This is something ive known for ages, yet it hasnt bothered me nearly as much as it does now, yes I might need some self control, breathing lessons but thats not the point. Why is it that people here always say yes, even when they want to say no? and if you throw an outright no they get a little bit offended...I am having a hard time with this one. I hate planning weekends out in advance and get a couple of "I changed my mind"s a little bit too late! ONE more thing, you might as well think its me, but no this is not happening to me only. Anybody noticed that as well?
By Cerealkiller on Feb 1, 2005, 16:40 in Friendly Talkzone.
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babygirl says on Feb 1, 2005, 18:19: Call me dense but what are you referring to? Just curious. cheers 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Sam Salmon says on Feb 1, 2005, 22:56: Not Just Colombians Japanese never say no they say "it's very difficult". ' a la orden!' 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Lionheart says on Feb 1, 2005, 23:00: Indians always nod Nodding doesn't mean yes, or I understand you. It simply means they are registrering your sound waves and they see your current lifeform. After a while it drives you insane; you ask "did you understand?" and they keep nodding, no other response.
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santiBOG says on Feb 2, 2005, 04:45: Hey what can I say, we are just different. It's a cultural thing, I agree with most of what was said above and I acknowledge that it can be frustrating for others like cerealkiller. But foreigners need to understand, we Colombians don't have that sick need to plan everything months ahead of time, it takes away from the spontaneity of everything. We have many alternatives as far as travel and entertainment and the we like to keep our options open so that we can choose the best plan. When someone asks me, Hey, do you want to go kayaking next month in Santander, I say sure... whatever, but it's not a yes, it's a "sounds like a cool plan, ask me later when the date of the trip is near". The plans are only rock solid a few days (usually 2) before the actual date though. In my humble opinion, you can't make plans for an out-of-town weekend a month in advance and expedct others to remember. It's way too far ahead. I hate it when people want me to commit my time way ahead. I just feel uncomfortable. Rule of thumb: for a weekend getaway in a finca near the city, ask on a Wednesday (for travel the next Friday or Sat). If it's something more elaborate that requires a hotel reservation and a longer drive then sure, you can ask one week in advance but that's it.
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KOMACHI says on Feb 2, 2005, 05:03: i agree Even though I am Colombian this attitude, about appointments and how people just cancel things and don’t show up, and sometimes makes jokes trying to make you feel you were the one responsible or tell you that you are too rigid about timing. There is no meaning in planning, maybe improving is better? That makes me nuts. (^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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TiaKatia says on Feb 2, 2005, 09:17: santiBOG "Hey, do you want to go kayaking next month in Santander, I say sure... whatever, but it's not a yes, it's a "sounds like a cool plan, ask me later when the date of the trip is near". The plans are only rock solid a few days (usually 2) before the actual date though."
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Neonovo says on Feb 2, 2005, 09:35: Ahorita .... Ahorita is a fave response my Mexicans, and it could mean in a few seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks,....
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2005, 09:39: and "ahora" in Colombia almost always means "later", not now. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Neonovo says on Feb 2, 2005, 09:45: My San Andrés trip is on the rocks... My china in Bogotá just eMailed me advising, that due to complications at the store she works at, we can not go until the 26th. We originally planned for the 11th of Feb. Now, this has been in the works since mid-Jan, but we've been talking about it since Nov 04, the last time I saw her.
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stevens says on Feb 2, 2005, 10:39: Santibog Gee, i guess there are a lot of sickos who are going to party bigtime in Barranquilla in the near future. They are the only ones who have hotel rooms because of their 'sick need' to make reservations.
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santiBOG says on Feb 2, 2005, 10:40: Katia I liked Lionheart's comment above: "Nodding doesn't mean yes, or I understand you. It simply means they are registrering your sound waves and they see your current lifeform". Jaja, that is so true, not always, though, I guess nodding can also mean "I understand where you're coming from... but I don't necessarily care".
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 10:55: Lack of Respect for another's time..... I see this prevailing in much of mexico, colombia, Dr and I feel it shows a lack of Respect for the other partie's time. Here in Miami, I see the same mentality and it is a real cuture clash for non latins. We are taught from early on here in the USA to be on time for whatever, be it school, work. personal appointments ect. Wonder how this affects Business in general in these countries as far as sucess because here in the US-if a business has "open at 9 am and if it doesn't, we simply head to another one who does open on time and then the first loses the customer.One tome in Bogota, I had a person who consistently was late for dinner, dates ect. One day,to show this person the other foot-I Kept HER waiting for about an hour--as I observed from a coffe shop across the street(she was really pi**ed off-looking at her watch every few seconds-pacing like an expectent father). I appeared after an hour and I was read the riot act about me being late, not being on time ect. She went Ballistic. My Question is--why is OK for the Colombiana to be late but NOT OK for the American to be late?? "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 10:56: sp- Should read"Time in Bogota, not Tome in Bogota.. "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Crazy4Cali says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:12: well? ...did you find out why it wasn't OK for gringos to be late?
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Crazy4Cali says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:17: respect I think that's why gringos get so miffed when people don't show up on time. I (being a poster-child example of a gringo) was taught that it was a sign of respect (or lack of, depending). If you respected the person's time, you showed up on time. Consequently, when someone doesn't show up on time, it's taken as a sign of disrespect.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:23: respect I'm afraid the Colombians don't see it your way. Time is not as valuable for them as it might be for you. Time is not a solid concept, but rather an amorphous concept that can be molded and stretched to convenience. What's the big rush, anyway? There's plenty of time for everything and getting stressed just takes you to an early grave. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:25: Crazyfor Cali No. I never did. Maybe someone could enlighten me on this inconsistency I, like you, adjusted for time also-if I am to be someplace at 7pm in Bogota I show up maybe at 8;30 or 9pm and don't worry about it. "When in Rome, do as the romans do" No one reimburses me for elevated blood pressure. "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:27: it's no mystery You, as a gringo and as a male are expected to be on time. You are not expected to behave like a Colombian or like a woman. It's a totally different set of rules. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:30: Desi-explain the Double standard please Desi-I appreciate your answer but...tell us why if it is OK for one group to be late then why is not OK for the other to be late also. I cite my post above as an example. If I follow your logic--then it is OK for everyone to be late and no one should be angry if another shows up late.I always phone someone here in the USA if I am running a few minutes late-its a sign of courtesy and if its your on your job-maybe loss of employment. "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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YEP says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:33: MiamiMike ... just tell them how much you bill people by the our - that should be a wake up call ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:35: I understand the rules for tardiness in Gringolandia, they are the same here in Sweden. Maybe even tighter, people are supposed to be not only on time, but a few minutes early just in case. But I already answered your question about the double standard. There's nothing strange about it. It may not be an answer that makes you happy, however. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:40: So a Double Standard...Exists Thanks, I got it now...Like They say-"When in Rome, do as the Romans do...Leave the watch at home". Ha! Ha! That day I showed the other person in Bogota the other foot-my only regret is I didn't have my VCR-it still puts me on the floor rolling in laughter. ROTFLMAO "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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YEP says on Feb 2, 2005, 11:43: Yup Des .... anything else is lack of respect ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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caslug says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:05: good luck with that YEP... hate to burst your bubble, but i have never had a COL women actually CALL my hotel and leave a mssg she would be late, nope she just shows up 1hr to 2 hrs late. and before you ask, they had my hotel number. So if you get a call than i bow my head to the better man. so its very tricky trying to schedule multiple meetings in one day.
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ShazCas says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:10: Fear of being impolite SantiBOG, you asked CerealKiller if she thought saying yes for fear of disappointing or being impolite was a Latin American trait, and whereas I couldn't really generalise about all of Latin America, I would say it's definitely more common in Colombia than in the UK. Like a friend who said he would look after our cat while we were in Cartagena, yes, no he didn't mind, and then two hours before the flight he didn't turn up! And that's just one example of many. Although that bothered me at the time, I laugh now, it just seems incomprehensible how that could be more polite than saying no! :-) HAHA!
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caslug says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:20: not a latin trait.. all the peruvian people i meet men & women for a meeting where never more than 30 or 40 mins late. and most of them take public transportation or taxi just like the people in COL. beats me why COL are more tardy?
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YEP says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:31: Well .... agree with those of you that think it's plain rude and ------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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caslug says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:34: next time in COL i would love to try this.. setup two meetings at the same time, whoever shows up within 30 mins i go with, the person that is later is left standing hanging around and taking the bus home.
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miamimike says on Feb 2, 2005, 12:48: Caslug --Peruvians pretty punctual At least here in Miami. Having friends here in Miami from Peru-they are pretty punctual--in maybe 5 years with one friend-she was late maybe once for dinner,movies ect.I don't mind 20 minutes or so-everyone can have an emergency but to be late consistently time after time is another story. Lack of Respect for the other person's time and it is Really inconsiderate if another person has traveled 1000s of miles to be with a person.I think the person of the host country should go the extra mile to respect the Visitor's time. They can chit chat with neighbors and coworkers anytime but the visitor who has went to great trouble and expense to visit should be accorded every courtesy, including being on time(+ or - 20 minutes). "Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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TiaKatia says on Feb 2, 2005, 13:03: santiBOG, "Also, sometimes you don't want to commit to a plan until you notice that you have no other options. I guess a lot of people are afraid that if they put money down, they will feel 'forced' to go even if something better came up later on. "
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lpdiver says on Feb 2, 2005, 15:11: In Aruba You get both ends of the spectrum...The locals are always late...We threw a safety awards BBQ to start at eight p.m. Not a soul showed up...as we started to clean up at ten p.m. the people rolled in we ended up with over a thousand. "cook some rice!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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utopiacowboy says on Feb 2, 2005, 16:36: Being late or delayed is one of my wife's pet peeves. She will mutter loudly if she is kept waiting for something that she is on time for. She is NEVER late. She would be on time for her own execution. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Cerealkiller says on Feb 2, 2005, 19:09: Oh well first of all, I dont think it is an exclusively Colombian Characteristic...I mean take Costa Rica for example, they are internationally recognized because of their weird conception of time. No wonder why they call it tico time... So Im not being really harsh to colombians although I honeslty do hate that feature. Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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fzrdan says on Feb 2, 2005, 19:23: I can tell you that it is very common in Brazil as well. I experienced first hand for nearly 4 years. I never met one Brazilian that thought it was important to get somewhere on time unless it meant them losing money. Seriously. If it was just going to inconvenience someone, it wasn't a big deal. Does this mean it is common throughout south america and Colombia specifically? I don't know. I know that the few folks I met while I was in Cali the first time didn't seem too worried about being anywhere on time.
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Cerealkiller says on Feb 2, 2005, 19:54: GiB "I have learned to be like the Colombians and don't plan anything too tight" that doesnt include being a little loose in regards to time? if it doesnt then I must have made an interpretation mistake, sorry abotu that, and yeah I do know what you mean. My parents are German and theyre what SantiBog would label as Psychorigid when it comes to most things...especially time. Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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santiBOG says on Feb 2, 2005, 19:55: It is disrespectful. But after being 'stood up' a few times and showing up to places only to find that the others aren't there yet, you become a bit more tolerant and flexible and start caring less about showing up later than agreed. I know it takes time to get used to it. I guess you have to get to know the other people.
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Lionheart says on Feb 2, 2005, 20:12: German timing It is true, for German meetings in business and private you try to be 15 min early, to make sure you aren't late. You don't crash the house early though, you politely wait outside. When planning meetings with US business people in Germany I always had to tell the Germans to expect them to be 15 min late, as it is considered the polite time to arrive and start.
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fzrdan says on Feb 2, 2005, 20:13: santiBog, I am a bit confused. You admit it is disrespectful but also I (and others) are closed minded because I do not associate with people that are frequently late. So you are saying that I should keep 'friends' that frequently disrespect me? No thanks.
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paisa29 says on Feb 3, 2005, 05:59: I think it depends of the education, for example I hate being late, I always get 5 or 10 minutes, I do respect the people´s time, but also I´ve noticed this is more common in Bogota than Medellín.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 3, 2005, 11:28: I hate being late too and usually get everywhere on time (or before). However, I feel it's disrespectful to be on time when you're expected (by tacit agreement) to be late to give other people more time to get ready. For example: if I'm invited for dinner at a friend's house at 7 p.m. I wouldn't even dream of showing up at that time. I'd embarrass her and her family and upset the entire household for showing up too early, before they were ready to receive me. I'd be about 45 minutes late, depending the case. I might just call at 7:30 to apologize for running late, but at the same time to confirm the fact that I wasn't expected yet anyway. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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lpdiver says on Feb 3, 2005, 11:33: I was told That if invited for 8 show up at 10. If you show up at 8 they are in the shower and have not even started dinner...For me 8 means 8. "cook some rice!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 3, 2005, 11:55: Tony, yes, that's what I meant, exactly. If I'm aware of this prevailing custom and try to impose my own set of rules of being on time I'd be disrespectful and unconsiderate and probably never be invited again. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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caslug says on Feb 3, 2005, 12:24: desi, you keep defending local customs.. What if you want to go to see a show or movie, if the time is 8 you tell your friend to arrive at 7, and they arrive at 8, you re screwed. Or how about if your meeting other friends and your friend is keeping the whole group waiting. I think 30 or 40 min late is stretching it, but one hour or two is too much. For a party no problem, but meeting one person or small group is different. I talkd with a few local col men about this too, they dont like it either if the women is that late.
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 3, 2005, 12:56: it depends For a movie, yes, I'd expect people be on time, or maybe just a bit late. OTH there's always another function you can catch later and meanwhile just have a drink, a snack or a cup of coffee while waiting. If a friend I've invited kept the whole group waiting (say...an hour or more) I'd be embarrassed, phone the friend and tell him/her that we are going without him/her this time. I'd be extremely upset if we had planned a weekend trip or something, made reservations or advanced some money and then my friend(s) would change their minds at the last minute (because something more interesting showed up). Keeping your options open is just incredibly rude and selfish. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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lpdiver says on Feb 4, 2005, 05:09: When in Rome Do as the Romans do. But I only carry that to a point. In business matters. "cook some rice!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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william_andrew_channell says on Feb 4, 2005, 12:49: Monochromatic vs. Polychromatic The real difference comes down to a culture's concept of time. The US is a monochromatic culture, as well as Japan, which means that time is regarded as being a semi-real and dividible thing. Polychromatic cultures, such as Latin cultures and Middle Eastern cultures don't have the same concept of time. To them it is just a measure of the progression of things. You can't really manipulate or allot time to a certain activity, it just keeps on going and lets us know more or less where we are in the march of time.
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lpdiver says on Feb 4, 2005, 18:28: Mono vs poly So when I hold your head under water for two minutes are you passing time in mono or poly? "cook some rice!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Lionheart says on Feb 4, 2005, 19:25: my take when the banks calls me it's monopoly
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