Changes

Now, when I go into a shop, I don’t have to hand my plastic bags containing previous purchases to the security guard to be stapled shut (in case I plan to shoplift).

Now I don’t need to risk assess a casual converstion with a stranger at a bus stop about my destination (Why might he want to know?).

Adrenaline doesn’t need to pump round my body when I meet a young man on the street with his hand in his pocket (maybe it should never have, but it did, and still does).

When I am out as dusk falls, I don’t have to start thinking, How am I going to get home?

On the other hand,  now no one’s face lights up with delighted surprise when they discover I’m from Scotland.

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The other direction

I have been back in Scotland a month today and I’m ready to make some observations about this reverse culture shock everybody promised me I’d feel. It’s not been too overwhelming yet but here is one thing that has struck me quite forcibly: the way we do greetings and farewells. So cold! So informal! So little physical contact!

I didn’t notice it immediately because of course, I hugged everyone I know, the first time I saw them again. But as time has gone on, I realize that is wearing off. And I’ve been observing other people. Only if it is a very formal situation, do people shake hands. And on leaving, they do NOTHING. Not a thing.

In Colombia, I would, at an absolutely minimum, greet every single person at any gathering I attended with a handshake, and most likely, kiss almost everyone on the right cheek (so lean left when you meet a Colombian). And I would do the same on leaving. In fact, if I said goodbye to someone and for some reason, we talked a little longer, I would say goodbye again, even if that was seconds later.

We are not cold, just not expressive, as I explained over and over again to my Colombian friends, but now I can see why they might think that!

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