#1
#3
As you scroll through the list, even non-Americans might be shocked by some of these things, as they are unique to specific countries. Honestly, traveling to a new country or culture can be a real rollercoaster. It’s totally normal to feel a bit off when you’re suddenly in a place that’s super different from what you’re used to.
You’re not calling the shots like you did back home, and that can be a little overwhelming. One minute you’re pumped and curious, and the next you might feel frustrated, homesick, or even a little scared. That mix of feelings? It’s what experts call culture shock, and it just means your brain’s adjusting to all the new stuff around you. Trust me, it’s totally normal, and it even gets better with time.
#4
Edit: I’m from Bulgaria.
#5
#6
While these things can be surprising when you visit a country as a tourist, it can become quite challenging if you actually migrate to a whole different place. In fact, did you know that research has revealed there are 4 stages of culture shock? That’s true!
In the Honeymoon Phase, everything’s shiny and exciting in the beginning. You’re loving the adventure and soaking it all in. Then comes the Negotiation Phase, where the reality sinks in. The language trips you up, little stuff gets annoying, and you start missing home.
This is followed by the Adjustment Phase, where slowly but surely, you get the hang of things. You build routines, feel more chill, and things don’t throw you off as much. The last one is the Adaptation Phase, where eventually, you settle in for real. The culture still feels different, but it’s your kind of different now, and you start to own it.
#7
#8
Now that we know all the stages, think about one of the shocking things from the list. Do you think you could finally adapt to it once you got familiar with it? I certainly think I could. One of the entries that fascinated me the most is the “El gusanito” rollercoaster cart from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
While it might sound a little dangerous, I think I wouldn't mind giving it a spin at least once. What I would mind, though, is paying for using public toilets, as one entry mentions. However, contrary to what I think, apparently, these public toilets in Europe are run by private organizations, hence they charge people to maintain them.
#10
Edit for that one person: “free” means funded from taxes.
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#12
Not because we’re anti-vax, but because we expect moms and newborns will just stay in their homes for that time period.
Also, it’s illegal for daycares to take babies under 56 days of age because mothers cannot legally work until then.
Another appealing thing that someone mentioned was how you can get your days back if you fall sick during your vacation. While it happens in some European countries, Germany is the most famous for this super cool leave policy. I mean, who wouldn't want that?
Someone also spoke about the Prison Culture Festival in Japan that simply caught me off guard. As thrilling as it sounds, it does make you wonder how families take even their kids to these festivals where they roam amongst criminals? Sounds a little scary to me for sure!
#13
"Shock" might be a bit too strong of a word but here are a few that tend to surprise Americans in my experience:
- Kids and parents bathing together until the kids are in their teens (also includes hot springs).
- Kids and parents all sleeping together in the same room/bed until the kids are in their teens.
- School is technically only compulsory until 9th grade (although almost everyone completes high school).
- No "carding" anywhere, ever, to buy alcohol (unless you look like a literal child).
- Staff at restaurants will NEVER stop by to ask you how things are going or if you need anything. You MUST flag them down or ring the bell at the table (but this is not considered rude at all - on the contrary it's considered rude for the staff to bother you if you haven't specifically asked them to).
- Women AND men (yes, you read that correctly) can take an entire YEAR of maternity/paternity leave.
- Japanese prisoners make food, furniture, and other goods that you can buy at "prison festivals" they hold outside the prisons themselves. These festivals have a variety of attractions and are popular with families and children.
- When you buy land/property you usually pay your down payment in person, in cash, in a sort of ritualised transaction with a lawyer and real estate agents present. It often takes place at the bank that is facilitating the overall sale.
- Much of what Americans refer to as "beer" is technically and legally not even considered beer in Japan because it's so diluted with additives and substitutes like corn, rice etc. (think the kind of watery beers you'd use for beer pong). They instead call these "happoshu" and they are considered second rate but also are cheaper and taxed less than "real" beer (ie. made with full wheat and hops).
Lots more but those are just a few fun ones :).
#14
#15
There are many other interesting things mentioned in the list, but alas, we can't talk about all of them. Instead, we want you to go through it and express which one fascinated you the most. Go on, feel free to jot down your thoughts in the comments and spare a few upvotes for your favorites. Also, if we have missed out on anything in our list, don't forget to mention it in the comments!
#16
#18
Sauna naked with family.
Sauna naked with strangers.
#19
#20
Gun violence is very rare, I'd go as far as to say non-existent for the average civvie. I've handled guns because I ran with shady crowds, but for a normal person if they don't go to a gun range the only time they'll see a gun is on a police officer or arny personnel.