Wednesday Wanderlust – 10 values and attitudes of North America

North America – Looking for your next destination? What are the idiosyncrasies of North American countries? Check out these 10 values and attitudes straight from our guides.

1. Guatemala is home to the largest group of indigenous peoples within North America. Areas such as Alta Verapaz are almost 100% Maya and work to preserve their identity and culture, setting up cultural activist groups.

2. In the States, Americans deeply value self-reliance. Stereotypes of the lone cowboy or frontiersman can offer elements of truth, as parents give every opportunity to prepare their children for independency in adulthood.

3. In the Catholic calendar, there’s a saint for every single day of the year. In the past, Mexican’s were named after their santo whose feast day they were born on. Names are more loosely attached to the church more recently, however people still receive cards and small gifts as if it were a second birthday.

4. In the Quebec region of Canada, the French influence can be seen in every aspect of life. In body language (they use their hands much more often than their Anglo-Saxon cousins), in dress style (they’re more fashion conscious than in the ROC) and culinary taste (they love food and can talk about it interminably).

5. Cubans are talkative, so initiating conversation can is no problem. Choteo, or ‘light-hearted humour’ is used to keep things from getting too heavy. You’re almost certain to be asked whether you like Cuba, so take this as an opportunity to express what you most enjoy!

6. The Dominican Republic is one of those countries where having fun is easy, animated conversation near the local comado, as well as rowdy games of dominoes are commonly accompanied by a cold beer (frias) in the evenings and weekends.

7. BC or British Columbia, and particularly Vancouver is highly multicultural. Asians are the largest visible minority, with many Chinese labourers arriving in the late nineteenth century to build the Canadian Pacific Railway.

8. Mexico’s sad mariachi songs are sure-fire tear-jerkers – the musical equivalent of chopping onions for its macho men. Mariachi songs also reinforce the image of the macho Mexican as a defiant loner who makes his own rules and answers to nobody.

9. Coco-taxis. For a novelty ride that will look great on Instagram or Facebook, opt for these. An egg-shaped three-seater scooter, those that are yellow are for tourists whereas the black ones are reserved for locals. Cheaper than any other city transport, these tiny taxis fill Havana with an incredible (and loud) buzz.

10. In Guatemala, Cariño means being affectionate with others, both physically and in speech. This is demonstrated by a kiss on the cheek instead of a handshake. Cariño can also be noticed during conversations, such as the touching of a person’s shoulder or arm.

To be view all our North American guides, please visit our regional page.