I’ve had the good fortune of being able to travel a lot lately. Below is a list of some curiosities I’ve noticed in other countries. These are not meant to be derogatory towards the countries I mention, but rather to point out some of the little differences that many people never know about. If you know of any yourself, please post. If I am wrong about any of this I apologize in advance. Some of this information is told to me by acquaintances and cabbies, so the sources may be questionable. But for the most part, I believe these are all true.
In Japan, there are many advertisements on TV and in print that feature prominent American actors and celebrities. Many of whom you’d never see pitching products in the US.
The most popular McDonalds breakfast sandwich in many Asian countries is the Filet o’ Fish.
The hotel beds in China are called “box springs” in the US.
Singapore has a long standing deal with Malaysia to buy fresh water at what is now a very low price. The Sings clean it up, and sell a lot of it back to Malaysia (because Malay tap water is not too nice). This situation has been a point of conflict, and has come to the point where it may lead to war between the two countries. Yes…war.
In Mexico, you can hire these guys called Serenados that will come with you to your girlfriend’s house and sing to her under her window. These guys stand like hookers on street corners, dressed in full traditional mariachi-style regalia, awaiting suitors with bad singing voices in need of their services. (You’ve got to love a world where Seranados exist.)
In Singapore, I’ve read serious newspaper editorials dedicated to urging readers to be more cautious when crossing the street, or other pressing topics like keeping a safe distance between your car and the next.
Mainland Chinese are very different than those that live in Hong Kong, and this difference is not without some tension. In fact, there is a slur that refers a person from Hong Kong. That word is “Hongkee”. Which is pronounced just like that old racial slur African-Americans used against whites in the 70’s, “Honkey”.
Similarly…
For centuries in Japan, people who handle meat and leather (particularly shoe salesmen) are treated as second class citizens. These victims of mass discrimination are called the “Buraku”. But if you ever hear a Japanese person say the word “Black”, it is generally pronounced in the same way.
Malaysian pidgin is English based. It’s not unusual to see “Sos tomato” on a bottle of Heinz 57. Or “Motorsikal Servis” on the front of a mechanic’s shop.
Tequila is generally clear in color. Many Mexicans laugh at Americans that drink Cuervo Gold. Not only because it’s pretty much the MD2020 of tequilas, but moreso because of the possible answer to a common question, “What is it that gives Jose Cuervo that yellow color?” Hmmm.
Can you add to this list?