South American Culture

If you're thinking about travelling to South America, let me tell you a bit about the South American culture. The South American map is divided into many countries, but for now I'll be talking about the Spanish speaking countries; have a look at the South American map. Can you identify the Spanish-speaking countries? All countries except Brazil, Suriname, and the Guyanas speak Spanish. But although they speak the same language, their cultures are different. Argentina and Chile are more European countries in their customs and manners. They are both heavily influenced by Europeans, as Argentina is populated with many Italians and Chile with many Germans and Austrians,a s well as by a much more Indigenous influence. Argentinians are a very warm people, welcoming guests and foreigners, but like very much to complain about their country. Argentina is a very Westernized country, but the undercurrent there is very 3rd world-like. I'll be doing a piece on each country to let you know in more detail about each country. Chile is more heavily influenced by "colder" cultures: Germans, Austrians, and the Indigenous inhabitants. Chileans have a relatively clean country, modernized, and European. Argentinians and Chileans have a sibling rivalry between them about modernization. But Chile's undercurrent is 3rd world as well, though not as much as Argentinians. They are also not a complaining culture, but rather a quieter, more relaxed society. Uruguay, the close Argentinian neighbor, is a poor country in its resources, relying heavily on its "older brother" - Argentina- to supply its tourism, and financial aid. Their cultures are one-in-the-same, though they would never admit that :)

The Andian countries - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador - are countries heavily influenced by Indigenous people. They are usually a very hard-working sort of people, highly subdued given their past Spanish tyranny, and moderately friendly. They are usually reluctant to bring foreigners into their lives and culture.

Heading north on the South American map, Colombia and Venezuela are a friendly and happy bunch. Salsa music is usually heard on the streets and from the cars in both countries, though in the last years Venezuela has undergone through a tyrannical change, and seems like some of the joy has dissipated from the country's inhabitants. Nevertheless, their people are joyful, their countries are beautiful, their people are friendly, and their women are gorgeous!

In my next posts i'll be talking about more travel tips and my experiences from touring the South American continent.