Which differences have you noticed?

@Porcospino (31366)
Denmark
August 22, 2010 8:24am CST
One of the interesting things about visiting other countries is the chance to see different cultures and experience things that are different from your own culture. When I was living in Scotland I noticed that people were generally more polite than the Danes. They used words like "please" "excuse me" and "sorry" more often than the Danes and they waited in line in situations where the Danes just run as fast as they can to get there first In Italy I noticed that people were more likely to talk to strangers than the Danes for instanse in waiting rooms or when I used public transportation. I am not saying that the Danes never do that, but it doesn't happen as often as it does in Italy. When you have visited other countries which differences have you noticed? Have you seen things in other countries that you wish that your own country would adopt?
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7 responses
@bhanusb (5709)
• India
23 Aug 10
Yes Porcospino, there are different cultures in different countries. In Japan people bow down to greet others. In India when we meet someone we use to make our two palms together and say "nomostay' to greet that person. Yes we should adop any good cultuire of any country.
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
23 Aug 10
In Denmark we shake hands when we greet someone. Many years ago I went to an international school in Denmark and the students were from many different countries around the world. One day our teacher asked the students to demonstrate the traditional way of greeting people in their countries. Some of the Indian students greeted eachother the way you described. I don't remember all of the different greetings that we saw, but it was an interesting way to learn something about other countries.
• India
23 Aug 10
Travel i beleive teaches you a lot more practically than the bookish knowledge ever could, because you tend to have personal experiences that are unforgettable. My most important take away from travelling to different countries is that it has added to my patience levels and secularism. It helps to be non-judgemental about people because they are just following what they were brought up with. It is nice to see they have different approach and outlook towards life and most important thing is to thank god for the freedom that we have for being born in a democratic country like India.
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@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
23 Aug 10
I agree with that. You can get knowledge from books, but when you travel you learn things in a different way, and you can get a kind of personal experience that you can't get from a book. I have learned a lot from my trips and the time that I have spent abroad. I find it really interesting to experience countries that are different from my own, because that gives me the chance to see things from a different perspective.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
23 Aug 10
Actually, there are a lot of differences... Even in our own country - we have so much differences per region - the manner of speaking, the attitude towards guests, and how we welcome guests are different... so it would have to be a whole lot of other culture in other countries, i would say. In hongkong, you will see people are always stressed, i can see that they have a very "fast paced" life. They seem like their life is devoted to work... he he Unlike in the Philippines, you would notice that the life is not as fast paced as other countries, we are more laid back than any other country in the Asia region, i guess.
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@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
23 Aug 10
Even in Denmark there are differences between the different regions. It is a small country, but there are still differences between the traditions and the way that people behave. In the eastern part of the country people are generally more likely to show enthusiam and say positive things. In the eastern part of the country when people like something they will say things like: "That is great, I love it". In the western part of the country people will say: "That is okay, it is not that bad" in the same kind of situation
@eden_shii (506)
• Australia
23 Aug 10
That's a good observation. I am from the Philippines and I've travelled to quite a few places. One of the countries I've been to is Australia. I stayed in Queensland. And I just noticed that everytime I walk around, a number of people will say "Hello" or ask "How are you going?". Well, we are a total stranger and I think it has become a part of their culture to greet anyone they meet (especially if your sight meet). Other's will just smile. When I've been to South Korea, what I've noticed that people are so polite. For example, whenever I go to shops they always greet their customers politely. And even in receiving the payment, they will accept it with two hands to signify respect. And they are helpful though they are shy (since I think it's because of the language barrier). I just wish that more and more people from our country will follow these styles of other nation. Of course, Filipinos have good traits but some are being forgotten. I just wish our country will adopt some of the traits I've mentioned. :D
@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
23 Aug 10
It sounds like a nice idea to greet the people that you meet including strangers, the Danes don't usually do that. Some years ago some Danes from Copenhagen tried to convince strangers to greet eachother and they put up some signs reminding people to greet eachother, but I am not sure how the "experiment" went.
@jennyze (7029)
• Indonesia
23 Aug 10
When I visited Chicago, I noticed that there were no children outside the house except for going to the park nearby with parents or family. It would be good if my country people adopt this attitude, so there will be no more children run by cars in the street. When I visited Sydney, it was a short visit, I went to a friend house and was surprised that they made their own marmalade form the little yard at the back of their house. I wish people in my country knows how to preserve fruits to sell or give to family and neighbors. I am going to visit China this October, so I will see what I like most of their culture. And when you visit Indonesia, you will know how people are friendly, but beware of the traffic.
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• Philippines
23 Aug 10
I don't travel because I cannot afford, but what I am proud of is my country Philippines. I love our culture, there are a lot of beautiful places. People here is polite, courteous and friendly.
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@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
22 Aug 10
When I have traveled in Australia I have met welcoming officials at places like the airport. I wish immigration offices in other countries were as friendly. I made an appointment at a bank and the bank clerk was ready with brochures and stories of all the places worth visiting. In South Africa I had a charming experience at a bank that was closed but opened its doors for me. On a coach journey there they said a prayer wishing for a safe trip. I haven't ever heard a prayer on any transport in other countries. In the Cook Islands I met friendly people that invited me on a walk and into their home for tea. When I visited some places in Eastern Europe like Bulgaria I had language difficulties. In my home country I wish officials would have the same welcome as the Australians to the foreign visitors. I like the sound of the polite Scottish people.
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