Have you ever visited another country where you’ve witnessed a cultural norm or a tradition that made you wish you could bring it home with you?
Well, Redditor dr_doctorp asked, “What’s one interesting thing you saw in another country that made you think, ‘How does my country not have this?'” Here are the norms people would like to adopt back home.
1.
“In Italy, everywhere you look, there are bars that sell cappuccinos, bottled drinks (including alcohol), and pre-made sandwiches ready to be slapped on a panini grill. All for really cheap prices.”
2.
“In Iceland, Christmas Eve is spent curled up with a new book. Growing up, I had as many as four to five places to be and shit to do on Christmas Eve, then another three or four on Christmas day (plus repeating a stop or two from the night before sometimes). All I wanted to do was crack open a book and be left alone until the stuffing was cool enough to eat.”
3.
“In Germany, the traffic lights go from green to yellow to red like they do everywhere else, but after red, they light up red + yellow together before green. That way people have a head start getting ready to hit the gas, and by the time it’s green, you’re immediately moving forward.”
4.
“In Switzerland, you must pass rigorous requirements to acquire a driver’s license. For example, you must take practical lessons in varying conditions (snow, darkness, highway), followed by an eye exam, first aid, etc…”
5.
“In Japan, I love how many holidays they have to celebrate various aspects of the season, or just taking time to enjoy nature. This month is September, so they have Moon Viewing. In the fall, they have the viewing of the fall leaves as they turn color. In spring, they have picnics under the cherry blossoms and drink and just socialize while watching the flowers bloom and fall…”
6.
“I really like the whole Day of the Dead celebration of death some cultures have. I can’t stand the dark, sombre attitude we have to death most of the time. Obviously, death is sad, and we’ve lost someone we love, but I love the idea of celebrating their life instead of mourning their death. It’s beautiful.”
7.
“I love the Scandinavian culture of a cold dip followed by relaxing in a wood-burning sauna. I could get used to that on the regular so fast.”
8.
“I was an exchange student in Germany during my junior year in high school. Right before I left, I had a job as a cashier at a grocery store. When I first went shopping in Germany, I thought, ‘They get to SIT?! Why couldn’t I do that!?’ The only place that does this in the U.S. now is Aldi, which, of course, is a German company.”
9.
“Southeast Asian-style Street food or hawker markets. Cheap, Clean, and relatively healthy dishes that are easily available…. After a long day at work, I’d love to just be able to grab some pad Thai, pad Krapao, chicken and rice, or a bowl of laksa for a few quid rather than going home and cooking all the time. Hawker markets where you don’t need to to the dishes would be even better!”
10.
“I just came back from Ireland. I adored how restrooms in Ireland and the UK have full doors with a visible occupied/available indicator. They are far superior to the American version, where you have to look for feet under the door and gaps that people can see through.”
11.
“Many businesses in France give their employees two-hour lunch breaks to sit and enjoy a meal… even banks.”
12.
“The concept of a ‘minga’ from Ecuador. This term comes from an indigenous language and would translate to something like ‘community volunteer project.’ Repaving a road, painting the local health center, or helping repair a house that an elderly resident can’t. Everyone in the neighborhood/village helps out, food and drink are shared, and it fosters a real sense of community, unlike anything I’ve seen in ‘developed’ nations.”
13.
“In South Korea, there were buttons on the tables to signal you were ready to order, pay, whatever. It meant no pushy or hovering waitstaff. Plus, waiters are able to chill and relax a bit when no one needs their help.”
14.
“When I was in Singapore, I saw these things that looked like vending machines. It was a machine that you would take your empty pop can, put it in this compartment, and lift a handle to crush the can. It would then drop down into the machine. Then the machine printed out coupons for businesses in the area. I thought it was genius! I’ve never seen it anywhere else.”
15.
“Public transportation that actually runs on time. I was in Japan, and trains were down to the second.”
16.
“In Rwanda, they have one day a month where everyone is required to do community work. We saw people sweeping the sidewalks and streets. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all just worked in our towns to make them better for everyone? Plant trees or flowers, clean community areas, fix fences, and more.”
—Anonymous
17.
“Many Italian cities have these spigots that offer clean, safe drinking water.”
18.
“In Scandinavia and in Switzerland, bicycle riders must obey the traffic laws to the same extent as car drivers. They stop at stop signs. Have lights on their bikes at night. Bicycle riders will receive tickets with substantial fines if they don’t. This ensures the safety of the biker, the drivers, and the pedestrians.”
19.
“Sento culture in Japan. Every city (even small ones) has at least one public bath. There you have several small pools, with different kinds of water: hot, cold, lukewarm, perfumed (I even saw one with electricity in it!), showers of course, but also sometimes hammam or sauna. Some also have an outdoor Access. It’s really cheap (about 5€), and let me tell you, soaking your sore muscles after a long day exploring the city while gazing at the stars, is one of the best feelings. I wish I could do this in my city anytime.”
20.
“Taiwanese 7-11’s. They improve your quality of life tremendously. In addition to the enormous food selection (onigiri, ramen, drinks, snacks), you can also get freshly brewed coffee, pay your bills, and send postage in one place. I miss these convenience stores so much.”
21.
“A boulangerie or patisserie located every few blocks, like in Paris, so I can always have access to fresh baguettes or pain au chocolat.”
22.
“The passeggiata custom in Italy. Everyone emerges from their home at about 5:30 p.m. and joins others for a leisurely stroll around town. If they don’t walk, they come out for a ‘happy hour’ and sit to socialize with friends and family. It’s a perfect way to stay active and connected with live interaction.”
23.
“The Japanese custom of removing outdoor shoes before entering a home. It keeps things much cleaner and healthier.”
Do you have something to add? What is a tradition, a custom, or just something wonderful you have witnessed in another country that you wish you could bring back home with you? Tell us in the comments or in this anonymous form.
