The most shocking culture shocks!
In the words of St. Augustine “The world is a book and those who travel do not read one page.” Asides from sightseeing, tourism takes you on a journey across cultures that leads you to another side of life.
On any of such trips, it is not strange to have personal disorientation due to the unfamiliar way of the people in your new environment–this is what we call a culture shock.
In a bid to aid your travelling experience, here are 10 interesting culture shocks travelers usually experience when they travel to the following countries:
1. Eating of Insects (Thailand)
Insects, worms and bugs are popular snacks in Thailand. This can be a typical challenge for first-time travelers into the country. Perhaps, the most commonly seen edible insect on the streets of Thailand are grasshoppers which can be devoured without any prior preparation, their texture is also satisfyingly crunchy and they tend to take on the taste of whatsoever they are cooked in or seasoned with.
2. No Flushing of Toilet Paper (Mexico)
Mexicans and some other countries are very insistent that toilet paper should not be flushed, it is assumed that the plumbing cannot handle it.
The social convention is that the toilet paper is thrown into the waste basket, and the toilet paper is not flushed due to clogging drains, filtering water and lack of a modern sewage system.
3. Waiting In Line (India)
In India, waiting in line is not for the soft-elbowed. Once you are in India, you tend to see this practice replicated day in and day out. Whilst it is said to be a cultural flaw, it can be blamed on their high population and fewer resources.
4. Leaving Food On The Plate (China)
Whenever you find yourself in China, try to leave some food on your plate as it can be considered rude to clean your plate, it can be seen as you passing a message that your host did not provide enough, and it can also be a sign to the host that you are still hungry.
5. One Pizza Per Individual (Italy)
An Italian Pizza is made for one, therefore there is no practice of ordering an extra-large pizza for four people to share. In fact, Italians take a sense of pride in finishing their pizza.
The kitchen sends out whole pizzas unsliced as cutting pizzas in advance is for the sole purpose of sharing, you are expected to cut your pizza.
6. Cheek Kissing (France)
Rather than waving hello or shaking hands, in France you lean forward, touch cheeks and kiss the air while making a light kissing sound with your lips, it is called la bise.
It is no joking matter as it is a tradition ingrained in French culture.
7. Blackening (Scotland)
It is a traditional wedding custom in the days or weeks prior to marriages in rural areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The engaged couple are kidnapped by friends and family and gunked with anything from rotten eggs and fish guts to dog food and molasses.
The practice is said to bring luck to the couple but it looks more like an excuse to even scores before the couple’s big day.
8. Spitting (Kenya)
The Maasai people of Kenya and Northern Tanzania view spitting as a form of blessing and a sign of respect. Tribespeople use spitting to greet or say goodbye to friends, clinch a bargain or to wish someone good luck. Two friends greeting each other will spit in their palms before shaking hands.
At a wedding ceremony held by the Maasai people, the father of the bride blesses his daughter by spitting on her head and breasts, the bride’s head is also shaved and lamb fat is rubbed on her skin. She then leaves with her husband and does not look back for the fear of turning into a stone.
#Traditional is a segment documenting the beauty of indigenous culture. This edition features 8 Interesting Culture Shocks Across Different Countries.
