Something Interesting...

So while catching up on my world events-I came across an article about culture shock and americans. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share a little bit of it with you. The author lists a few tips on how to adapt well to a new culture that can be applied to anybody that gets a passport to go on a grand adventure! They are:

1. Learn as much as you can about your host culture.
2. Assume "strange" habits in this "strange" land are logical. Think of these habits as clever solutions to life's problems.
3. Be militantly positive. Avoid the temptation to commiserate with negative Americans. Don't joke disapprovingly about a culture you're trying to understand.
4. Make a local friend, someone you can confide in and learn from.
5. Most importantly, remember that different people find different truths to be "God-given" and "self-evident." Things work best if we give everybody a little wiggle room. And that goes for more than just travelers.

While spending time here in this beautiful country, I certainly have had my moments of "well, in America we do this and its better." However- I feel that I am learning alot about myself here and it is fascinating to learn about different viewpoints of the world. There are in fact many things about that the Mauritians have done right-our country could stand to learn a few lessons.

A few examples that I have encountered:
-all cultures integrate beautifully here and with no problems to speak of-unlike the states, no violence between those of different cultures and religions to report - all mauritians are proud of their country no matter the skin color or religion
-mauritians are very good at spending their money wisely - while they certainly make sacrifices such as living at home with the parental unit instead of living on their own - it is definitely NOT easy
-many people have lives without cars and are perfectly happy - yet another unnecessary expense - i admire them
-i have seen many people that I work with in the office give the homeless man some change whereas I usually ignore them and pass them by
-anybody who desires an education can get it
-if you are sick and need to go to the hospital-no questions asked

*a quick note on the last 2 points -the mauritian university is free to anyone who wants to go and I as a foreigner have access to healthcare should I get sick while I am here - I want to stress that I am NOT a socialist - I just admire the system that they are able to put in place here (may not necessarily work at home)

I have been very lucky to be in country where I am welcome and people are generally interested in getting to know me. While they may comment on my various idiosyncracies - it is just another perception or a "creative solution." I am lucky to have the friends that I have and all have helped me immensely!! Thank you for giving me some wiggle room!