Though a lot of things in Santiago are very similar to Toronto, we still have plenty of adjusting to do. Greetings in Santiago are fairly standard; men will shake hands men, while women are greeted with a one-cheek kiss, regardless of the gender doing the greeting.  The kiss is much more intimate than our western handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time, but I think it to be quite lovely and disarming.  For example, being kissed by your landlord instantly makes the relationship dynamic less business and more family.  It is also much easier to manage than the European kiss greeting (is it 2 times or 3?).  Even then, Jonathan has been a bit confused. When we were introduced to another man last week, Jon shook his hand and also leaned in for a kiss. Needless to say, it was a little awkward.

Business hours at the office are from 9am to 6pm, which is similar to home. Except the lunch hour is at the preposterous time of 2:00pm. 2:00pm! Those who have worked with me understand my challenge to make it until noon, no less! It is not uncommon for Jonathan to hear some sort of whimpering from my side of the room during such times.  

Language continues to be a challenge and even though we are trying to practice, the Chileans make it difficult as they speak quickly with a strong accent and lots of slang. Nevertheless we are eagerly trying to expand our vocabulary.

Conversation over lunch with Joyce, Jonathan, and Daniel (Chilean co-worker):

Joyce: Daniel, have you travelled a lot in Chile?
Daniel: Eh, no… mainly in the Norte.
Joyce: Oh! I read of such places in the Lonely Planet. Have you been to Norte Grande? Or Norte… Norte Pico?
Daniel gives a blank stare
Jonathan: Joyce, I think you mean Norte Chico…
Daniel: Yes, Norte Chico. “Pico” is bad.
Joyce: Oh, “pico” means bad?
Daniel: Is bad word…

-joyce