Blog Entry Number 1

Spanish-speaking countries tend to greet people more than we do in the United States. The greetings are usually a handshake or a kiss but, even when in a hurry, they will at the least say "hola" as they pass by. This is very different from the United States. Many people here, especially when in a hurry, will not acknowledge people they know while walking down the street. The greetings in Spanish-speaking countries are usually more intimate than the greetings in the United States. Hugs and kisses are very welcomed in the Spanish culture, as where a lot of the times they are not in the United States. I also thought it was very interesting that, when at a gathering, people will greet every person after they arrive and before they leave. If this is not done at a gathering, it is considered to be rude. In the United States, people don't take the time to do this. People would actually think it was very funny if you did this every time you came to, or left, a gathering.