Having the chance to travel in many places and coming into contact with many cultures, taught me a lot of important lessons and interesting facts. The first lesson was: traveling is the best teacher you can get.
Malta
When I traveled to Malta, this state was the only European Union nation without divorce legislation. That changed in 2011. Up to then, Maltese citizens could only obtain divorce abroad. In the last 30 years, 785 Maltese couples divorced this way, with numbers gradually rising from seven in 1981 to 47 in 2010.
Mauritius
After visiting Mauritius, I totally agreed with Mark Twain who said: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” It is one of the richest as well as the most developed countries in Africa and its capital, Port Louis, is one of the wealthiest cities in the African continent. Also, Mauritius doesn’t maintain a standing army. #peace
Uganda
No tipping. When you travel to Uganda, don’t expect to tip your waitress or cab driver. Tipping is not normally expected from any consumers in the country. Instead, expect to do some heavy bargaining, particularly when you visit a market or craft shop to purchase souvenirs.
No stopping to save others. Before going to Uganda, I have attainted a short workshop where we were explained a few rules about the life there. One of the things that shocked me the most was not to interfere if there is a car accident and the driver doesn’t stop. The driver knows the best and you are not allowed to get involved.
Costa Rica
Costa Rican women don’t take their husband’s last name. The woman uses her full maiden name for life. Children take their father’s last name followed by their mother’s last name.
People will often give directions using North, South, East and West and will be given in meters; however, meters usually equates to city blocks is 100 meters would be 1 city block.
Ticos love to iron everything, even underwear and especially tablecloths and napkins.
Tuscany
It’s the birthplace of the Italian language. The official Italian language spoken today is based on the Tuscan dialect that dates back to the Renaissance period.
Did you know that Pinocchio is from Tuscany? It means “Pine Eyes” in Italian?
