It’s easy to forget that some cultures do things wildly different from what we’re used to. TikToker @travelingwithjoce gives some examples of things that other countries are used to that might seem a bit strange at first glance:
In Japan, street names aren’t a commonality for house addresses
Sections, blocks, and numbers are a common way to give directions, but street names aren’t popular in this country.
Dutch people don’t often close their curtains
Scared of peeping toms? Not a fear of Dutch people, it seems! It’s much more common to keep curtains open all day than to close your house off to the public.
In Singapore, laundry is hung from bamboo poles
Just imagine walking down a street and seeing bamboo hanging from windows with your neighbors’ delicates on them!
In Turkey, there’s a dessert made of chicken breasts
Called Tavukgogsu, this dessert is made of milk and shredded chicken. How delicious does that sound?!
The Netherlands has the steepest stairs in the world
Not hard to picture when imagining the tall houses along the canals of Amsterdam — with homes built tall and skinny to avoid floods, the steep stairs are a whole other level.
In Brazil, women will often lighten their body hair instead of removing it
In a culture that’s heavily popularized the Brazilian wax, this fact is surprising. A dye job over a shave in the shower is the way to go for many women in Brazil!
In Japan, some baths will have lids on them
Called Ofuro baths, it can be common to get in up to your shoulders and have a friend close the lid right on you.
In Colombia, hot chocolate is serviced with salted cheese slices
Something sweet, something salty — sounds delicious!
In France, milk is stored at room temperature
Make your way out of the refrigerator aisle at the grocery store — the French prefer their milk a bit on the warmer side.
Red ink is taboo in South Korea
Red ink is used when a person passes away, which is why it’s considered taboo in this country. You likely won’t catch South Koreans using red ink in casual moments to jot notes down in a journal.
There you have it — the world is filled with many different traditions! Which one is your favorite?
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