In class we were discussing being a guest and a host, and cultural customs within those two positions. Such as, in Thailand and Ireland has the cultural reputation of being a hospitable host versus in Hong Kong it is not as welcoming. Further how in Bulgaria as a guest, you do not arrive at a home that you are invited at without bringing something to offer in hand. Quite interesting based on each individuals experiences how guest and host have been played throughout our lives. As I am from the United States, specifically from Los Angeles, I culturally did not grow up with a certain way of being as a guest or host, other that being kind, welcoming, and the normal gestures of what is “expected”. However in the south, there are known for their souther hospitality, in which manners of treating others are engraved in them culturally. Therefore, if I were to visit the south, then I would think one of the first things to expect is how hospitable they will be. Like I said, being from Los Angeles customs are based individually. Now I am living in Brazil and have been for two years now, and I feel that I have been learning the meaning of guest and host here. Culturally, people in Brazil are welcoming. I have had to learn the norm of how to acknowledge individuals. For instance in California I would try to avoid people I know on the street, just because I did not feel like even acknowledging. However, in Brazil, you are to be acknowledged by at least providing a hand gesture or asking how that person is doing. Furthermore, I have noticed if you are with one or a few people and you take a drink of your water bottle or eating something, you ask each of those with you if they would like to have some. It is abnormal to not share with those you are with, absolutely not! That was intriguing and brought softness into my heart to learn that. Being in Brazil has been a piece of me learning how to be an actual human being and embrace each other.
Reflections by Lauryn