Coming to America
We all know Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492 before reaching the New World, but what ships were he and his crew using to get there?
What were the Niña, Pinta, and the Santa María?
You would think your passport would allow you entry into any foreign country, but some will also require you have this document upon arriving.
What is a visa?
France's national dish isn't as fancy as one might expect, but this hearty stew served with boiled beef and vegetables is sure to be très délicieux!
What is pot-au-feu?
When in Rome, be sure to pay attention to how you're dressed! Italians are very fashion-conscious, so failing to keep up with the trends may result in some judgement. After all, their country is also the home of this fashion capital.
What is Milan?
What are shoes?
This island was the main immigration station from 1892 to 1954, and those who arrived didn't even need paperwork of any kind to be admitted!
What is Ellis Island?
Furthermore, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least this much longer after the anticipated end of your visit.
What is six months?
This odorous delicacy isn't for everyone, but is a popular snack throughout Asia, and especially in China!
What is stinky tofu?
It's also a good idea to pay extra attention while doing this in Italy; drivers are more likely to rely on pedestrians making eye contact and signaling them in order to acknowledge them!
What is crossing the street?
Whether you're a local or not, in Mexico you'll be expected to greet someone with either "hola" or "buenos dias" while making eye contact and offering a firm _________ for each person you're meeting.
What is a handshake?
While Christopher Columbus is often credited as the first European on North American soil, this explorer and his crew were documented as having done this nearly 500 years earlier!
Who is Leif Erikson?
It may be a good idea to research whether this practice, usually done while dining, using a valet service, or having your bags brought in for you at a hotel is commonly accepted where you're going. In some countries, it's actually considered insulting!
What is tipping?
Popular to contrary belief, the most popular street food in South America isn't a taco or a burrito, but this convenient food, the name of which means "wrapped in bread."
What is an empanada?
Be sure to cover your knees and shoulders, especially if visiting places like the Vatican or St. Mark's Basilica as most of the country is of this faith.
What is Roman Catholic?
When travelling in Asia, it's important to note that strangers often introduce themselves by their surname first, and will expect you to use one of these at the end of it as a show of respect.
What is an honorific?
Most believe the first pilgrims seeking religious freedom arrived in America on the Mayflower in 1620, but aren't aware that a group of colonists from this country actually arrived almost fifty years earlier in Florida - only to be chased out by Pedro Menéndez and his men!
What is France?
It's never a bad idea to know a little bit of the language spoken in the country you're visiting. After all, even if you get the pronunciation wrong, countries like this one will be glad you even tried - they might even say, "Du spricht zehr gut Deutsch!"
What is Germany?
This African soup, while most popular in West Africa, is enjoyed all across the continent! It's made with melon seeds, vegetables, aromatic spices and a protein such as meat or fish.
What is Egusi soup?
Make sure to stop for a cup of coffee or two! Most Italians enjoy this beverage in the morning, then espresso in the evening.
What is a cappuccino?
While this would be considered very poor taste anywhere else, pretending to do this to a Greek bride and groom is actually thought to protect them from evil spirits!
What is spitting?
Speaking of the Spanish presence in Florida, this explorer turned up somewhere around St. Augustine sometime in early April of 1513.
Who is Juan Ponce de León?
Conversely, in some countries you'll want to make sure you practice any phrases you intend to use in advance... will this country forget if you pronounce something incorrectly? Absolument pas!
What is France?
This "heart of Russian cuisine" features pasta-like dough wrapped around minced meat and served with a variety of ways - some like theirs served only with a bit of melted butter, others with tomato sauce, and as of recently even soy sauce!
What is pelmeni?
Avoid using this expression until you make it clear you know some other Italian words, too! That Venetian woman you just met will NOT be impressed by you telling her "____, bella."
What is ciao?
When greeting someone older or in a high position in this country, Yoruba men and boys will prostrate themselves while women and girls kneel.
Where is Nigeria?