Interesting differences between cultures.

[JamesCoste]

Being a military brat, one of the benefits was getting to travel a bit. While on those travels, I discovered that everything isn't done like it is in America. They aren't necessarily "bad" or "good", just different.<br /><br />While a teenager in Germany, we went to a local fair. One attraction was the "bumper cars". After about 30 seconds, once the "juice" was turned on, I had lots of people angry at me and saying something harsh (by the expressions on their faces). I was purposefully bumping into them as a person would typically do. Well, it wasn't long before I found out that they preferred to have fun by NOT bumping into one another and I was ruining their fun. Who would have thought it!?!<br /><br />A few others from Germany ...<br />- many of the women didn't shave their armpits.<br />- most of the little girls didn't wear bathing suit tops (until they started developing breasts).<br />- most people bathed every other day instead of daily (in the States).<br />- beer/wine was served at an early age just like we drink tea (sweet tea for me) for meals in the States.<br />- people from small villages would sweep the sidewalk and street in front of their house and wash it down. They took pride in keeping it clean.<br />- I rarely saw roadkill. If someone hit something or saw something dead, they would stop and dispose of it (bury it or at least get it off the road).<br /><br />One difference that has stuck in my mind from Spain ...<br />- topless beaches (as a teenager, I was in "heaven")<br /><br /><br />Anybody else have any interesting culture differences they would like to share.

 

[JB]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

I could comment on some of the dietary habits of the Philippinos, the impeccable manners of the Japanese or the permanent good will and good spirits of the Kiwis.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

Still like Balut (sp) JB?

 

[JB]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

BLEAH!!! RETCH!!

 

[technostingray]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

Originally posted by JamesCoste:<br />.<br /><br />While a teenager in Germany, we went to a local fair. One attraction was the "bumper cars". After about 30 seconds, once the "juice" was turned on, I had lots of people angry at me and saying something harsh (by the expressions on their faces). I was purposefully bumping into them as a person would typically do. Well, it wasn't long before I found out that they preferred to have fun by NOT bumping into one another and I was ruining their fun. Who would have thought it!?!<br />

You didn't get a clue from the fact the cars were moving at a much greater rate of speed than in the rides in the US. When I saw how fast they were moving I saved my money....

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

Have you been to Ao teo roa (Land of the Long White Cloud) JB?<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[ST]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

Few years ago in Italy I was a bit surprised to see young ladies going in to men's rest room looking for vacant toilet...the women's side were full. And everyone else seemed to behave like bussiness as usual.... <br /><br />Also in Italy, off the road side rest area, they had a sign in front of the rest room: 25 cents (US equivalent) to use it if you're sitting down, and free if you're standing up.... <br />(there was an attendant standing in front of the doors to guard the coins at the box....) <br /><br />In Indonesia (and maybe in other Asian Countries as well?), never shake hands with your left hand;<br />(even if you're Left Handed!); it's considered very impolite. It's common to use water and the left hand to ....oh, never mind....! <br /><br />That's it...for now.....!

 

[JB]

Re: Interesting differences between cultures.

I think you mean NZ, Phil?<br /><br />Yes. Had a very pleasant three days in Christchurch in 1957. I have never been treated with such friendliness and hospitality anywhere. People on the street greeted me like a family member as soon as they saw my uniform. Everyone wanted to buy me a drink, but I settled for tea and stories of the Yanks who saved NZ from Japanese invasion.