In what can only be described as the most un-French thing to ever happen, Paris has recently installed open air urinals--where the public is free to urinate in full view of anyone unlucky enough to pass by them. Apparently the city has had an issue with public urination, so it's understandable they'd want to do something about it. We just thought "doing something about it" wouldn't involve encouraging more public urination.
Despite what you may have heard about Australia, it's not the brutal, dangerous place you may be imagining. Except for the snakes in toilets. During the dry season, snakes searching for water have been known to slither into a home or two--and what better place to find H20 than a toilet? If you're vacationing and this happens to you, don't worry, they're not poisonous--most of the time.
If you’re in Paris, don’t freak out if a woman walks into the men’s restroom to use the bathroom. It’s normal. Needless to say, it’s pretty dang shocking for some Americans who are used to strict, gendered restrooms.
In many buildings in Mexico and Latin America, the pipes aren't designed to handle toilet paper being flushed. While this is not entirely uncommon in the USA, the stakes aren't usually as high as screwing up the plumbing for an entire building. For those of us who flush toilet paper and are worried we'll forget this bit of etiquette, this rule will be seared in your memory once you flood your first hotel room.
In America, we might sit on a porcelain throne, but in other countries, they prefer to squat. Squat toilets are found in many Asian and South Asian countries, but they are a rarity in the Western world. Despite claims that these toilets are more hygienic and healthier for humans, we're not sure if we're ready to pop a squat.
In America, we try to think about the bathroom and what goes on in there as little as possible. In New Zealand, they turn the whole experience into a freaking art museum. The Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa, New Zealand were designed by an artist using recycled materials from around the city. The end result is a bathroom that is more unique and creative than it ever needed to be.
Romania is serious about its gravestones—particularly in a place called Sapanta. There, there’s a “Merry Cemetery” that features tombstones that depict how the person died using little cartoon characters. Yeah, that would totally not be cool here.
Apparently, in France, police officers wear rollerblades. Sometimes, they scoot around in groups, so you can hear them before seeing them. We don’t even let bellhops at Sonic wear skates anymore!
We can’t verify where in Amsterdam, but apparently, there was a kindergarten located directly above the red light district. Guess that would work as great birth control, huh?
We have a lot of pharmacies in the United States, but it’s nothing compared to Spain. There’s a pharmacy on pretty much every street corner, and you don’t need a prescription for most things.
Maybe this one isn’t a huge surprise for some, but it’s still shocking to see. A vending machine that sells hard drinks? Next thing you know, there will be machines that can dispense cocktails. Actually, we’d be willing to give it a shot.
Alright, this one is pretty tame compared to the others, but it’s pretty shocking. Here you are, used to a YELLOW Big Bird, and you come across a BLUE Big Bird with the Sesame Street gang? They call him Pino, but we all know better.
This one happens in more than just France, for sure, but France is really known for doing it. During the day, you can study in a café, and visit the same place that night for a drink. They just swap out the menu and start selling those stiff drinks.
America has history, but you don’t really interact with it on a regular basis. In Europe? It’s ancient—literally. It isn’t weird to live around history. One person was shocked when they saw a sign at a brewery that was established in 1489, three years before “Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
When you’re out hiking in Germany, you’ll want a good bottle of water and…an entire restaurant? Some hiking areas are populated by restaurants that are only accessible via a little hike. You can sit and enjoy the view while munching on some wurst.
Public drinking is totally chill in Europe, but it’s most prevalent in Germany. In America, you can get a ticket for having an open container out, but there? It’s totally fine to drink outdoors. You can start drinking at 9 AM for all they care!
For some reason, Europe loves “Country Road, Take Me Home.” During a trip through Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, bars are known for playing the song at least once, and locals absolutely love it.
America has tourist spots, sure, but it’s nothing like Europe. Some areas have so many people that it’s nearly unbearable. The Vatican is basically one long line with thousands upon thousands of people (if not millions).
America moved beyond pickpockets. Now, we have to worry about card skimmers, so some people forget that there are petty thieves all around the world. It can truly be as bad as people say. When you’re sitting at a café, someone can fly by on a bike and swipe your phone. People will reach into your purse or pocket and take your belongings.
Americans want to be tan, but we don’t tan wherever we please. In Sweden, it doesn’t matter where they are—next to a museum, a Fika shop—it honestly doesn’t matter. They’ll stop wherever they want for some rays.
Depending on where you go, beer is sometimes cheaper than water. Water is pretty important, so what’s up with that? Plus, don’t you need water to make beer? Guess when Jesus turned water into wine, he went a little overboard some places.
A Necrolog is an obituary placed on a wall, tree, bus stop, street lamps, or other areas. They’re supposed to honor that person, but they look just like our wanted posters. Anyone who doesn’t know better would probably think Bulgarians are really proud of their criminals.
This one is pretty common in areas where English isn’t popular. Nothing is better than getting a friend a hot pink shirt with friendly, yellow front that just says “scum.” Love ya, buddy!
Italy gets as hot as America, and we’re talking about the hotter areas of America. It isn’t weird for it to be 90 degrees, but many buildings and apartments don’t have air conditioning. What the heck?! Talk about a heat stroke.
Sure, pedestrians have the right of way in America, but that doesn’t mean cars pay attention. Walking across a street is a dangerous sport. Switzerland, on the other hand, is serious. Cars will slow down significantly if you’re anywhere near the crosswalk. It honestly makes it kind of awkward.
This goes for many countries around the world. In America, we have plenty of space, so we go oversized. In other places, showers, elevators, cars, and rooms are all generally pretty small. Even the freaking sidewalks are super thin!
Some places overseas can get pretty hot. Sure, you don’t want ice when you visit Russia, but Italy? You better believe I want ice in my water when it’s 90 degrees outside. Good luck getting it without asking, though.
Sprain an ankle or break a finger in Sweden? Don’t be afraid to go to the hospital! It’s definitely surprising when you go to an emergency room, get treated, and go to pay, only to find out that your bill is $0.
South Korea imports a lot of corn. They love it. They love it so much that they’ll even put it on pizza—yes, pizza. If you’re visiting South Korea, make sure to ask for your food without corn.
So, what’s with everyone standing cramped together? Some countries have a lot of people, but that doesn’t mean you have to touch the other person in line. Just back off a little.
