Culture Shock: Morocco Edition

As I've mentioned before, I studied abroad through a program called Semester at Sea, in which we traveled around porting in various countries throughout the summer. It just so happened that our very first port was in Africa! Casablanca, Morocco, to be exact. Talk about culture shock!

Before going abroad, I was prepared to experience some level of culture shock because I had never been to Europe before. However, I don't think I was prepared for the culture shock that I stumbled upon during my time in Morocco. I would have to say, of all the countries we visited, Morocco was the most different, in comparison to anywhere I had been before. First of all, it was blazing hot (I should have expected that since we were in Africa, but I didn't). Not to mention, Morocco is a muslim country so the dress code is very strict. Therefore, I was forced to dress in long pants and long-sleeves everywhere I went. This was definitely a new concept to me and took some getting used to. 

The food was also extremely different than what you would find in the United States and water was hard to come by. My entire stay in Morocco felt like a quest for water because I had to be extremely careful about the water I drank and where it came from. We were instructed to only drink out of bottled water and to even be careful then because the seals are often broken. Brushing my teeth was a struggle as well because I needed to have bottled water on hand every time I wanted to brush my teeth. Culture shock seemed to be setting in fast and let's just say, my time in Morocco wasn't my most hygienic days. 

The culture shock I was experiencing doubled when I decided to take a walk through the local market in Casablanca. It was quite the sight. There were live chickens being beheaded and hung out in the open as I strolled through the market. At that point, I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into, but I knew I wanted to get out. 

Additionally, I spent a few days in a Berber camp in the Sahara desert. As you can imagine, water was, once again, hard to come by and we were living in the stifling hot Sahara desert. Oh, and did I mention that our only mode of transportation was riding camels? Yeah, that was quite the surprise and only enhanced my culture shock. Although my time spent at the Berber camp was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I was certainly ready to leave by the last day.

Once we arrived back in Marrakech, I was so excited to finally be back in civilization. Our last night in Morocco was looking up as we had planned to stay in a hotel in the city and go out that night. However, like most travel plans, things didn't go according to plan. The first disappointment of the night came as we checked into our hotel and were informed there was no air condition or WiFi. Let me just tell you, those were the two things I was most excited about after spending three days in the Sahara.

Although I knew air conditioning was hard to come by in Europe and certainly Africa, I held hope we would be in for a treat. Unfortunately, we weren't. After accepting the no A/C or WiFi fact, we decided to make the most of the night and visit a local grocery store to pick up some alcohol before going out. And here's where disappointment number two comes in....

Unbeknownst to us, Ramadan was in full swing and there was no alcohol to be found anywhere. It's important to note that the only reason this was such a big deal was because it was our first opportunity to go out since we had been abroad. And there we were again, faced with just another element of culture shock, as it is unheard of for alcohol to be scarce in the United States. 

Looking back on my time abroad, Morocco wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been our very first port. If I had previous exposure to different cultures and customs before visiting Morocco, I think I would have experienced a much smaller level of culture shock.

A Guide to Casual European Conversation

Freedom is an American value and stepping stone. We also tend to transfer this value to how we interact with each other. You have the personal freedom to say whatever you want in conversation. People may roll their eyes at you if you are particularly rash but it is not uncommon for people to share too much information. Think of your average plane ride, by the end of the plane ride you could know the life story of the person sitting next to you.

Europe does not play that game. Although it varies from country to country, cultures rooted in tradition or influence from art or enlightenment acknowledge well thought out debates or mere cordiality. Keep your inconsequential feelings to yourself.

We will look at the five top countries to travel according to Euro Monitor 2013 which are England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Great Britain

England has an eclectic mix of cultures beginning from the many takeovers from the Celtics, Romans, Vikings, Normans and finally Anglo-Saxons. Then from the expansion of the British Empire the island has grown into a unique mixture of cultures. Because of the many differing viewpoints, conversations are polite and consist of small talk usually about the weather. Unless you are particularly close with someone do you share private information, so dumping your whole life on a stranger would be out of place.

France

The French culture is influenced by the desire to live well and be seen living well. This is reflected in how they present themselves and their love of language. This also translates to the desire for intellectual debate. Northern Europe’s Logic and Latin culture’s emotion can be seen in French conversation. If you want to begin a lively conversation think out your arguments, do not make rash comments and, as always, begin and end your conversations with “Bonjour” and “Au Revoir”.

Germany

Germany has a long history of many cultures struggling to fit together whether that is from the many states fitting together to create Germany, the wars between Catholics and Protestants and clashes between East and West. Order is created by strict rules, formality and directness. Small talk is fine but look at the social cues around you and be tactful when you talk about history. Private information is not generally shared among strangers. Overall, be observant and respectful.

Hannah and I "in conversation" at the Lourve in an interactive art exhibit!

Italy

As the past epicenter of art and civilization the culture is vivacious.  Passionate debates are encouraged and happen simultaneously in a group of people. Jump in and talk about art, culture and other affairs in your own country! Emphasis is placed on living in the moment and enjoying family, tradition and putting on a good face.

Spain

In Spain social niceties and group approval are important with past utopian ideals. In a private relaxed setting feel free to talk about your travels, country, art, culture and your hosts’ children but avoid touchy historic issues.

When you engage in conversation in another country observe the natives and follow what they do. This information is just a snapshot of what is culturally acceptable in each place. Guide books and other websites are available to peruse.

Feel free to email me at readysetroamcontact@gmail.com or leave a comment if I left something out or if I pointed something out wrongly. Your feedback would be appreciated!

Foster, D. (2000). The global etiquette guide to Europe: everything you need to know for business and travel success. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Press.

Do It Right, Stay to the Right

Riding some public transportation while abroad? Then it would be important for one to have knowledge of proper etiquette when it comes to riding the train, tube, or metro. This etiquette includes everything from entering the station, riding the escalator to the trains, and behavior on the train itself. 

First, when entering the station, it is important to have tickets or metrocard ready. Locals will become frustrated or flustered if they have to wait while people fumble through their bags for their tickets. Get the ticket out and ready before you get in queue to enter the station. 

After swiping the metrocard or ticket, normally it is required to go up or down a set of escalators or stairs to reach the trains. If people are in a hurry or do not wish to "ride" the escalator, they will walk down the left side. If you are strolling at leisurely pace or wish to ride down, then stand to the right. For a set of stairs, people in more of a hurry push down on the left, slower walkers stick to the right. This is widely known in most European countries, and for those where it is not, signs are often displayed. An example would be in German train stations there are often signs by the escalator reading, "Rechts stehen, links gehen" – "stand on the right, walk on the left."

Once riders are waiting on the platform for the train, it is courteous to move down the platform as far as possible so that people entering have room to stand. When the train arrives in the station, remember to mind the gap and enter the cars carefully. There are always seating and standing options aboard. The seating to be aware of is the handicap or disabilities seating. Normally those are marked seats by the doors to the train. Also in London there are special seats sometimes marked for pregnant women or signs that say to give them seats if necessary. The important part to remember is offer your seat to those who need it more than you. 

Riders must be courteous and polite to other passengers, not only by giving them the special seats, but also by making as much room as possible so that everyone can fit on the train. Another obvious rule would be to keep to yourself and not cause distractions to other riders. These riders do not want to hear others loud conversations or watch any obnoxious behavior. 

If all these rules are remembered, and etiquette is followed, it will make for a great trip on public transportation in Europe. The ride will be smooth and easy, and people may even take you for a local. 

Photo Frenzy

BREAKING NEWS: According to a news report by BBC World News, it is now against the law in most European countries to pose for tacky tourist pictures. A tacky tourist picture consists of a person posing with a monument or historical site in a distracting way.

At the Fontana di Trevi

Anyone who disobeys these new laws will be prosecuted on site. If the photo isn't necessary or is just plain distracting, don't take it. The monument alone or the historic site portrayed in an appropriate manner is all that is now allowed. The picture to the right is just one example of what not to do.

Another example would be flashing the peace signs, statue mocking, or anything that can obstruct people's view or be a distraction. If caught in the act some countries our threatening fines, ticketing, jail time, or even deportation. 

So basically, just don't be crazy, tacky or wacky when being photographed or avoid photography all together. Some popular attractions that people have gotten caught with our crossing Abbey Road, running to Platform 9 3/4, catching the leaning tower of Pisa or attempting to hold the Louvre. All of which will get you in big trouble with the new law.

So remember, when on vacation, be careful. If you end up in a photo frenzy, they will find you. 

It's impossible to hold the Louvre, so stop trying...it will lead to punishment. 

Hogwarts IS NOT real, you can't run through the wall. 

Once again, this is physically impossible. You can't catch the leaning Tower of Pisa...nor do you need to. 

Crossing Abbey Road is bad news. You are obstructing and disrupting traffic. It's a road for a reason, get out of it. The Beatles did it, and that's that. 

ICE, ICE, BABY

During my time abroad, I was blown away by the concept of “nightlife” in Europe. I thought I had experienced some pretty crazy nightlife in the United States, but I was far from prepared for a night out “European style.”

In particular, the nightlife in Barcelona was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. A typical night out in Barcelona begins around midnight and ends around 7:00am for most locals. In the United States, most bars and clubs shut down around 2:00am, however, Barcelona is a city that never sleeps with bars and clubs staying open till the wee hours of the morning. And even after the bars and clubs shut down for the night, most locals hit the beach to watch the sunrise before throwing in the towel and heading home. For me, it was unrealistic to stay out that late every night, but I made it my goal to stay out at least one night until the sunrise. Although, I spent most of the next day in bed sleeping, the experience of hanging out on the beach waiting for the sun to rise was unforgettable.

The number of nightclubs lining the beach was overwhelming because I wanted to make sure I could experience each and every one. I quickly realized this was nearly impossible to accomplish, but I was able to visit a variety of unique nightclubs and bars.

Of all the nightclubs and bars I visited while in Barcelona, my favorite was Ice Barcelona. Before going abroad, I was amazed by the concept of an ice bar and knew I wanted to experience one before returning to the States. For those of you who don’t know, an ice bar is exactly what it sounds like: a bar made entirely out of ice. Before entering, each person is given a heavy-duty coat and gloves to wear as the bar typically remains around negative thirty degrees. You are also given a cup made out of ice to drink out of while at the bar.

Inside the ice bar, there are numerous ice sculptures scattered around including chairs and tables made completely out of ice. Below is a picture of my friends and I at Ice Barcelona posing with one of the many ice sculptures!

The ice bar was honestly one of the coolest experiences I had during my time abroad and I would encourage each of you to visit an ice bar during your upcoming travels! There are ice bars all around the world in various countries, not just Barcelona, so make sure to do your research! 

Work hard, play hard

Whether you are traveling abroad for work, school or just for pleasure, it is a crucial part of the experience to check out your city's nightlife. Interested but do not know where to start? Between the internet and today's technology there are so many resources that can help inform and guide you to see what your city has to offer. Upon doing research for this post, I discovered a website called Party Earth. This site not only has information about the nightlife in major US cities, but major European cities as well!  Between bars, clubs or concerts, European cities have so much to offer that you would not want to miss out on. 

Alcohol in Europe is not simply a means to an end as it is portrayed for college students in the United States. Whether beer, wine, vodka or whisky it’s about savoring the drink and the company you’re with. According to Party Earth, grabbing a beer with a friend or enjoying an aperitivo (appetizer) before dinner are things that are an integrated part of European culture. With this philosophy in mind, it’s easy to see how Europeans have some of the coolest nightlife out there.

Visit the site, click on your city of choice and see what cool places and events it has to offer!

http://www.partyearth.com/

Pub, Bar or Club? That is the Question.

Nightlife abroad can be an adventure for the American tourist. When studying or traveling abroad, young adults are usually interested in getting a drink and having a good time. That's easy to accomplish in Europe and around the world, but it's important to have a little basic knowledge under the belt. There are many bars, pubs, and nightclubs to choose from, but is there a difference between the three?

Interested in seeing the locals? Want a nice pint and maybe a bite to eat? That would definitely fall under the pub category. Most pubs operate as restaurants during the day, and throughout the night. Some stop serving food after dinner, but normally fish and chips are always an option. Pubs tend to close earlier, around ten o'clock, but in the UK specifically, they start drinking hours or 'happy' hour earlier in the day. Pubs tend to start filling up as the work day ends, around five or six. They usually have music or a live band type set up. Pubs offer a wide array of drinks, but the central focus is a good pint of beer or cider. Pubs or Public Houses are historically fundamental to the cultures of Britain, Ireland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and parts of the US. An English writer describes them as, "...the heart of England." 

Need a night out with the girls or a good cocktail? Left the pub, and want another drink or two past ten? Then the bar may be the place for you. Typically a 'bar' is open till the early hours of the morning. They focus more on liquor specials then a good pint. In Spain, bars are common and form an important part of the culture. It is common to find several lined up on a street or plaza. Spanish bars are also known to usually serve tapas or bocadillos. Most countries have bars that tend to stick to drinks and open later than dinner. In the UK there are also wine bars, style bars, and dive bars. One of the last dive bars in London is under the Kings Head pub in Soho. Bars in general are less restaurant like and homey as the pub, and more upbeat, flashy, and adult. 

Finally, if you are focussed on dancing along with drinking, then the nightclub is for you. Nightclubs are for the late night entertainment. They usually offer loud music, mixed drinks, dancing, and sometimes a performer or two. The music tends to be house, electronica, hip-hop, or dance-pop/Top 40. The emergence of "superclub" created a global phenomenon. These were usually owned by dance music record labels, such as the Ministry of Sound (London), Cream (Liverpool), and Pacha (Ibiza). In some language a nightclub can be referred to as a disco. In recent trends they're are VJ's to mix video content along with DJ's or Disk Jockeys. 

So if you want a quaint meal, a good pint and an interaction with the locals a pub is for you. If you need a later night out, some background music and cocktails with the younger crowd, then go to a bar. For dancing, drinks and a good time, find the nearest nightclub. Now that the difference is clear in at least some terms for new cultures, people may use that to their advantage. There are many online resources to further look into the country of choice, but when abroad and wanting to experience the nightlife, it shouldn't be an issue.