Cultural Tidbits: A Few Differences from Life in the US
1.) Sri Lankan’s are – by far – and I mean no disrespect to other cultures – the kindest, most generous, hospitable people we have ever encountered. They greet us on the road with smiles and an excited, “HiHelloWhatcountryfrom?!”
2.) Women walk along Galle Road – dressed in skirts, dresses, or elaborate sari’s, carrying umbrellas (either to ward off the harsh sun or the torrential downpour, depending on the day) – feminine, poised, and gracefully walking to the market or to work, as if they were headed to the Presidential Inaugural Ball.
3.) Marriages are arranged. Which means high priority is placed on how women conduct themselves in public. If you do anything to bring shame to yourself or your family – you cause problems for your marriage options.
4.) Suicide rates are said to be the highest, per capita, in Sri Lanka – because of arranged marriages. Young lovers, distraught over not being permitted to marry their true lover, are big fans of the Romeo and Juliet solution.
5.) Power outages happen randomly. About 5-6 times daily (daytime and nighttime) for an indefinite period of time.
6.) Air conditioning is a luxury item. Which means windows are usually open. And although this is a culture where the people are pretty private, family honor is paramount, and homes are guarded by large concrete walls – houses are also very close together and with open windows you hear life happening all around you. For example: we hear the baby crying next door; we also hear the wife call her husband when breakfast is ready; we heard Mom being mad at Daughter and Dad trying to plead the daughter’s case… and as you walk down the street, you just hear life happening in the homes as you pass. It’s amazing.
7.) Also, because houses are so open – ants and mosquitoes are the other residents in our home. Mosquitoes are fierce! So we wear insect repellant in our house!
8.) Boys – play together out in the community. Girls – well, I don’t know where they are, but they are not seen playing in the community. I assume they are at home, helping Mom cook and clean, learning how to be good wives, and waiting to be promised to a man they don’t know. Literally, parents publish “want ads” in the newspaper to find a suitable marriage partner for their child.
9.) Sri Lankan’s also have (generally) no personal space. Affection is often demonstrated between 2 boys (or a group of boys) – they are very warm and friendly. Adult men are often seen walking closely together and they think nothing of linking arms or having their arms around another’s shoulders. Likewise, girls are affectionate with girls. However, what you don’t see is couples being affectionate with one another. Ever.
10.) Sri Lankan food (directions for making your own): go to Wal Mart, to the section where they sell curry and chili. Buy all that they have. Add it to a pot of rice. Throw in some chicken – bones are good, too. Eat with your hands. Your whole body should be on fire.
11.) Starbucks: not so much. Coffee: not so much. Anybody for some Instant NesCafe that tastes like it was stored in a moist locker with somebody’s dirty gym shorts in a very hot country for 5 years? Perfect. We’ll take two, with sugar, please.
12.) Canned fruit and vegetables: are you kidding? How about fresh coconut, pineapple, mango, banana, passion fruit, lemon, lime, tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots, etc.: this makes up for the coffee situation!