Cultural customs are taught from an early age. Moving abroad, or even to different parts of the United States, those customs are incredibly different. During orientation, we were told different customs in Hungary to help prepare us for our life here. People tend to be polite, but straight forward. Men's hands are usually shaken before women's.
As I have lived in Hungary, I have picked up different customs as well. Hungarians, like everyone, don't like being cold. However, growing up in the Midwest, my version of "cold" in the winter is very different than in Hungary. It doesn't get nearly as cold as in the United States and it rains a lot more in the winter and spring. People also don't go outside with wet hair, no matter what the temperature is outside. When I did, I often got told or asked if I was going to get sick. People tend to wear winter jackets, long pants, and shirts long into the spring. In the United States, it is incredibly common to see people walking around with "to-go" coffee cups in the morning or insulated mugs. People do not do this in Hungary. One of the first weeks I was here, I was walking around with an insulated mug. A pastor I have gotten to know said I looked very American. As I have lived here, I have tried adapting to the Hungarian Culture. I try really hard not to go out with wet hair. I wear (thin) layers, especially in the morning. I try to drink a cup of coffee before leaving my flat so I don't have to carry a mug. But, some cultural habits die hard. Earlier this week, it was 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Bekescsaba. I HATE being hot. I had to run to the store, so I had on a dress because it is one of the few pieces of clothing that I brought that I don't have to layer and i can stay cool in. I walked into the store, and almost immediately was identified as "Not Hungarian." I looked around and realised that everyone else had on long pants and jackets, despite the warm weather. Although I adapt as much as I can to the culture that I am living in, I will always have a hard time wearing long clothing when it is what I consider summer weather out.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Elaina JohnsonI am from a town on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. I grew up in Hudson, WI, where I had the privilege of returning after graduating from Winona State University with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Archives
December 2016
|