At coffee shops in Colombia, 3 pm and 7 pm tend to be busier than the early morning. 21 air conditioning is everywhere. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. Yeah pretty much everyone in Central and South America is late. Oblea (like a flattened waffle cone ) will be served with arequipe, jam and of course, cheese. With a 1.5 mile long tidal wave that you can surf, be sure to hit its coastlines and surf the wave. I dont have so much luck when Im asking for directions. 3 . Yes, the dreams of many children everywhere are coming true! A man in Zhengzhou was forbidden from naming his newborn son "@" because of the rule stating that all given names must be translatable into Mandarin. We don't understand this reasoning, given how Sevilla is a lively town where live music is played in the streets and flamenco dancers put on shows in public spaces. In my time in Medelln, I have noticed several things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or even funny. Its only over the past few years in Colombia that coffee shops selling quality coffee have really started taking off. LOL! Aliviado? It's just one of the many odd, unique things that have occurred in the Bolivarian Republic since Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998 and promptly flipped the country's regime from democratic to socialist. Every few years, articles describing "strange but true laws in each state" make the rounds on social media. Good to know, right? Paraguay's flag is one of the world's oldest national flags. Completely oblivious to others outside their family or group. This sexist law is due to the belief that alcohol may make a woman more immoral. I now speak Spanish with locals even though I know I might say or pronounce something wrong, but that doesnt stop me anymore from speaking. In addition, Colombia has has more public holidays than most countries with a total of 18 holidays during the year. The logic of the law is that they're using the song for business while making a profit, so they must pay for the rights. "Colombia now is the country with the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America and the . If caught, you could receive a fine up to $500 and even up to a year in jail. Tinto is a thicker more concentrated version that is made with commodity beans and sold in small cups. Being late. Also, theres a really high tolerance for dogs everywhere. if there is no driver. Como estas? Actually, its French law that men do not wear loose-fitting swim trunks on beaches, swimming pools and other public places where a swimsuit is required attire. 1. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. The typical granny talking to her little dog in a high pitched voice and dressing it like a baby. Adam Skowronski/flickr Raccoons are fair game, but only until 2 a.m. 3. The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. 1. It is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence. You'd think this law was passed a hundred years ago and is now obsolete, but in reality, it was passed in 2009 and is occasionally enforced. Colombians really celebrate Christmas in a huge way each year. By weird, I dont mean something negative but unusual / different. While they cannot be walked, they must have room to swim. Arepas taste lot better with cheese mixed into the dough. If your fake mustache makes people laugh, save it for anywhere but church, as it is illegal in Alabama. Medellin Guru Annual Subscriptions Now Offering a Discount! One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation. Hi Rich! Tsk, tsk. Think you can just climb a tree in Canada? Advertisement. Have a question? Everyone has called him mono. I came to believe if someone did not know your name, they simply called you mono.. Strange laws, also called weird laws, dumb laws, futile laws, unusual laws, unnecessary laws, legal oddities, or legal curiosities, are laws that are perceived to be useless, humorous or obsolete, i.e. The wrestling matches resulted in the inhumane treatment of the bears, who had their claws and teeth removed so they wouldn't maul their opponents. They say things like we are leaving at 12, thats 11 brown time . You can get cited for driving too slow ly . Although there is no jail time for the offense, you could risk . In fact, you cannot even play a game in a public place if it annoys someone else. The law, which is rife with subjective definitions like "grossly abusive" and "causing outrage," pertains to all religions. According to Law 28 of 1925, it was established that the day of the flag was to be held on August 7 of each year in commemoration of the victory of Simn Bolvar in the Battle of Boyac in 1819. You usually see this behavior in movies. Colombia has the largest amount of unique wildlife in any part of the world. The good folks over at Olivet Nazarene University put together an infographic of some of the most outrageous, confusing and downright weird legislation instilled around our . The Protection of the Rights and Interests of Elderly People (over the age of 60) includes a number of requirements for children when it comes to their elderly parents. So, not everybody in Colombia expects an automatic tip. Living in a foreign country is always interesting. more efficent: Santos. The majority of the diversity of Colombias wildlife lives in the dense Amazon rain forest, contributing to its mega diverse status. One of the things that stands out to me as being unique is the intentional way Colombians dress and their attention to their appearance. Paraguay Facts for Kids. This means that, whether you're driving on the Garden State Parkway or the New Jersey Turnpike, you technically should honk your horn before you pass, according to state law. Tourist Visas: How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Medelln Coronavirus in Colombia: Snapshot of Coronavirus on Apr Medelln dating tips and advice for foreign men, Medellin Guru weeklyemail newsletters and sign up here, Medellin Guru Second Year Anniversary: Our 20 Most Popular Articles. We have no idea. Colombians tend to drink coffee all day long. Here are 13 of those weird laws in Colorado that will leave you shaking your head. Another law, this time from the US state of Vermont, states that women must have their husbands permission to wear false teeth. Colombians in Antioquia take solicitous politness to a whole new level that I must admit fatugues even me. Not even indecent emojis are allowed. Thanks to a weirdly-worded law in the city Criminal Code, it is unlawful to "throw any stones, snowballs, or any other missiles" at any person or property in Topeka, an ordinance that former mayor. A cup of hot chocolate, bread and cheese on the side to dip in, photo by Peter Angritt. 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. Also, after Christmas day, Colombia celebrates The Day of the Innocent Saints on December 28. Don't even think about dying inside the Houses of Parliament, or you'll actually, we don't really know what the consequences for this crime would be. Perhaps there were too many reported cases of intoxicated bee keepers allowing their bees to escape? Only directional, real estate and landmark signs are allowed. This includes masks, helmets, scarves, hats, fake beards and even burkas. Its meaning varies depending on popular beliefs or the official version. As a result, Arizona laws afford the same protections and rights to animals as motor vehicles. Beauty is really important in Colombia, especially women are putting a lot of effort in. After Swiss and German travelers decided to make naked hiking a thing in Switzerland a decade ago (really! Spain despises your attempt at making sand castles so much you could be fined if caught building one in Spain. On more than one occasion when I was in a hurry and addressing somebody like an Internet repair guy I would start the conversation with, when will it be ready and he would reply, Como estas. My wifes aunties often call our young son my name then our sons name. Flirting with the "eyes or hands" is illegal in San Antonio, Texas. LOL this is a great article. We know that people in different states have very different opinions on how certain foods should be eatenjust look at the country's wild variety of sandwich . It is illegal for men and women to have a sexual relationship if they are not married, as provided by article 490 of Morocco's penal code. Thanks a lot for highlighting them. The 50 Craziest State Food Laws. The cuddly little bear all stuffed with fluff also gasp! After vandals used chewing gum to mess with the Mass Rapid Transit system and the Housing and Development Board spent $150,000 a year to clean gum liter, Singapore banned all gum substances in 1992. Then you can get down to business. Enjoy your weekend. Article 10 states that all Moroccan laws apply to foreigners in Morocco, although generally this law is not applied so strictly to foreigners, especially if neither is from an Islamic nation. This sign of disrespect is punishable by imprisonment in Sri Lanka. The Canadians are a patriotic bunch. Instead, being hesitant around the issue and explaining their reasoning instead of just saying no. Classically, it is performed by grasping a live chicken by the sholder blades and moving around one's head three times, symbolically transferring one's sins to the chicken. For quite some time, I have enjoyed reading all the articles and comments. You can find many people selling tinto from thermoses on the street. In 2011, a Swiss man was fined more than $100 for his bare-bottomed walk. As a response to a hidden camera crisis in subways, the South Korean government banned the silencing of phone cameras when taking pictures. (I recognized it from wikpedia My favorite is PANDEBONO (Cheese Bread! We're not sure how they enforce this, but China is known for having some strict laws. It includes indecent physical gestures and extends to your text messages and social media, as well. Let me out of here!!!!!! A receipt with two totals, one with a tip (27,315 pesos) and one without a tip (25,000 pesos). Other wacky laws across the country include items about mustaches and food in particular. Here are 15 of the most bizarre and obscure laws still in effect today: It is illegal for women to drive vehicles while wearing a housecoat in all of California San Diego homeowners who have Christmas lights on their houses past February 2 may be fined up to $250 It is illegal to pour salt on a highway in Hermosa Beach You can dance after midnight as long as it's not in the dark. Mothers calling their sons papi and fathers calling their daughters mami. Arizona. It seems a tad dangerous. I was always afraid of speaking a foreign language, because I was to afraid of making mistakes. On the other hand, what Ive foud in El Hueco is that if youre looking for something a bit unusual, if you ask in any store, they will give you some very specific and complex directions and its always correct. With thousands of pigeons descending upon Saint Mark's Square and Venice, lured by the the tourists readily handing out food in exchange for Instagram-worthy photos, Venice lawmakers officially made it illegal to feed the pesky fowl in 2008. The weirdest thing about some laws is that they ever needed to existlike in Oklahoma, where people were wrestling bears at such an astonishing rate that the state had to step in and institute a. Just know your audience. Ireland's Defamation Act of 2009 made it illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in writing. If you don't pick up your dog poop, it may be possible to use DNA testing to determine the identity of your dog. You get to experience different cultures and habits. In case you are wondering, the same law states you cannot have a loaded firearm on you while drunk. I have run into getting bad directions from Colombians many times so I never ask anymore. If you are a fluent English speaker who craves a casual, laid-back lifestyle among a welcoming host nation, then why not teach English in Colombia? Tibetan Buddist monks are not allowed to reincarnate after they die unless they have been granted permission from the government. I hope the article helps other Expats and travelers in the future to avoid the same mistakes . Skamania County, Washington, passed a law in 1969 deeming the "slaying of Bigfoot to be a felony and. Another country trying to combat noise pollution in weird ways is Spain. Use our online form to ask a librarian for help. And the fines vary by location at their discretion. Strange laws from Latin America Some laws are obvious. Rather than be a weird law that is no longer used, it's a weird law that isn't enforced but that continues to be relevant. The Colombian national anthem is played on the radio and television every day at 6am and 6pm by law The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? DON'T TOUCH ELECTRIC WIRES Medellin Guru 2018 Year in Review: Our Most Popular Articles, Health Insurance in Colombia: How to Sign up with SURA 2023 Update, How to Obtain a Colombia Marriage Visa 2023 Update, Coronavirus in Colombia: Snapshot of Coronavirus on April 1, COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Reality About Coronavirus Testing, How to Get to Medelln from the Airport 2022 Update, 20 Best Restaurants in Laureles in Medelln 2022 Update, Parque Arv: The Ultimate Guide to Medellns Parque Arv, Hacienda Napoles: Pablo Escobars Former Estate Turned Theme Park, Scopolamine: The Realities of Devils Breath in Colombia, Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Using Cell Phones in Colombia, Colombias IVA Tax & How Tourists Can Get an IVA Tax Refund. The guy down the street is fair game, though. Ive been to many Spanish speaking countries and if Ive learned one thing its that saying por favor, con permiso and gracias are VERY important and can open a lot of doors. This was a real wake up call for me as this is very much embedded into their very polite culture. The ruins are nearly 2,500 years old, so be respectful and wear some soft-soled shoes when you visit. Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. Ask for directions from a passerby and if they dont know they still will tell you something like three blocks ahead and to the right. This means that you will be forced to let it mellow until the morning. @2008-2019 - Colombia Reports. We're all for intellectual property protection, but this seems a bit extreme. And one has to get used to if he/she comes from a more direct culture, to not be perceived as rude. California Penal Code section 185, enacted in 1872, makes it illegal for anyone "to wear false whiskers (whether complete or partial) for the purpose of (e)vading or escaping discovery, recognition, or identification in the commission of any public offense.". On a hot, humid day, you might want to think twice about popping into a liquor store. Oh noo!! Colombians are so nice, they will try to help you even when they dont know the answer to your question. There have been some things posted that I experienced and was not surprised by or thought but maybe some of that is because my wife is Colombian. Casadas Marinka in Minka. Don't Take Cheap Buses and Dubious Taxis. However, the law doesn't say they cannot wear dresses with spaghetti straps, capped sleeves or long sleeves. 13. (We have to admit, that's a pretty good rule.). Links to additional digital content are provided when available. 2. - International tourist arrivals: 10.3 million. If you are tried and convicted of horse theft, the penalty in Florida is still written as death by hanging. Not that South Africa has bears, but if it did, it would be illegal to wrestle with them. This need to avoid clothing that could have been worn throughout the day also extends to T-shirts; you'll need to lose those as fast as your surfer shorts. Cheese, I fond the these not neutral but just more creamy. A welcome change for most, you can find all three Colombian Starbucks locations in Colombia within just a few street of each other. ), optionally filled with guava jam. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. Coffee shops in the U.S. do most of their business before 10 am. I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. Its just a culture thing. Great article! So much so that all Canadian radio stations are required, by law, to play Canadian artists on the airwaves at least 35 percent of the time, especially during the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. This is a day dedicated to playing practical jokes on friends and family. Why? 3) Vanity braces, as a fashion statement, are just as common, and un-needed, in Thailand. NEBRASKA. Como has estado? Photo taken on the dia de la pereza in Itagi. Always make sure that if this person doesnt show up, you already have another plan. Colombians are one of the friendliest people I have ever met. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. Sign up for the Free Medellin Guru Newsletter You can see all of the previousMedellin Guru weeklyemail newsletters and sign up here. When you take a selfie with Buddha, you are turning your back on him. We compiled a list of weird laws around the world you may not believe exist. Im from Medelln and maybe I can help you with mono meanings. Bien gracias y usted? Forget about everything you thought you knew about Colombia. Strange Laws in All of California. Even if the preacher asks if anyone has any objection to the wedding, if you are in South Australia, keep it to yourself. On Feb. 21, Colombia's Constitutional Court legalized abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you're in certain parts of Sweden and need to go to the bathroom after 10 p.m., you're out of luck. So, I am tentatively planning to buy three tickets and fly in for a week beginning December 25th. In an effort to encourage people to keep their chickens under control, there is a statute in Quitman, Georgia, that says you can be fined if your chicken should get loose. Forgot to enjoy the food, the kindness of the people, the music, the beautiful places, the paisa culture, the beautiful landscapes, the fauna and the flora or rather lost the coming to COLOMBIA and my beautiful land. Im glad that you agree with almost everything in the article :). It really depends on the context, but in general I would say they dont use it to offend anybody, but to make it also easier for you to know that they are calling you. Its not just a single day or a weekend. . And then, you'll be fined. Just let the sleeping bears lie. Under Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, "swearing disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person.". STEALING HORSES. When people first began sighting Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, in the 1800s, British Columbia made it illegal to kill him/her/it. Well, it was really just too American. This isn't just for saying the inappropriate words aloud. ESLstarter currently offer two programs in this South American gem. If you have a potty mouth, be sure it's in check before you visit! 15 years ago, it was unsafe to leave Colombia's big cites and drive into the countryside or between cities. Privacy, 10 Reasons Why Colombia Should Be On Your Radar, TEFL Jobs Abroad and TEFL Jobs Online - ESLstarter, ESL Pals Q&A: ESL Curriculum for Kids and Adults, Keeping College Students Motivated in ESL Learning. 6. Lawmakers in 1907 Buenos Aires took it a step further by completely stripping the Argentinean capital of the simple joy of flying kites. While the law has been around for a while, fans continue to partake in this tradition. Cannibalismis allowed under life-threatening conditions, however. Thats daily life here in Colombia and with every age group. With those different habits you get to see new things and get to understand the new culture even better. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. (Image: Shutterstock) 2 / 16. (No, I would never actually SAY this but sure am thinking it and boiling), Copyright 2020 Medellin Guru - All Rights Reserved. They claim it is for health and safety. It is said the cleanup from the birds cost each citizen 275 per year, so now, the tables are turned. This is a strange Turkmenistan law that affects such a small group of the Turkmenistan population. I have met a few that are very punctual. The country is now one of the safest in South America, imposes short-term laws to avoid violence and has eradicated its drug-fuelled past to create an absolutely beautiful place to live, visit and teach in. Walking along the highway is unsafe, as is having your vehicle stalled on or on the side of the road. The law was finally repealed in 2010. Sometimes they will tell you, that theyre on their way. This was something I was not used to. The Cao Cristales river in Colombia get transformed every year into a liquid rainbow, full of incredible bright colours, clashing against the grey rocks, highlighted by the crystal blue waters.