Yo, yo pops, wassup old man?

So those greetings would not be considered culturally appropriate here. As I learn the culture more, I have come to realize how important greetings are here. You ask how they are, their children, family, health, etc. What is the news? Greetings are so important to them that they even do it while driving. During the day, they flash their headlights at each other as a way of greeting one another.

If they are older, you always greet them specifically and say, shikamoo, which means I give you my respect. They respond back with I take your respect. You can see a young business man saying, shikamoo, to a man who is a street cleaner simply because he is older. They value age so much. To them age is a sign of wisdom and experience and that should be honored.

Recently, we had the head of Imara's Mercy department and his family over for dinner. His daughters arrived first. When he walked in, they both said Shikamoo to their father and greeted him formally. I thought oh no! My dad never needs to see this! =) I tackle my dad with a hug and comment on his gray hair and say what's up old man? I told them that and their eyes got very big. So, umm.... dad, if you are reading this, shikamoo. =)