The art of the Venezuelan cola
One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life. ~Chinese Proverb
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write about this, but Venezuelans have an amazing ability to form and stand in line – otherwise known as the cola.The idea to finally write about this phenomenon came after I recently saw people standing in line to get on an elevator. Yes, an elevator. I saw about 10 people in the line and had to do a double-take to make sure that there wasn’t something being handed out. Every morning when I’m taking the kids to school, you can see lines 30 to 40 people deep waiting for buses. I’m always impressed by the patience Venezuelans show when waiting and it’s probably because they know that eventually, they’ll get their turn.
What’s so interesting about these colas is that often no one has to ask that they be formed. In the US, there are places you go that have signs indicating where the line starts, as well as a roped off area to help make sure the line remains orderly – completely unnecessary here. I remember discussing this with a friend who is also a foreigner and she said it’s so ingrained that if she’s standing talking with more than one person, someone will inevitably come up and ask “aqui esta la cola?” or “is the line here?”. So, it’s as if it’s become an inherent part of the culture.
I noticed that my kids have started picking up on this, too. I couldn’t believe my eyes when my little guy (3 years-old) stood patiently in line for 20 minutes to have his face painted by Spiderman at a party. While I will probably never enjoy standing in line, I can appreciate that they’re being given this subtle lesson in patience…Lord knows their generation needs it.
Tags: Caracas, Caracas Lifestyle, Cultural Adaptation, Venezuelan Culture, Words to Live by
This is a wonderful thing indeed! In many countries lines are non-existent and you battle your way to the front using your elbows and being obnoxious about it. Unfortunately, as a foreigner, you’d better do it too or you’ll be waiting forever.
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You see, I didn’t see the other side of it! I am actually sometimes annoyed at the prospect of standing in another line, but you’re right, it provides order. Thanks for making that point.
I remember a professor going to a conference in Hungary, and returning reporting there was no custom to form a line. Very civilized in many ways, but this was not a custom. In Great Britain, I am told, if you pause to let someone in in traffic, drivers behind you will become quite irate. A lot of the etiquette we rationalize as the way of things is merely a local custom, or lack there of?
What was it like in Haiti?
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In Haiti the custom is “sauve qui peut” or every man for himself. If you aren’t aggressive, you will never get what you need. I think the reasons cultures are patient (or not) vary. For example, in the US I think it’s because you always feel rushed. You’re always on your way to something and trying to fit in several other things before getting there. In Haiti, I think it’s the idea that if I don’t get mine first, there may not be any left for me. At the airport in Miami, the American Airlines employees stationed at the Haiti flights have actually gotten in the habit of announcing that there’s no need to push your way on to the airplane because it won’t leave without you and your seat is already assigned. Very cultural, indeed.
God, can they come over here and teach this to Dutch people?!!! HELP!!
LOL! Considering that this is for the most part a chaotic country, in this respect they are the epitome of “civilization”. I know the French are also notorious for cutting in line…
What a great little story that illustrates how different cultures can be, specially in the details! I was in Colombia for a while but didn’t notice this trait there, however I was only there a few months and might not have even occurred to me that it was happening!
The Swiss have never heard of forming a line. Nor do they say excuse me or pardon me when they brush past you, although you may have been standing there for awhile. Yes, the Swiss!
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NO! You mean the Swiss aren’t the epitome of organized/civilized behavior?!
I am really amazed to hear this. I think the culture in Venezuela must be quite different from other Latin American cultures I’ve experienced, where I’ve never seen anyone form a line! Very interesting.
I don’t think the entire culture is different, simply this aspect.
Is it organization or just submission?
As a venezuelan I can say that I never liked the colas. Not only because I am not patient enough but because it is the consequence of a bad administration.
Like everything in my country, that is already part of our life, no matter if it cost 10 hours of your day!
That’s a good point. It always seems like Venezuelans like colas because they’re so eager to form them. On the other hand, I’m sure there are people (like yourself) who have just accepted it as a part of life, but still find it very frustrating. After over a year, I’m still in awe at how many different situations for which Venezuelans will form a line. It’s truly an art-form.