Culture Shock

In America it is amazing to see how many cultures there are out there and how many different styles of families there are. Each function in their own unique way, a lot of that I feel has to do with culture. In class we talked about how culture can influence the values and way a family lives. My boyfriend is a political refugee from Cuba. He came here when he was 5 years old with his mom, dad, and grandparents. He left behind another set of grandparents, two much older sisters, aunts, uncles, and friends. When they arrived they had $100 dollars and didn't know much English. Now they seem to be a perfectly normal American family. They are doing very well for themselves, have great jobs, and speak almost perfect English. At the same time though, his family is very different than mine. They emphasize spending time together and spend time with a lot of family and friends, very often. When they all get together they cook a lot of amazing food and just sit around and talk. When I say often I mean it, usually once a week or more. They are a very close family. His grandparents are always over at his house and the little other family that they have is over very often also. My family is not like that. Me, my parents, and my brother always spent a lot of time together and we always ate meals together all of that good stuff. But, I only see my grandparents and extended family for special occasions such as some birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. I couldn't believe how close this family was. I love my family, every member, even my extended family but they are not a huge factor in my life. I told him how surprised I was a the closeness in his family and he said it is like that in Cuba. He said when he lived in Cuba he lived in a big house with his aunt grandma and parents, and that is the norm. In America it seems so different, at least where I am from.