Some people travel to find out how other countries do things differently. I certainly want to try new foods when travelling.
I live in the UK.
And Singapore.
I have lived in the USA.
My parents had a flat in Spain.
But other people are seeking to find how other countries have something in common. it depends on how you look at it. Two countries have something in common - which is different from the rest of the world.
Writing
Writing starts from the left. Naturally.
Working down the page.
Actually, no. The Chinese traditionally start at the top and work down the column.
Lift Numbers
Speaking of numbers, the British and former British Commonwealth countries have the ground floor. One storey up is floor one.
The Americans start on the ground floor with floor one. Second storey is one up. A three storey building has three levels.
Chinese Lifts
The lift numbers in Singapore often confuse me. They go to the top of a column then come to the bottom of the next column and rise up again.
In Singapore, a room numbered 01-03 is ground floor, room three.
Addresses
In Singapore to help the postal deliveries, the street name comes first, then on the next line the flat number and the building. In England you would be flat 12, Hill Hostel. In Singapore you would be Hill Hostel, flat 12. Actually, in the UK you would not list the floor. So your address in Singapore would be 01-12 on the ground floor, 02-12, if you go up one level.
What about writing letters and messages?
Hebrew Writing
For example, I remember my surprise on discovering that both the Jews and Moslems have books whose writing starts from the right instead of the left.
Now let us look at religious and seasonal celebrations.
Chinese Eggs & Easter
Chinese eggs, boiled eggs, are for Chinese New Year in China and Singapore. Eggs like what and when elsewhere? Easter eggs are made in Europe, more usually sold in the UK and Christian countries. the Jewish Seder festival also features eggs. Like the other festivals, Passover features many foods, meats and sweets.
Xmas
Christmas - a common festival. But celebrated on different days. Dec 25 in the UK. In January in many European countries.
Spanish Flag
Spain
The first time I encountered Xmas on a different date was in Spain. In the UK the Xmas time parades at Christmas featured motorised floats. In Spain they had horses carrying the three kings.
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
I live in the UK.
And Singapore.
I have lived in the USA.
My parents had a flat in Spain.
But other people are seeking to find how other countries have something in common. it depends on how you look at it. Two countries have something in common - which is different from the rest of the world.
Writing
Writing starts from the left. Naturally.
Working down the page.
Actually, no. The Chinese traditionally start at the top and work down the column.
Lift Numbers
Speaking of numbers, the British and former British Commonwealth countries have the ground floor. One storey up is floor one.
The Americans start on the ground floor with floor one. Second storey is one up. A three storey building has three levels.
Chinese Lifts
The lift numbers in Singapore often confuse me. They go to the top of a column then come to the bottom of the next column and rise up again.
In Singapore, a room numbered 01-03 is ground floor, room three.
Addresses
In Singapore to help the postal deliveries, the street name comes first, then on the next line the flat number and the building. In England you would be flat 12, Hill Hostel. In Singapore you would be Hill Hostel, flat 12. Actually, in the UK you would not list the floor. So your address in Singapore would be 01-12 on the ground floor, 02-12, if you go up one level.
What about writing letters and messages?
Hebrew Writing
For example, I remember my surprise on discovering that both the Jews and Moslems have books whose writing starts from the right instead of the left.
Now let us look at religious and seasonal celebrations.
Chinese Eggs & Easter
Chinese eggs, boiled eggs, are for Chinese New Year in China and Singapore. Eggs like what and when elsewhere? Easter eggs are made in Europe, more usually sold in the UK and Christian countries. the Jewish Seder festival also features eggs. Like the other festivals, Passover features many foods, meats and sweets.
Xmas
Christmas - a common festival. But celebrated on different days. Dec 25 in the UK. In January in many European countries.
Spanish Flag
Spain
The first time I encountered Xmas on a different date was in Spain. In the UK the Xmas time parades at Christmas featured motorised floats. In Spain they had horses carrying the three kings.
About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
