Ten things I haven’t gotten used to here

1. People blowing their nose on the street, i.e. blowing one nostril and letting the snot fall to the ground with an audible splat
2. The idea of copying tests and cheating as something completely normal
3. Ladies breastfeeding absolutely everywhere—at the crowded market, at church, at meetings, etc.
4. The ability of women to walk on unpaved rocky muddy terrain in high heels and never fall or get their shoes dirty
5. The ability of some men to get so bolo that they pass out in the middle of a main thoroughfare
6. How sudden it is when people leave for the States—no official farewell or gathering or anything, just a passing “Diego went mojado (literally wet, went to the States without papers).” I guess since it’s never for sure if they’ll get there or be sent back.
7. The infinite patience of Hondurans in situations where any American would pull their hair out in frustration
8. How meticulous people are about their appearance—guys spike up their hair and ladies put on their nicest cleanest outfit before stepping outside their door
9. Tin roofs—imagine being under a tin roof during class or a meeting when a rainstorm starts, it’s impossible to hear ANYTHING
10. The fact that my work commute has been cut down, round-trip, from 3 hours (in D.C.) to about 3 minutes (in San José). Now if I wanted to go to a supermarket that’s a different story, but still, 3 minutes to work and back?? Amazing!