culture shock in Belgium

Culture shock in Belgium

                                                                      by Ms. Warathchaya Pengthong

            Belgium is a country in Western Europe. It’s land of chocolate. Brussels is the capital city in Belgium. Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. Its two largest regions are the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in the north and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. The Brussels-Capital Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region. A German-speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political conflicts are reflected in its political history and complex system of government.  This country is very various. For this reason, there are three culture shocks in Belgium : food and drink, place and festival.

          First, there are many kinds of food and drink in Belgium. Belgian chocolate has been a lure for lovers, the indulgence of kings and today, everyone's favorite sweet. Over 172,000 tons of chocolate is produced per year with more than 2,000 chocolate shops throughout Belgium, a country the size of Maryland. Next, Moules Frites is a popular main dish of mussels and fries originating in Belgium but also popular in France and in the rest of Northern Europe. The title of the dish is French, Moules meaning mussels and frites fries, with the Dutch name for the dish meaning the same. It is sometimes considered the national dish of Belgium.                    ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moules-frites)  Then, Belgium has a lot of beer band loyalty. Beer in Belgium varies from pale lager to lambic beer and Flemish red. There are approximately 180 breweries in the country, ranging from international giants to microbreweries. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_in_Belgium)

          For another thing, there are many culture shocks on place in Belgium. Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country. It’s the city of the most romantic place for honeymoon. Next, The traditional tourist attraction is Grand Palace in Brussels is a remarkably homogeneous body of public and private buildings, dating mainly from the late 17th century. The architecture provides a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural life of the period in this important political and commercial centre. Then, The Cinquantenaire Museum is an art and history museum that occupies most of the southern part of the complex. It is part of the Royal Museums for Art and History. This is a Belgian federal institute of the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office. The museum consists of several parts, which include a national collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Merovingian period (751 AD), and a collection of artifacts from theantiquity of the Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinquantenaire)

          Finally, there are many culture shocks on festival. Belgium has various of festival such as, Brussels Flower Carpet, a major event on the Grand Place. This magnificent multicoloured carpet can be admired from the balcony of the City Hall, which will be open to visitors.The Flower Carpet only happens every two years. Next, Tomorrowland is one of the biggest electronic music festivals held in the world, taking place in Belgium. It used to be organized as a joint venture by the original founders together with ID&T. The festival takes place in the town of Boom, 16 kilometers south of Antwerp, 32 kilometers north of Brussels, and has been organized since 2005. Tomorrowland has since become one of the most notable global music festivals. Last, Ghent Light festival, every three years the Light Festival lights up the city with works by international light artists. The city’s nights will become the backdrop for a surprising spectacle, ingenious installations, spectacular performances and beautiful events, all based on light. 

As the result, there are three culture shocks in Belgium : food and drink, place, festival. It is a wonderful country. This country is very various. There are many tribes and culture. Belgium has the interesting things such as, Chocolate, Moules Frites, Beer, Bruges, Grand Place, Bussels Flower Carpet, Tomorrowland and Ghent Lightfestival. It is the new experience. This is a theme of Belgium.

References

Chocolate Lovers. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

       http://www.visitbelgium.com/?page=chocolate-lovers.

Moules Frites. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :             

       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moules-frites.

Beer in Belgium. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_in_Belgium.

Bruges. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges.

Grand Place. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

       http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/857/.

The Brussels Flower Carpet. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

http://www.opt.be/informations/events-bruxelles-the-brussels-flower-carpet-a-major-event-  on-the-grand-place/en/E/19372.html.

Tomorrowland. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomorrowland_(festival).

Ghent Light festival. Retrieved on November 24,2015. Retrieved from :

      https://visit.gent.be/en/event-light-festival-ghent?context=tourist.

culture shock in Bhutan

Culture shock in Bhutan

                                                                        by  Ms. Surangrat Daina

                   Bhutan is a tiny and remote kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its giant neighbors, India and China. Most of Bhutanese are famers, and Bhutan is the first country in the world to convert to a 100 percent organic agricultural system. (www.npr.com) Bhutan maintains a special identity of its own. Moreover, Bhutan’s unique identity is reflected through the magnificent traditional dresses that have evolved over thousands of years. Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by neighbor’s country and this country has many interesting natural places. In this article, there are 3 culture shocks in Bhutan: tourism, Bhutanese dress and food.

                   First of all, culture shock on tourism. Their policy for tourism is “High Value, Low Impact.” Bhutan is no limit on the number of tourists admitted into the country each year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural. This country is a landlocked country in South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by India. Bhutan's capital is Thimphu. One of the most interesting of Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Then have policemen standing in small pavilions, directing traffic with hand motions. In addition, its traditional Buddhist sights and attractions, it offers cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Finding a balance between the esoteric and espresso. Then is the key to getting into the lifestyle of Bhutanese.

                   For another issue, the most distinctive features of the Bhutanese is their traditional dress. Men wear the Gho, a knee-length robe somewhat resembling a kimono that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt. Women wear the Kira, a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket. Bhutanese wear long scarves and it worn by men. The colors of scarves mean the wearer’s status or rank. For example, the king wears yellow scarf and judge wear green scarf. In the part of women, they wear Rachus. The Rachu is hung over a woman’s shoulder and unlike the scarves worn by men, does not have any specific rank associated with its color. Rachus are usually woven out of silk and beautifully coloured patterns. (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan /bhutanese-dress)

                   For the last thing, traditional Bhutanese eating habits are simple and, in general, food is eaten with hands, beside family members eat while sitting cross legged on the wooden floor with food first being served to the head of the household first. Beside, food in Daily Life, there is a certain ethnic diversity in the food. Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian culture. The main dish, which generally includes white or red rice, seasonal vegetables, and meat (pork and chicken), are often cooked with chili or cheese. So, the national dish of Bhutanese food is Ema-Datsi, consisting of ema (chilli) cooked in datsi (cheese). (http://www.bhutan.com/food-drinks)

                   As the result, there are 3 culture shocks in Bhutan: culture shock on tourism, culture shock on Bhutanese dress and culture shock on food. If you are a true traveler, loving to explore new territory where hasn’t been discovered. If you love to encountering gentle people of breathtaking nature and if you have an open mind,  await you a paradise called “Bhutan”.

References

Angelica and Hans. Bhutan inbound tour and travel agent. (n.d.). Retrieved on    

       November 21, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.bhutanmahayanatours.com

       /testimonial.html.

Bhutan country profile. (2015). Retrieved on November 20, 2015. Retrieved from

       http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12480707

culture shock in Switzerland

Culture Shock in Switzerland

                             by Ms. KanokwanYoosuk 

             Switzerland is a country in central Europe and a landlock country geographically divide between The Alps. The Jungfraujuch(The roof of Europe) has a height of 3466 meters above sea level in The Alps. There are 3 culture shock in Switzerland: foods, festivals, and places.

             First of all, it is the culture shockSwitzerland and food is influenced by Raclette is a local cheeses costomaliry grill slowly over a fire with layer by melted layer sliced off to blanket boiled potatoes, pickles and onions. Next, Geschnetzeltes is Zurich style minced meat is made from veal, thinly sliced and Sauted. The delicious gravy. It’s made with onions, mushrooms, white wine, and cream. Furthermore Papet Vaudois means as much as mash this delicious hotpot made from leek and potatoes. Moreover, Switzerland is “the land of chocolate and cheeses” chocolate and cheeses many of which can only be found in Switzerland. Cheeses and chocolate are nearly legendary here because milk is typically un-pasteurized, therefore the milk and cream use in the chocolate and cheeses in Switzerland are fresh, creamy and make a textural, sensory difference.

             For another things, it is about culture shock on festivals. Zibelemärit onion festival, Bern
This traditional folk festival draws farmers and 50 tons of onions artistically woven into braids. Stalls sell traditional pottery, foods and hot glühwein(mulled wine) while youngsters throw confetti in the streets. Furthermore, Sechseläuten (six o’clock chimes) Zurich Members of all the guilds dress in costumes and celebrate the arrival of spring, which is climaxed by the burning of Böögg, a straw figure symbolising winter. Additionally, there are children's parades to keep the whole family entertained. Next, Fasnacht spring carnival of Basel is world famous three day carnival features participants in colourful costumes and masks parading in the streets. (www.expatica.com)

            In the end, it is about culture shock on places. Verzasca is a turquoise water and vibrant colour rocks as well as it is treacherous currents. A crystal clear river is so clean that the 50ft deep riverbed can be seen from a bridge crossing over the water. Moreover, Zermatt is the most famous peak in The Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt stands 4478 meters high. Zermatt also offers skiing and beautiful views. Furthermore, Museostorico di blenio is famous chocolate museum. So when tourists arrived here let’s not miss the homemade chocolate. Tourist also should visit this museum. It’s present about story of chocolate.

(www.touropia.com)

            As the result, there are 3 culture shocks in Switzerland: foods, festivals, places. In Switzerland, there are a lot of foods: Raclette, Geschnetzeltes, Papet Vaudois. Furthermore, 3 festivals: Zibelemärit, Sechseläuten, and Fasnacht. Finally 3 places: Verzasca, Zermatt, Museostorico di blenio. It’s the most beautiful places of Switzerland.

References

TramsoftGmbh. 11 may 2013. Foods in Switzerland. (online). Available: http://www.about.ch/about Switzerland-foods. (Access date 18 November 2015).

       The official tourism site of Switzerland. (online). Available:http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-th/home.html. (Access date 18 November 2015).

       Top festivals in Switzerland. (online). Available:http://www.expatica.com/ch/about/ culture-history-Swiss-festival_106810.html(Access date 18 November 2015).

        Best places to visit in Switzerland. (online). Available:http://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-Switzerland. (Access date 18 November 2015).

culture shock in Norway

Culture shock in Norway

                                                                                                            by  Mr.Thaksin Choochang

Norway is a  beautiful part of the continent of Europe.The country of mountains, fjords and glaciers. The 'Land of the Midnight Sun' has delightfully long summer days, situated in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It extends about 1,100 mi (1,770 km) (http://www.infoplease.com/) from the North Sea along the Norwegian Sea, in the northern of Europe, and with all its deeply cut fjords and islands it totals about 21,930 kilometers (13,620 miles) in length. These islands form an internal waterway protected from the ocean, and Norway's name, meaning "northern way". Although is the parts of Europe. But Norway isn't join the European Union, a lot of people think that Norway use the euro currency. Infect Norway use own currency. There are 3 culture shocks in this amazing country : geography,food and drinking and economy

        For these reason there are 4 season in Norway including with  summer, autumn, winter and spring.Summer takes from June to early August is when the weather is warmest and the days are long and bright. Temperatures in July and August can reach 25°C - 30°C, but in winter much of Norway is usually transformed into a snow-clad paradise. Temperatures can reach below -40°C. Norway has great interesting geography which has a distinctive identity, land of midnight sun, fjord and beautiful weather. Midnight sun, during the Norwegian summer season, the sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle and for a couple of months the sun is visible 24 hours a day, called midnight sun. The tilt of the Earth is responsible for the length of days and nights., the nights are longer, and when it tilts towards the sun the days are longer. Morever, A fjord, as the Sognafjord, is per definition a glacially over deepened valley, extended below sea-level and naturally filled with seawater.  The fjords of Norway were dug out by ice, stone and rock during successive ice ages which Western Norway is famous for easily accessible fjords and mountains. The area offers activities such as hiking, glacier walking and fishing at the world famous fjords of Western Norway.

Norway has great the natural resources of the greater Scandinavian region. Surrounded by water, Scandinavian cuisine includes lots of seafood. Norwegians love their fish and consume seafood an average of three to four times a week,Locally caught seafood like salmon ("laks" in Norwegian), cod and lutefish are prepared and served in all manners. Fish is poached, grilled, fried, smoked, salted and dried, and cured. Popular traditional Norwegian seafood meals include Fiskesuppe (fish soup) besides,Sandwiches, Open-faced sandwiches are a tradition in Scandinavian countries, Norway has its own variants. Popular open-faced sandwiches in Norway are made with a buttered slice of toast, typically whole-grain rye, topped with meatballs, herring, fish filets or leverpostei. Additionary, It is hard liquor is very heavily consumed in Norway, The age limit for purchasing beer and wine is 18 years and for spirits it is 20 years.Beer is the drink of choice for most people.  Wine is becoming more and more popular, but since the Norwegian climate does not accomodate vineyards, the sales have typically been lower than beer.

Althougt, Norway is the on of Eupopian Union, this country refuse the Euros. Krone is the norwegian currency ( 1 Krone is 0.11 U.S dollar) furthermore using credit cards is very widespread in Norway, The credit card accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts such as for parking and toll fees. Inaddition, the purchase of the products by raising their initial price, discounting in supermarket.A reverse vending machine is a device that accepts used (empty) beverage containers and returns money or coupon to the user. The machines are popular in places that have mandatory recycling and supermarket.

Among them, 3 culture shocks in Norway geography,food and drink and economy I would like to invite to com to this amazing country. You will get great experience and seeing the good different georafy view. Althougt  it is  very heavily consumed but it good to help the body to keep warm. The land of midnight sun will make you serprise and Norway is going to make you happy with sea food.

References :

 http://www.visitnorway.com/en/about-norway/travel-facts/before-you-go/currency-and-prices/

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Europe/Norway.html

http://www.visitnorway.com/top-places

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/traditional-food-norway-10910.html

culture shock in Egypt

Culture shock in Egypt

                                                                                    by Ms. NutchanunChanprasert

          Egypt, Egypt is the land of Pyramid. Egypt is a recognized cultural trend-setter of the Arabic-speaking world. Contemporary Arabic and Middle-Eastern culture is heavily influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television. Egypt gained a regional leadership role during the 1950s and 1960s, giving a further enduring boost to the standing of Egyptian culture in the Arabic-speaking world. Egypt is situated in the northeast corner of the Africa. A large river called the River Nile flows through the country into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile enters Egypt from the Sudan and flows north for about 1545 km (about 960 m) to the sea.    (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt#Names)Egyptian identity evolved in the span of a long period of occupation to accommodate Islam, Christianity and Judaism; and a new language, Arabic, and its spoken descendant, Egyptian Arabic which is also based on many Ancient Egyptian words. Egyptian believe superstition and myth. Egyptian respect Pharaoh God and mummies. In this article, there are 3 culture shock in Egypt : Superstition and myth , Prostitution ,and food and dessert.

          First of all, superstition and myth as Pharaoh God simply means "the one who lives in the palace". Egyptians addressed their Pharaoh as though he were a god with several forms. They thought he was more than human and addressed him with the names of several gods. The Pharaoh's most godlike names were "son of Re" and "giver of life like Re". The Egyptians believed that no single name could express the greatness of their ruler. They also believed by serving the gods,(https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations)the king helped the sun to rise every morning and helped the Nile to flood at the end of each summer. They believed that in return for the offerings of food and water that only the Pharaoh could make, the gods would feed the souls of the Egyptians after death. The Pharaoh's power was almighty and unquestioned. Moreover, Book of the dead was known to the Egyptians as Reu nu pert emhru translated that means. The Chapters of coming forth by day. It is a collection of chapters made up of magic spells and formulas. It was illustrated and written on papyrus. These papyrus were commissioned by the deceased before their death. Furthermore Belief the mummies, the earliest Ancient Egyptian mummies were created naturally due to the environment in which they were buried. In the era prior to 3500 BCE,Egyptians buried the dead in pit graves, without regard to social status. Pit graves were often shallow. This characteristic allowed for the hot, dry sand of the desert to dehydrate the bodies, leading to natural mummification. The natural preservation of the dead had a profound effect on Ancient Egyptian religion. Egyptians saw the preservation of the body after death as an important step to living well in the afterlife. The burial practices became a status symbol for the wealthy as well. This cultural hierarchy lead to the creation of elaborate tombs, and more sophisticated methods of embalming.

          For another thing, prostitution,prostitution in Egypt is illegal. Police department officially combats prostitution but, like almost all other countries, prostitution exists in Egypt. The prostitutes in Egypt are Egyptian, Eastern European, and of many other nationalities. Prostitution was legalized in Egypt in 1882 by the British occupying administration. It was relatively more widely seen between approximately 1929 to 1958, a time of British occupation. The prostitution system in Egypt often depends on pimping, although women also work alone. Pimps in Egypt organize the work of a group of prostitutes and receive a percentage of their profits. This is called the network in Egypt. This system is mainly used in Cairo and Alexandria and other big cities but the most prostitution live in the rural or small village and their clothing are impolite you can see them at every night.

         For the last thing, Food and dessert, Halawa is a middle-eastern food common across all countries in the Mediterranean. Halawa is made from sesame paste and is available in all shapes and forms: blocks, hair Halawa, energy bars and spreads.There are lots of rich ingredients: pistachios, pine, and almonds. It is a common staple food among Egyptians.Also it is eaten as a snack or for breakfast and dinner. Halawa can be used as a main ingredient in many other dishes, among those is the Sakalans, which is mixture of Halawa, honey and whipped cream. Interestingly, Halawa is one of the few foods that can tolerate the hot Egyptian weather without going bad, and it doesn’t need any special storage conditions. Besides,Shawermais one of popular Egyptian dishes, Itcomes from the Ottoman Empire. The best shawerma in Egypt will traditionally be available at Syrian owned sandwich parlours. Roz bi Laban (Egyptian Rice Pudding) is a traditional Egyptian recipe for a classic milk-based rice pudding thickened with corn flour (cornstarch) and flavored with raisins and cinnamon.

At the result, There are 3 culture shocks in Egypt : Superstition and myth, Prostitution ,and Food and dessert. Visit here because you want to see Pyramid and Mummies . You will know many myth of Egyptian. But avoid western women about clothes and travel in Egypt tonight. Moreover, food and dessert of Egypt are interesting and lot of rich ingredients because Egypt food have vegetable main of meal.

  The carved hieroglyphs at the ‘White Chapel’ of Senusret I at Karnak (c1950 BC). Did hieroglyphs evolve from early tax records? © AKG Images

References

Egypt Travel. n.dRecommended Attractions.[online]. Available: http://thetravelinsider.info/destinations/middleeast/introtoegypt.htm (Access date 21 November 2015.

  Ancient Egypt. n.dDefinition.[online]. Available: http://global.britannica.com/place/ancient-Egypt (Access date 21 November 2015)

          History world. n.dHistory of Egypt.[online]. Available: http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa28 (Access date 21 November 2015)

          Cultural Property Training Resource. n.dTimeline of Egyptain History and Cultuer.[online]. Available: http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/egypt02-01enl.html

          Food in every country. n.d Egypt .[online]. Available: http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Egypt.html