Lauren: Something totally kosher in Chile that is a big no-no in the States is touching strangers. Everyone touches you, and that's totally OK here. The personal space bubble doesn't exist whatsoever.
Aneya: We've already talked about how affectionate people are here, with their families, their spouses, their children. It's a touchy- feely society, and that's great. But it's definitely a change from the curt handshake of the States.
Lauren: Some people I don't mind invading the space bubble, but there are some people, like drunken men on the streets, gypsies, people selling things, that I really don't want to touch me. But other people, ones your just having a casual conversation with on the bus, in the elevator, will grab your hand or forearm without a second thought to emphasize a point.
Aneya: Last night we were out to dinner and a young girl came by each table, handing out packs of gum for us to buy. The tables were already ridiculously close together, but she squeezed in between them, tapping people on the shoulder, touching their arms, anything to get our attention. I was surprised by how audacious she was, she was obviously trained by someone to do this. That's one thing, drunks trying to grab you is another.
Lauren: I wouldn't say it's better or worse, just definitely a surprise. Some people, like the very rare drunk (I wouldn't want people to think this was all the time), will touch your shoulder, but again that's very rare.
Aneya: People just like to get close, what can I say? The personal bubble which Americans hold so dearly is completely gone out the window here. It's funny because in France, the land of kisses and romance, one would think the population would be just as touchy. It's the opposite, actually. Apart from the requisite bisous, there's no other physical contact. The French simply wouldn't have it any other way.
-- Aneya & Lauren
No comments:
Post a Comment