Punctuality and Organization

We have a very different idea of punctuality and organization in the States. I have found this to be true in the two countries that I have most recently lived in. You are told to be somewhere at 8:00, but this really means 9:00, or perhaps 10:00 depending on the situation. One can never be sure what time is appropriate, but all the locals seem to know exactly when to show up. This makes it extremely difficult on foreigners and quite awkward when you show up an hour late and they tell you that you are early!

Additionally, coming from a culture where tend to plan things with at least a week's notice, it can be quite frustrating to find out five minutes before your scheduled class that there is a special activity and class will not be held. This has happened numerous times since I've been here. It almost makes me not want to plan anything ahead of time for my classes because more often than not there is a change in schedule. I like to think that as gringos, we are just well organized and efficient as opposed to uptight in this regard.