Top Ten Ways To Be A Good Guest

It’s not always easy to be a good guest. When we were young, we needed coaching to know how to behave appropriately “in front of company.” It’s certainly not natural to know what’s expected from us in a cross cultural situation. Though you may never fully understand why, the following social hints (in no particular order) are universally acceptable for acting with sensitivity and humility.

1. Show respect for your host by using the proper greetings and titles, especially to the eldest in the group.
2. Ask your new acquaintances about their families. You can show them pictures of your family, but it’s best not to share photos of your house or car or boat.
3. Be a good observer and listener, and ask polite questions.
4. Dress appropriately to show honor to the culture. Usually, the rule of thumb is to dress moderately.
5. Act very discreetly with the opposite sex.
6. Always show gratitude for your accommodations and food, whatever they may be. You are an honored guest and are receiving the best they have to offer. Don’t boast about what Americans have or “how we do things back home.”
7. Never show your temper. Many cultures see a display of anger as the greatest of sins.
8. Be sure you get permission to photograph someone. Don’t offend your hosts by taking photos of what may be considered private or what may be considered a negative aspect of the country.
9. Show empathy and appreciation, but not pity, for the surroundings. It’s important to be respectful of where your host lives and works. If you encounter any beggars, ask your host how to respond to them since local philosophies and practices vary from country to country.
10. Be flexible with your time. Go with the flow of the culture and the people you’re involved with. Go to learn and serve, not to keep track of the time. There is a saying in foreign countries about Americans, “They have the watches, but we have the time.”

Little Gifts to Bring?

April asked, and I'm sure others are wondering, about ideas for items that you could bring to share with the kids and families. Don't feel obligated to bring any of these things, just if you would like to.

Here's a list of ideas of things that can be handed out while we're there and whatever is left can be used at the school:

Colored pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Deflated rubber balls
Ball pump
Yarn (for crafts)
Children's books (with good moral values)
Round tip scissors
Q-tips (for spreading glue)
Tops for disposable cups (like from McDonalds for putting glue out to dip into)
construction paper or heavy colored paper
popsicle sticks
ink pads and stamps
bubbles (can bring just the bubble-makers if you have a recipe to make it)
candy (chocolate doesn't travel well in warm climates)

It's a good idea to put items in big Zip Lock bags for transport. No one wants glue all over their luggage. We can take 2 bags at 50 lbs each (see the Avianca link for more info and there may be some added security especially for carry-ons coming because of the recent bomb attempt). Our normal advice is to plan on one bag for yourself and one for donations (and gives you some room to bring back purchased items too).

Welcome!

Welcome to the Aquascape Colombia Team Blog!

Ok, so honestly it's about 10 minutes from a week off so not a lot of time to upload much! Look for more information coming Dec 28th and on. Meanwhile, feel free to post anything that you think would help the group.

I tried to link a slideshow of pictures to the blog but thus far blogspot can't seem to link correctly to Flikr...can't me my fault of course. I'll keep trying during bored minutes.

BTW, weather today in Barranquilla is 87 degrees and partly cloudy. The next 5 days it's to be mid to upper 80s with a slight chance of rain. Hmmm, sounds nice.

Have a blessed Christmas!!

Dave