A Very Quirky World!

Boy, we live in a strange world! From  European Referendums, to Donald Trump trying to be the President of The United States!  Then there are all of the “quirky” ways in different countries, some of them we know about but others are perhaps not so common so I thought I would share these with you!

I guess the first one you would all be aware of is not flushing your toilet paper down the loo in Greece. This is due to a very poor sewage system particularly in Athens with so many historical finds.  What about all the others though? – did you know for example – if your in Bulgaria and get chatting to a local if they nod their head it means NO and shaking their head means YES!  OR did you know that in the Czech Republic people normally do not chat to any strangers?

Have you ever watched camel racing on the TV? In countries like Oman this is a great way for people to get together and watch a sport but did you know that because of safety concerns the jockeys on the camels are actually robots?

What about the loo? We all have to go of course, but some countries say for example in China, have “different” loo’s.  Some have lids, some have a lever you push, some you pull and then of course some (and were not just talking China here) are just a hole in the ground. Oh yes, I remember the hole in the ground whilst in Oman – very difficult is all I will say!

Transport varies a lot, depending on where you are in the world. Do not even think about having a pleasant train journey in India for example, its everyone for themselves!  If your travelling on a train in Japan, please do not use your mobile it really is frowned upon.  Or in Poland, if you want to use the loo on a train (or anywhere else) you have to pay first before you use – make sure you have enough money!

Shopping can also be fun!  In the United States or Finland, you can buy practically anything you like from the supermarket – milk, bread, rifles and bullets to name but a few!  In Canada did you know your milk is actually in a bag!

Tipping is probably the biggest bug bearer of us Brits, as we feel we should tip those people who have really given us a service, please do not forget in the states your expected to give between 15 – 25% mark up.  Also when your eating out in some Asian countries do NOT leave a empty plate, this can be seen as you want more food which they can find offensive.

Of course, we are all different, thankfully, and I guess half the pleasure of going to different countries is to actually see and experience these “quirky” things, however some are worth noting – just in case!