28 February, 2012

Cross Cultural Education: Travel

Many of you are traveling for break this week!  The London Center has come up with some phrases that may help you in the countries you're visiting:

I'm staying in a hostel, but my friend booked it and can't remember what it's called.  Is there an internet cafe nearby?
Italian: Io rimango in un ostello, ma il mio amico prenotato e non ricordo come si chiama. C'è un internet cafè nelle vicinanze?

Oh no!  I think I left my passport on the train!  Where's the nearest US embassy?
Greek:  Ω, όχι! Νομίζω ότι άφησε το διαβατήριό μου στο τρένο! Πού είναι η κοντινότερη πρεσβεία των ΗΠΑ;

 I'd like to buy this bag, but 1,000 Moroccan dirham is too expensive!
Arabic:                          وأود أن شراء هذه الحقيبة، ولكن 1000 الدرهم المغربي مكلفة للغاية!

What's the local delicacy at this restaurant?  I've heard the squid is very good!
Spanish:  ¿Cuál es el plato típico de este restauranteHe oído que el calamar es muy bueno!
(all translations are from Google Translate, so I'm not sure if they're any good)

 ***
We also have some culinary tips:
  • Spain: try the paella, the chorizo and manchego
  • Holland: hema rookworst, bitterballen, and patat met
  • Italy: pasta (though it may indicate that you're a tourist), gelato, and thin crust pizza
  • Greece: baklava, as many olives as you can carry and moussaka
  • Ireland: mashed potatoes, roast potatoes and Taytos
  • Germany: wurst, schwarzewald gateau and Berliners
  • Switzerland: fondue, roesti and bretzeln

***
And some common sense:
  • If you're in Venice and the directions to your hostel involve getting on the bus, your hostel isn't in Venice.
  • Even if you sound silly trying the local language, they'll respect that at least you're trying.
  • If it's your hen do, have it in Orkney at your own risk.
  • Losing your passport may extend your break, but not in the good way.  It will also extend your wallet in ways you hadn't thought it able.
  • The weather in London will probably be better than it has been previously this semester.
  • For the post card and souvenir competitions: more pornographic/erotic doesn't always equal more tacky.
  • Those crazy Europeans drive on the other side of the road.  Who does that?!?!

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