous if you need to change a lane or whatever.

A grocery cart of food's cost is a shocker, too.

And I am always amazed at the willingness of complete strangers to negatively comment to us about our Mexican vehicle and my husband's pony tail!

Gringal

Mar 19, 2008, 2:09 PM

Post #6 of 24 (3516 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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On those huge cars: Just read an article from my old home town paper in CA online. A used car dealer and some owners were interviewed. They're saying that they can't unload those monsters, can't afford the gas and are upside down on the car loans. The dealers don't want them. Huge losses are being taken (up to 50%) by owners when they sell them. Goes to show ......sometink or other.

Can't say I'll miss them.

Brian

Mar 19, 2008, 7:47 PM

Post #7 of 24 (3474 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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In Reply To

We often go to Austin, ......And I am always amazed at the willingness of complete strangers to negatively comment to us about our Mexican vehicle and my husband's pony tail!

I assume you are talking about Austin, Minnesota.....in Austin,TX, it seems like half the men over 60 have ponytails :-)

(This post was edited by Brian on Mar 19, 2008, 7:49 PM)

NEOhio1

Mar 19, 2008, 8:14 PM

Post #8 of 24 (3465 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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I notice that the noise is mechanical and without human noise mixed in there isn't any noise of people going about their business.

And the lack of foot traffic in suburbia, but I always noticed that, its just more pronounced now that I am used to seeing lots of people walking.

The quiet of the night - and a train whistle. We have our own night sounds here, but that silence broken by a far off train whistle, boy I like hearing that.

thriftqueen

Mar 20, 2008, 8:02 AM

Post #9 of 24 (3420 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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I am in Albquerque at this time and the thing I notice most is the world seems so insular. And this morning when I got up I missed the birds singing, and of course no roosters crowing at 10 PM and 3 AM. It's like there has been a major disaster and all the birds have disappeared. Where I am staying is a new development with no trees, so no birds. I miss all the noise of our friendly Mexican neighbors. Here one does not know their neighbor. A plus is the cleanliness of the city. I sure don't miss the dust of Alamos. I absolutely love the clean, fully stocked supermarkets however prices have skyrocketed. Gas is 3.15.9 per gal.

JohnnyBoy

Mar 20, 2008, 8:41 AM

Post #10 of 24 (3410 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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We just got back from Tucson yesterday afternoon. Because we are only about 250 miles from Tucson, we get back NOB more often than most, however, it was November of last year that we last went up there, and we would not have gone at this time except that a special order of ceiling fans had arrived at the store there in Tucson and I needed to go get them.

Anyway, a couple of things that really stuck in my head this time: we went to a popular American chain restaurant Tuesday evening for dinner. The Outback. I thought we would walk right in and sit down. Nope. Even on a Tuesday evening the place was packed. I am not too concerned about the US economy. Seems people have plenty of money for eating out at over-priced mediocre restaurants. Here in Hermosillo I have never, I mean never, had to wait to be seated in a restaurant. We were at least 30 minutes waiting at that Outback.

The other thing...service. Here in Mexico virtually every small business I walk into I get great service. At least someone approaches me almost immediately and asks if I need some help. Simply too many retail places in the USA have employees of the "high school aged, I don't own this place and could care less if it goes out of business" type. It is like pulling teeth to get any information out of them and they are soooooooo dumb. I really hate it when my sarcastic remarks go right over their heads and I get that blank, dull stare back from them.

In Mexico I do see a few teenagers working in some of the fast food places. But I rarely get fast food. It is interesting to me that the few places where I have to go looking for an employee to help me are places like Costco, Home Depot, and WalMart.

I realize employees are paid a lot less here and so maybe businesses here can afford more employees. But it is really not the number of employees that seems to make the difference to me, but the quality. I don't even get blank stares from Mexican retail store employees even when I mangle the language and they have a hard time figuring out what I am talking about.

Georgia

Mar 20, 2008, 9:46 AM

Post #11 of 24 (3394 views)

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Re: [Brian] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Nope: Austin, TX. Ponytails may be in for the younger set, but it certainly draws unsolicited comments from older strangers. Gives a new meaning to the word "strange"r. One guy on an elevator in a hotel asked my husband how much a year he saved on haircuts, as he sneered and snickered. That definitely was in Austin, Texas.

IslaZina

Mar 20, 2008, 11:17 AM

Post #12 of 24 (3370 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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In Greater Cleveland last year I was struck by the overall impatience that in the midst of a gasoline crisis, people were dring 85 mph! It had been a couple years since I was back and the boldness of black youths in the suburbs also struck me. Four a breadth, YOU have to move for them. Here even the most hardened of youth seem to respect their elders more!
http://islazina@blogspot.com

(This post was edited by IslaZina on Mar 20, 2008, 11:18 AM)

Moisheh

Mar 20, 2008, 6:48 PM

Post #13 of 24 (3317 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Obviously every region in Mexico is different. Perhaps Jalisco has stores that give good service. Not in Sonora. When I return to Canada I find the prices much less than in Sonora. Except for fruits and vegetables. In Hermosillo the stores are filthy. Even Costco has cockroaches. Wal Mart often has a very bad smell from rotten food. When I hit Safeway in Canada I am able to get fresher food, meat that has not been handled by every guy in the butcher shop, wide aisles that are stocked at night not during peak hours. The following is cheaper in Canada: any canned foods. all of the frozen food, cheese (especially cottage cheese). Almost all packaged foods such as flour, mac and cheese, salad dressings, chocolate bars and even a loaf of bread. Canadian smoked meats are not only better they are cheaper. However one does learn to adjust and accept what is available. We also change ou r eating habits and eat more fresh fruits and veggies.

Moisheh

Veracruzana

Mar 21, 2008, 6:13 AM

Post #14 of 24 (3267 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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When I have returned to the states, I have noticed how huge people seem to be and that they are not friendly.
I also notice how wonderfully wide the lanes are on the highways and that they have painted lines and when driving I don't have to pull over if a huge truck is coming right at me on a narrow street.
The lack of trash on the roads in my part of the U.S. is refreshing too. But, as someone else mentioned, teenagers is the U.S. are disrespectful and ignorant. I love the way Mexican sales persons say "a sus ordenes, para servirle." That's a wonderful way to be treated.

kwschopf

Mar 21, 2008, 8:46 PM

Post #15 of 24 (3207 views)

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Re: [Veracruzana] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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I agree with what others have said - I spent a week in Portland, OR last month, and it had been a year since I had been in the US. My first impression, always, is how colorless and boring everything looks. Neat and tidy, yes, but there is little of interest to grab my eye. This time, I did some shopping, and was overwhelmed by the abundant availability of consumer goods. Cheap Chinese imports, mostly. Too much. Just too much, everywhere. It was really nice to come back home to Mexico.

(This post was edited by kwschopf on Mar 21, 2008, 8:47 PM)

La Isla

Mar 22, 2008, 11:05 AM

Post #16 of 24 (3157 views)

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Re: [carlw] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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I'm 5'2" - in Mexico I am not short anymore. When I go back to the U.S. for a visit. I appear to have shrunk!

Bloviator

Mar 25, 2008, 7:45 AM

Post #17 of 24 (3072 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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The difference in stores is interesting. My wife loves to shop at Superama in Guad. It is just like any supermarket NoB. Mostly we shop at the tiangius or the small shops in town. We also shop at Costco. Trips to Home Depot are a real adventure. My Spanish is OK for a lot of things, but names of all the tools and other items are not included in my vocabulary. Of course, when I shop at HD in CA, I'm about as much at sea. My English vocabulary for such items is also limited.

The biggest shock to me was the difference in quality of the hospitals. The one at UC Irvine was a pit. San Javier and Puerta de Hierro are wonderful. Of course, there are lots of excellent hospitals NoB, but there are also a lot that aren't.

Ed and Fran

Mar 28, 2008, 6:58 PM

Post #18 of 24 (2964 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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For those of you who live here, what shocks you whenever you return to the US or Canada?

The number of patrol cars on the roads and just how serious the cops seem to be about enforcing the traffic laws.

Georgia

Mar 29, 2008, 4:01 PM

Post #19 of 24 (2906 views)

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Re: [Veracruzana] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Well, I felt that people in the US were kind of unfriendly lately, until last week when my husband and I drove a SmartCar from Lakeside to the Tampa, FL area. The ride I was kind of dreading was more fun than a drive should be! In every state, people passed, stared, laughed, waved, took our photos, challenged us to drag race, and at rest areas surrounded us with questions about our car. It was a hoot!! One passerby in a big pickup mouthed the words, "That's the kind of car I want!!" It only took my butt about half a day to have feeling return, but it was well worth it.

travisdyer

Mar 29, 2008, 10:17 PM

Post #20 of 24 (2860 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Perhaps, the guy driving the truck would like this Smart Car.

http://i.treehugger.com/files/th_images/smart%204fun.jpg

Every time I return to the States, I always find relief in the driving habits NoB. Regardless of road rage, I don't feel even the slightest stress that I do when I'm driving SoB.

thriftqueen

Mar 30, 2008, 5:22 PM

Post #21 of 24 (2787 views)

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Re: [travisdyer] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Travis, I agree with you. I just returned from Albuquerque, there I can drive with the best of them in heavy traffic as one can sort of predict what a driver is going to do. In Mexico I feel it's every man for himself. Not having proper striping is a big issue for me. I will be going to Navojoa in the next couple of days and I dread that challenge as every one drives all over the road. However I do feel that Mexicans drive more on their toes because of expecting the unexpected. Albuquerque's worse sin is the rear ender from following too close and talking on those darn cell phones ever though there is a law against using a cell while driving.

For those of you who have visited Alamos and know what a terrible road it was from Navojoa to Alamos - a couple of years ago the state of Sonora kicked in some funds and the 2 lane road was totally redone to 2 very wide lanes with generous shoulders (yes, the unbelievable, SHOULDERS!!) My husband just pointed out the new signs erected in my absence telling all motorists that this highway is not to be used for high speed driving. I have to laugh as if that would slow 'em down.

Georgia

Mar 31, 2008, 8:00 PM

Post #22 of 24 (2731 views)

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Re: [travisdyer] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Sorry, folks, I'll take driving in Guadalajara over driving in Austin, TX any day of the week.

morgaine7

Mar 31, 2008, 8:41 PM

Post #23 of 24 (2723 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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I'm with you, Georgia. Highway speed in the US scares me to death, and most people haven't a clue about driving defensively. Also, the rental cars make me feel that I'm climbing into the cockpit of a 767.

I don't find people unfriendly in the US, but there are so many "don't" signs and rules that I feel like I'm going to do something wrong and get yelled at. And sometimes I do.

Kate

Bloviator

Apr 10, 2008, 11:39 AM

Post #24 of 24 (2571 views)

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Re: [thriftqueen] Culture Shock -- on Returning to the US or Canada

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Just got back from CA. Usually we drive to Lukeville/Sonoyta before crossing in order to take advantage of I-8 and Arizona 80?. This time, however, we wanted to see how the border fence is coming and so crossed at Algadones/San Luis Rio Colorado.

I'm not a fan of the fence, but I have to admit, they have done a remarkably rapid job of getting it installed at least part of the way to Sonoyta. I had to laugh, though, there was a rock outcropping along the way with a fairly easy incline. They stopped the fence at the start of the incline and started it again at the end. I guess Mexicans can't walk up a slight incline so the fence was not needed in that location. also, I guess Mexicans are all very short as the fence around Sonoyta was about three feet high. I suspect that they have all sorts of sensors to detect incursions in those areas.

The roads all the way are much superior to what they were three years ago when we first came here. We were able to average 60+ mph each of the three days on the road - including all stops. The new toll roads around Altar and between Tepic and Mazatlan pretty much finished off the last of the bad roads. Of course the tolls are a good bit higher than previously due to the additions. All in all, the drive is one that is quite easy. Unfortunately, since we have done it a whole bunch of times in the past three years, it is also quite boring for us by now.