5 (more) Little Differences Between English and Colombian Culture

A few weeks ago I wrote a little feature called 5 Little Differences Between English and Colombian Culture. Well, today I’ve decided to continue with that and approach these differences from a personal perspective: how do people interact, what makes them different? Here’s 5 things I’ve found that make Colombians stand out from other cultures.

People shake hands

This might not sound so strange since we English-speakers enjoy a good handshake, too. What you swiftly realize here in Colombia, however, is that unlike in England where we might shake hands the first few times we meet someone, the people here shake hands every time they meet. It’s a much easier situation; to know unequivocally that you will shake hands (or, with a girl, a kiss on the cheek) is much better than in England where I spend far too long wondering whether a kiss, hug, handshake, head nod or “alright” is going to be appropriate, only to extend some open arms that are met with an extended palm in my chest. Awkward. And bruisy.

 

People are polite. No, really polite.

Us English folk have a reputation of having exceptional manners. While I maintain it’s true in terms of table manners, holding doors open etc, I don’t think we’re quite as polite when we talk. In fact, often we opt for a barely audible mumble. Here in Colombia it’s quite different. Almost without fail you’re greeted with a polite ‘Buenas tardes’ and ‘¿como estas?’, or even ‘A la orden’ (at your service). What will follow is a barrage of attempts to make sure you’re absolutely fine and your every need is catered for (more on that later), which is great until you start feeling bad that you actually don’t need anything else. Still, if you’re finished, you’ll be politely seen off with ‘que estas muy bien’ (roughly, be very well). Lovely gente.

People order food really fast

Maybe this is just me being indecisive (then again, maybe not…), but it seems to me that Colombians order food incredibly fast. Often before I’ve even begun to look at my menu the waiter is at the table and my Colombian amigos are ordering. I watch distractedly as the order circles around the table, eventually reaching a bumbling and fumbling me, trying to locate something on the menu I can recall being recommended. Fortunately, as you’ll have read above, Colombians are also really polite and they’ll quickly lean across me to point out something they know I’ll enjoy.

People love to help you

…Which brings me nicely to my next point. People here love to help you. Absolutely everyone I’ve met goes out of their way to ensure I’m safe, happy and know exactly where I’m going and how to get there. As a fairly confident traveler, there’s times when I absolutely insist I’ll be fine taking the bus (for example), only to have my Colombian friend insist even harder that they’ll walk me to the bus to hail it for me. Similarly, I’ve been in taxis, not knowing exactly which house I’m going to and the driver has waited with me until he knew I’d found the right place. Even then, as I wandered around, people stopped in the street to ask if they could help. Relinquish your pride, amigos, and just accept people’s help here in Colombia, because they actually want to give it.

People like to party

Not to suggest all the Colombians I’ve met are raging alcoholics or anything, because that would be a lie, but in my experience Colombians do love a good party. In fact, most my Colombian friends are happy to dance and party without touching a drop of alcohol, and not just week nights either. A little like Buenos Aires (only going to bed at a humane hour), people here are happy to join you for a little rumba almost any night of the week and, since they don’t even need to drink much, they’ll be just fine for work the next day. Not me, of course. I need to loosen up before I find my way to the dance floor and unleash my inner John Travolta.

Paul