Category: Culture and Tradition

Indonesia is one of the most diverse archipelagos in the world. With close to 280 million people representing over 1300 official ethnic groups and thousands of more unique cultures, it is impossible to really ever get to know Indonesia. But you can certainly understand this incredible country better than most tourists if you are willing to devote a little time and have an open mind. 

Number 5: Learn a Little of the Official Language

The official language of Indonesia is called Bahasa Indonesia, or the Indonesian language. Almost everyone speaks it in the country. Ranked as one of the world’s easiest languages for an English speaker to learn, devoting 10 or 20 hours of study before you arrive in the country will significantly increase your enjoyment and allow you to get to know the people and the country better. 

Number 4: Get Off of the Tourist Trail

It is easy to spend a wonderful time in Indonesia ensconced in the tourist bubble. Whether it’s relaxing at a beach resort in Lombok, touring the Hindu temples of Bali, or even exploring the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. To experience the real Indonesia, you need to head to the less-visited places. The islands of Samosir, Banda, and Flores all have their particular allures. 

Number 3: Master Local Transportation

No matter where you go in Indonesia, you’ll find there are almost endless ways to travel. From air-conditioned tour buses to car rentals, you can travel in luxury, but sometimes the most exciting way to go from Point A to Point B is the way locals do it. Angkots are one of the most popular ways to get around. No bigger than a minivan, these vehicles run a set loop, and passengers can jump on and off wherever they like along the route. Angkots are shared, and you’ll get charged by the driver based on the approximate distance, so always ask the driver before getting in.  

Number 2: Eat on the Street

Eating is one of the best ways to spend your time in Indonesia. And some of the most incredible food in the country is cooked by the countless tiny street stalls called warungs. While the sanitation may not be on par with a Western restaurant, it is probably better than a food cart in a Western city. Warungs sell food for the working man and woman, so it’s cheap, filling, delicious, and the closest you’ll get to authentic Indonesian home cooking unless a local invites you home. 

Number 1: Talk to the Locals

Across the country, Indonesians are polite and friendly. However, once you get outside the main tourist areas, Indonesians are maybe the most generous and helpful people you could ever meet. So, don’t be afraid to smile and say “Hi.” You’ll learn more about the real Indonesia in a 10-minute conversation over tea than in touring a so-called cultural site for the entire day. As a bonus, most younger Indonesians speak at least some English and love to practice speaking. 

So once you step off the plane at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, step out of your comfort zone just a little, and you will have the time of your life getting to know the real Indonesia. 

It’s always fun learning about weird laws. Usually, you end up thinking, “Seriously? That was a thing? What were they thinking? Weird laws are almost as good as the stories of strange things people do in Florida and Germany.

England is no exception to the weird laws universe, and here are five excellent ones for today’s amusement.

No Betting in the Library

Want to bet your friend $5 that Jane Austin did not write a book translated into the tv movie that was on last night. Don’t do it. Gambling is not allowed in libraries under the Library Offenses Act of 1898.

Can it be assumed that libraries were once used as a place to play poker and drink ale? Time to look that up.

Members of Parliament May Not Wear Armor Inside Parliament Quarters

A statute codified in the 1313 Bearing of Armour Act is still in effect today, and wearing a full suit of armor into the Houses of Parliament is strictly forbidden. Edward II first implemented the statute to stop the violence between the two factions of parliament, the pro-royalist Lancastrians and the anti-royalist Earl of Glouchester’s party.

Oh, how fun would those fights have been to watch?

Beached Whales Need to Be Offered to the Reigning Monarch

Edward II was a busy monarch, decreeing in 1322 that the “head and spermaceti of a whale” would be given to the king. The finder of the beached whale got to keep the rest of the carcass.

How much fun would it be to go up to the Queen’s Guard and say, “I have a whale head and spermaceti for the queen, just as the law instructs.”?

Never Breed Your Corgi With One of the Queen’s

It’s tempting to win the Westminster dog show with some true royal corgi heritage, but it is illegal to let your pet mate with another from the royal household. Dreams now dashed, and there shall be no Westminster Legend Trophy anytime soon.

This law was punishable by death until 1965! Don’t take your corgi anywhere near that palace.

Do Not Walk Your Cows Down the Street in Daylight

Farmers or pet cow owners (who owns a pet cow?) are not allowed to walk their cows through the streets between 10 am and 7 pm. This law comes courtesy of an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom called the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867.

It is a well-known fact that pet cows get bored, especially in a small garden, and their owners should walk them. Not to mention, it is a cow and owner bonding experience.

You may take your cows down the streets of London if you have a note from the Commissioner of Police.

These are just five weird laws, and we didn’t even get into ten-year-olds and unclothed mannequins yet. The UK has some epic rules that make you grin when you read them. Go online, and you’ll find plenty more to fill your afternoon.

India is like nowhere else on earth. You have the chance to step into a swirling, exciting mixture of ancient and new. You can explore majestic ancient ruins and wonders of the world, enjoy delicious cuisine, and meet incredible people on your voyage.

When you step into a foreign country like India, however, you want to know how to act so that you can enjoy every aspect of your stay. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top 5 behaviors you want to avoid when traveling to India. Let’s dive in.

DON’T leave your shoes on when entering holy places, houses, or even some stores

Traditionally, Indians do not wear shoes in their homes or holy places. You might even see people take off their shoes to enter some stores. Therefore, if you visit temples or private homes, plan on leaving your shoes outside. You will likely see a pile by the door.

If you see people taking off their shoes to enter other establishments as well, follow their lead.

You do not want to inadvertently step on anyone’s toes, literally or figuratively.

DON’T expect everyone to speak English

You will find that a number of locals speak English. This is particularly true in major cities or near common tourist sites. However, that does not mean that everyone in India will speak English.

India has a rich and beautiful tapestry of languages and cultures. While many associate languages in India with Hindi, it is far from the only one. 

Learn about the languages spoken in the areas you will visit. Even if you can communicate in English with them or if you have a translator with you, being able to say ‘hello’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in their language will go a long way in showing your respect for their culture.

DON’T point at things with your finger or use your left hand for certain tasks

Pointing at something with your finger can make you seem very rude. Instead, to gesture at something in particular, you want to point with your thumb or with your head. While some Indians might be somewhat accustomed to seeing foreign tourists make this faux pas, it will not help you ingratiate yourself with the locals and can earn you stares or glares. Best to just avoid it.

Similarly, don’t reach for things or offer something to someone else with your left hand, such as giving alms in a temple or paying your taxi driver. The left hand is generally only used for tasks like personal hygiene and is considered unclean.

DON’T expect everything to start right on time

Many people in India function on their own understanding of time. Do not expect things to start on time. If you get invited to someone’s home, they will not really expect you until 20-30 minutes after the start time. Meetings and public transportation will also operate behind schedule.

Knowing what to expect can help you limit your frustration. Just build the extra time into your itinerary. Embrace Indian culture as you immerse yourself.

DON’T be afraid to step off the beaten path 

There is no doubt that stepping off the beaten path in India can be immensely rewarding. You can venture to Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh to see early cave dwellings and incredible prehistoric art. You can also explore the trails of the Western Ghats and see unique plants and animals. Don’t limit yourself in India to what everyone else does. Explore this beautiful country for yourself.

Exploring India is an opportunity to experience a rich and astounding place. Keep these guidelines in mind and go have the time of your life.