It’s always difficult getting used to new social customs and meeting new people but learning names here in Bolivia was initially even more difficult than I had expected. That was partly due to the usage of many names I had never heard before. Here’s a sampling.

Girls’ Names:
Turizahi

Nayerly
Eidy
Yaneth
Hay Med
Guisela
Damaris
Grisel
Daraly (? haven’t seen it written yet but this is what is sounds like)
Tania
D’alcy
Versions of Maria: Maribel, Marizabel, MariLiz, MariLu, MariaEsther, MariLeny
Adela
Manuela
Santusa
Leidy
Emilene
Inez

Boy’s Names:
Roly
Aniceto
Matias
Toshi/Ochi (? I believe they’re half Japanese, this is how it’s pronounced)
Vicmar

Limber

A few common last names:
Colque
Quispe
Ferrovaria/Ferreira
Vargas

And in all fairness, they have quite a time with our last name also.  Our first names translate alright with slightly altered pronunciation: Laura/Laurita and Tomas.  But Kent just does not compute for them; I’ve seen it written: Kuent, Keut, Quent, Kant.  I think I’m glad I changed from my maiden name though.  When I say ‘Riley’ to people, they just stare at me like I’m putting weird sounds together.  Oh yes, changing cultures is definitely interesting.