culture

Get the authentic cultural experience on your next foreign jaunt. Wander like a local; here, there, and everywhere.

Karaoke and Settlers of Catan
Today, I volunteered to partake in community lessons. The topic of today was taught by Nick Giannini, and it was about the comparison of comic books between the United States and Japan. As simple as this topic may have seemed, the community members were very excited about it, and it gave them a chance to practice speaking English regarding a topic that they are aware of and that interests them. Some of the community members are beginning to recognize me, and they are always so happy to see me. Generally, the people here are hospitable and friendly in every way imaginable, especially the community members. They are excited to not only use their English when they come to the lessons, but they are jubilant when they are able to connect with us teachers further through Line or Facebook so that we can hang out outside of these community lessons. They are nothing short of welcoming, making the initial transition to living in Japan so much easier and smoother.
By An Tran7 years ago in Wander
Better Than Beans and Rice
On September 20, 2017, hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. The storm caused widespread damage and it is estimated more than 4,600 people on the island died as a result from the catastrophe. In the pursing months, the United States struggled to respond to its territory, leaving the island without power and supplies for months.
By James Kopniske7 years ago in Wander
12 Halloween Traditions Around the World
Calling all Halloween lovers! October is a time for cooler weather, warm drinks, and of course Halloween! This spooky holiday is celebrated around the globe. And every nation that observes it has their own traditions and practices that you won't see anywhere else. After reading this you will want to add these countries to your Halloween bucket list.
By Rachel (Queen Wanderlust) 👑7 years ago in Wander
If We Die, We Die
“Baghkda eshum rhem! Baghkda eshum rhem!” The man driving the cramped Jeep was yelling out the window, ringing his left hand towards oncoming vehicles. I can’t exactly remember what he said since I don’t speak Hindi, or whatever dialect he was screaming in, but it stands out in my head as “Baghdad eshum rhem.” At that moment I could only imagine that if I were to ask for a translation from his two countrymen in the back seats, it would be, “If we die, we die.”
By Rush Eby7 years ago in Wander
10 Facts About Belarus You Never Knew
Belarus? What do you know about it? Small European country… Just to clarify: the correct name of the country is BELARUS; not Belorussia or Byelorussia.
By Lubow Dabrowska-Szpakowicz7 years ago in Wander
Differences
Two years ago, my mom decided she wanted to move back to Poland for "retirement." I remember just hanging out in my room and hearing my parents argue over it. "We were lucky to have won a green card, to have found work, this home..." My dad was saying. "If I would've known you wanted to go back, I would've never put in all these thousands into this house."
By K B7 years ago in Wander
What Is Hawaiian Literature
What is Hawaiian Literature? Being someone who has very little background on the topic, I entered my Hawaiian literature class with little to no knowledge on the topic. I didn't even know the English class I had enrolled in was for Hawaiian lit. But curious to learn, I thought about what constitutes as literature. The dictionary defines literature as “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.” But in the beginning, Hawaiian literature is mostly verbal stories. The stories tell a history of the land, the people, and the culture. Stories are an important part of the culture. Highly educated writer Thomas King discusses the importance and intimacy of a story, and how once you hear a story it becomes yours to tell. The way you tell it will never be the same as how you heard it before. Sometimes the details will changed or be seen differently. However with Hawaiian literature, they tell their stories with the same details as the person before them. It's a part of their culture and history. They started their literature off orally, which is why it is so important that the facts stay the same way, to preserve their history. Later when the missionaries came, written Hawaiian literature started to become more prevalent. They had many newspapers that were made to teach the Hawaiian people of stories. But what is the importance of Hawaiian literature, and who has the authority to create Hawaiian literature, or deem it to be proper and authentic Hawaiian literature?
By Bailey Clarke7 years ago in Wander
The Art of the French Insult
As a boy, I loved a film called National Lampoon’s European Vacation. I rented it on VHS from the local Blockbuster a dozen times before I entered the age of teenage indifference to feel-good comedies.
By Nick J Wood8 years ago in Wander
Fika, Lagom, & Hygge
Denmark and Sweden both have very rich and overlapping histories. As countries, when you take a look at them from the outside it would seem that they are similar. Both Scandanavian and neighbors, maybe Vikings pop into your head. The views we have can be very skewed until we have our boots on the ground.
By Steven Altman8 years ago in Wander
A New York Yankee in Georgia
Cultural whiplash! Don't let the pictures of New York City and Atlanta fool you. They may both be bustling cities and represent the best each area has to offer, but living in the south for a New York Yankee is very different. We are a family of four extremely diverse people who, looking for a less expensive lifestyle, chose to move a little north of Atlanta. Among us, we encompass the Caucasian, Hispanic, and African American races, but one thing we have in common is a distinctly northern ideology. Don't get me wrong. We like it here. But there are differences.
By Monica Bennett8 years ago in Wander
Thoughts of an Immigrant...
After sixteen years of being away from a place I had once considered my oasis, being reunited with one of my long-esteemed childhood friends in Chicago had been like a breath of fresh air. After being disconnected for years from my culture, my home, my friends, and family, I had started to perceive my heart as a separate entity. A lot of people raised in two different cultures can attest to the fact that sometimes it feels like the mind is one place and the heart is in another.
By Paulina Pachel8 years ago in Wander
Walls Jumped, Bridges Made
What if your parents decided to move to another country? More importantly, moving to another country without asking you for permission? When we crossed the border I was scared out of my mind. I felt like I was yanked from my clothes and kicked overboard in the dark Arctic waters. I felt exposed and deprived of parts of my identity. That was 10 years ago when I was in fourth grade, but today I feel much different. Now that my family and I live here, in “el otro lado,” as we call it where I come from. I realize something heart-warming and soul-fulfilling as freshly made tortillas. I am a man of two nations and I am prideful to claim that I have two places to call home.
By Salvador Bravado8 years ago in Wander