Costa Rica celebrates many holidays filled with traditions. Key events include Christmas with family gatherings, New Year’s focused on good luck, Independence Day for national pride, and Easter showing religious devotion. Other festivities are Mother’s Day and lively Oxcart Parades, which highlight the country’s cultural heritage. One of the most significant Costa Rica holidays is … Read more
France had the shortest reigning monarch, King Louis XIX. Placing a baguette upside down is considered bad luck. French gastronomy enjoys UNESCO heritage status. In France, wasting edible food is illegal. Paris introduced the first public transportation system, and the hot air balloon was invented by the French. Firstly, France introduced the metric system in … Read more
Tipping tour guides is appreciated. For private guides, tip about $10-$20 per day. For private drivers, consider $5-$15. For larger group tours, tip about half these amounts as others will likely contribute too. Always factor in the quality of service when deciding the tip amount. The decision to tip may depend on several factors, including … Read more
中文 (zhōngwén) means “Chinese language.” It often refers to Mandarin, the most spoken language in China. 汉语 (Hànyǔ) specifically denotes Mandarin. The Han ethnic group comprises 92% of China’s population and influences these language terms. Mandarin includes many dialects spoken throughout China. To learn the characters, start by practicing each character individually. Writing the characters … Read more
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on the new moon between January 21 and February 20. In 2024, it begins on February 10, celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Festivities last fifteen days, concluding with the Lantern Festival. Key traditions include family gatherings and unique decorations. Feasting is a … Read more
Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. Families honor their deceased with ofrendas, colorful altars adorned with marigolds. The celebration features vibrant parades and catrinas. This event reflects significant customs, community participation, and cultural relevance in remembering loved ones. Central to the celebration is the grand parade … Read more
“Excuse me” in Portuguese is “Com licença” (formal) or “Desculpe” (informal). Use “Com licença” to politely ask for permission. For apologies, say “Desculpa.” These phrases help with clarity and engagement in conversations. They fit well in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, showcasing cultural usage. Another useful version is “Com licença,” which means “With license.” You … Read more
The Pyramids of Giza were built between 2575 and 2465 BCE during the 4th Dynasty. They include Khufu’s Great Pyramid, which stands 481 feet tall, Khafre’s Pyramid, and Menkaure’s Pyramid. These structures served as royal tombs and highlight ancient Egyptian engineering. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance. The Pyramids … Read more
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration on November 1 and 2. Families honor their deceased loved ones by creating ofrendas (altars) with offerings like food and flowers. This holiday reflects deep cultural traditions and symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead. Symbols play a significant role … Read more
Tipping in England is common for good service. In restaurants, bars, and cafes, a tip of 10-15% is typical, especially in tourist areas. Hotels and spas appreciate tips as well. Tipping helps improve service quality and expresses thanks for attentive service. At hotels, it’s polite to tip porters £1 to £2 per bag. However, you … Read more