Cultural differences

Being in another country means there are cultural differences. For me, the biggest culture 'shock' is the food. A lot of what they eat is very similar, but it's HOW they eat it. Using extra mayo, lots of avocado and salt with almost anything and everything! When I was at a restaurant this weekend, I took the time to sit and observe how Chileans enjoy a meal. Here in Chile, people can sit and spend hours eating and talking with friends. While I was eating, I ordered my meal and once it came, I ate it right away. But the Chileans didn't order right away, and once they got their meals, they were still focused on another other instead of their food. As an American, going out to dinner is usually a quick process, but it's very noticeable that here in Chile the people are here to talk and enjoy a nice time with their friends. The marketing signs always promote Happy Hour much later because dinner is normal to start around 9pm which is way later than the US. When I eat meals with my host family, we sit and talk for at least an hour each meal and sometimes I feel rude if I have to rush out. Definitely a culture shock for me.