Hallie's ONH & SOD Blog

Quite the Cultural Experience

October 22nd, 2009

Hello! How are you?  this may be a greeting that we use in America.  Here the translation is “Hello, have you had lunch?”

For the last 20 days we’ve been living in a completely different culture.  We’re dedicating this blog to inform you all about what we’ve experienced in this new world (while still being respectful to their culture).

First, everyone here is very kind and warmhearted.  All the staff- from nurses to drivers, even doctors play with our kids.  Family is huge here, as is respect.  Women dress very modestly and everyone is a healthy looking thin (I’ve seen maybe 2 overweight people total).  They walk or bike everywhere!

The food is probably the most notable shock factor.  We went to the ‘outdoor market’ two days ago.  Lining the sidewalk are people selling anything from dried seafood to cooked dog heads.  There was a cage of chickens and ducks that buyers pick out right there, they chop its head off, and take it home for dinner that night.  The smell is indescribable… especially in the seafood section.  Everything is layed out in the open where bugs and flies can linger.  There are all kinds of fish, octopus, squid, clams, eels, catfish, bottom sucker fish (i don’t know what they’re called) and many other tentacle type seafood that is scary.  At the supermarket there is a huge aquarium where you can pick out the live fish you want to buy (not as a pet, but as lunch.)  All the meat is laid bare and out in the open on ice, where it is self serve.  Even though they eat EVERYTHING from chicken feet to rodent testicles, they do eat a ton of fresh produce.  Street vendors sell roasted tomatoes on a stick and sweet potatoes instead of the hotdog stands you see in america.  So very little is processed here.  One more thing I love.. the tea is amazing and so fresh!  At the market they sell huge barrels of tea leaves and dried flowers/herbs so you can create your own blend.  So cool!

One thing that I have appreciated in this Eastern culture is talking to the doctors.  Their mindset is much different than in the West. They look at the whole body rather than just the symptom.  We have experienced stomach sickness and the kids have had a cold the last few days.  The doctors prescribed herbs from the pharmacy and gave us a lot of practical advise like having the kids breath fresh air in the morning sunshine to specific food to eat.  They also have been very encouraging about Hallie.  A team of doctors or her main doctor visits her everyday to answer questions and examine her.  A few times Dr. Tony (her main dr.)  has noticed her pupils dilating.  They are still sluggish, but the other day I even noticed them dilate a little.  The room was dark when he shined the light in her eyes, but it was exciting for me b/c I’ve never seen Hallie’s pupils dilate.

Back to the culture shock.  We learned very early on that it is not rude to stare here.  We are glared down and pointed at everywhere we go.  Sometimes its hard to push the stroller if a crowd has formed around our celebrity kids.  Other pre-potty trained kids here don’t wear diapers..  (i think to cut down on waste).  They have little slits in their pants and go anywhere that is convenient (even the grocery store floor, or the middle of the walk way).  There are always janitors mopping the floors, so it doesnt’ stay on the floor for too long, but still!!!!!

Signing off for now, I have to get the kids in bed.  Adam has been wrestling and entertaining now for some time.

love,

Katie

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Chicken or Duck Tonight? Just order, they chop its head off, and you have really fresh chicken or duck at your table!

Lost in Translation. Don't drive your vehicle onto the park grounds!

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