Some Things Transcend Borders...Others Don't

Some things transcend cultural borders. For example, the sign for choking is universal. It’s a good thing. On the other hand some things that we do in our own culture are not such a good thing in another culture. Here are some observations I’ve made while traveling internationally AND domestically.

A toothpick is a toothpick no matter where you are. It’s one of those simple things in life where “If it isn’t broke…don’t fix it” A toothpick in one country is going to be the same somewhere else..that you can count on. Toilets on the other hand are not as simple. A luxury in one country might be a shelter with a hole in the ground while heated and cushioned seats in another are considered nice. What I’m trying to say is “Nice Toilets” are relative.

Success is relative too. What is successful in one country may be different in the next. For an orphan, working a low paying job but staying out of a life of prostitution may be a lifelong dream. Let’s not negate the work the Lord puts into keeping these children from that world by saying if they don’t attend college..they aren’t successful. For some, this accomplishment is a miracle. Success is living in the Lord’s will. Period..whatever that may be.

5 people with 8 cell phones (in any country) = interesting lunch meeting.

Americans don’t know the best way to do everything...sometimes (generally speaking) we just act like we do. Realizing “different” doesn’t equal wrong is a necessity of understanding other cultures. If you master it, you actually learn a lot. This must be done by eating a slice of humble pie daily. A slice a day will keep an overactive ego away.

What is cool in one country can be rude in another. For example, talking to someone with your sunglasses on may be common in one place. In another you may be offending those you care about. In other places it is strictly for protection of the eyes due to UV damage. In case you didn’t know…..Sunglasses can be controversial.

“Speed Limits” are relative. In some countries they are merely suggestions. In others, they are followed strictly. It has nothing to do with safety but only about how likely you are to get caught while breaking the law.

A Smile is a smile anywhere. It means the same in all countries and is contagious in all places. This is always true unless you are standing in line at the DMV in the US. If you are smiling you are obviously oblivious to your location, or I’m pretty sure you missed the sign that said “No smiling allowed.”

While on a recent road trip, I stopped at a McDonalds to get a drink and to use the restroom. A woman followed me in the restroom to try and sell me homemade bracelets. Apparently in Louisiana, the McDonald’s restroom is a hot spot for marketing crafts.

Not all cultures find it necessary to provide hand towels in the hotel. If you want to dry your hands, do it on toilet paper or wipe them on the towel you used to dry off after a shower that morning.

The phrase “It’s just spitting out” when referring to a light sprinkle of rain is not to be used in Texas. People will think you are crazy. If you say this and dare to do something like put ketchup on a hot dog, then they will really think you are nuts.

In Kenya if someone is raising their eyebrows at you repeatedly, it doesn’t mean they are hitting on you. It’s their way of saying “Yes” to whatever you are talking about. It’s pretty funny when you spend a couple weeks there without this knowledge.

Knowing the language of the place you are in is very important. Saying “I love you” instead of “Jesus loves you” to random homeless people can give the WRONG impression. One little word can make a big difference in a sentence. It’s fine though if you want that person to follow you around while thinking you are in love with them.

Having the toilet 3 steps away from the bed in a hotel room is normally not a desirable thing. If you have food poisoning and need the toilet to be as close as possible to where you are laying….its a VERY good thing.

Good Food is all about what you are used to. Raw meat in one culture is normal. It is unheard of in other cultures. So, what is cooked throughally in one home may equal “didn’t even touch the grill” in another. My advice…stick to the bread on the table. You never go wrong with the bread, and it’s usually always good across the board.

Air travel makes people do weird things. If you want to find me on a plane, I am almost always the one sitting behind the person doing those weird things. If you want to find me in a line at any given airport, I will be standing behind those people in the line too. This is true for domestic and international travel. My magnetism towards this kind has no boundaries.