Thursday, January 22, 2026

FRIday, Odd rules and opinions of Americans

 Picture or the day:

US Marines on liberty in Athens Greece.  No high heels here!
14 yrs later back in Athens as a Sailor.  This picture jut a few feet from the above pic.  The Acropolis has not changed. LOL

Now for today’s stuff:

WE are proud of this country, and in our travels we have tried to be careful not to insult folks of other countries and cultures.

I know it is not proper to ‘burp’ at the table, but I have heard at some countries it is considered a toast to the cook.

Before landing or docking in a foreign port Military Personnel are briefed on the do’s and don’t’s at this port or country.

When our ship anchored at Spit-head just off the South end of the English Channel. Many Sailors and Marines were headed to London to see the famous city we were briefed, and besides that, some old salts told us, “Do not dare to downgrade the Queen or challenge the Brits to a game of darts. You will lose big time in both cases.” Yep I witnessed couple incidents. OUCH.’

Other places:

Do not chew gum or bring it into Singapore.

In Thailand it is criminal to step on money if it has the image of a monarch on it. That image is revered. I enjoyed the Acropolis in Athens, I learned later it is a good thing I did not wear ‘high heeled’ shoes (LOL), that is illegal to wear at that historic site.


(bove A castle in Germany


I learned later, after driving on the Autobahn in Germany it is a crime to run out of gas on the Autobahn.

I never have driven in Japan but I have been told it is a crime to splash water on a pedestrian.

DO NOT feed the pigeons in Venice. It is a crime.

Careful wearing camouflage clothing in the Caribbean, it is a crime unless you are in their military., but not always enforced.

I am not sure how they enforce it, but I read of two cities in France where it is illegal for a visitor to die there.

A guy told me something. If you want to learn what a foreigner thinks of the USA citizen try this: when asked if you are from the USA? Cross your fingers and tell a lie, “No, I am from Toronto Canada, why do you ask?” Then the countryman will unload on the actions of ignorant Americans that aggravate his countrymen.

Sorry, for wasting your time, but I thought you might be headed to Le Lavandou or Cugnaux, France and just wanted to warn you do not die there!

Nite Shipslog

PS: Note: Those 2 cities in France have NO burial plots left.

I feel like this was a ???? entry,  sorry still feel for light between my ears..... THANKS for your thoughts.

6 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

I loved to learn this - not only about the countries themselves, but how military life is. I like the picture of you without your beard.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I too have heard about the differences in countries rules. They do vary and it's good to know when visiting so you don't appear to be rude. You have seen many wonderful places. My DS#2 joined the military to see the world. He did see a lot of different places, but no all of it.

NanaDiana said...

Wonderful old pictures, Jack! It really is interesting the things you find out about other countries. My foster brother was in the army and he was stationed in Germany. He and a buddy were walking down the street behind two girls-just chatting and he was 'practicing' his German. He is not sure what he said but the girl ahead of him stopped dead in her tracks, turned around and slapped his face. LOL. His buddy about died laughing and they never did figure out what he said that offended her.

I have heard that about burping, too, in other countries and among the Amish it is considered "good appetite" (at least in the children)

Hope you have a great weekend- Hugs- Diana.

Mevely317 said...

How interesting! I'm grateful for having had the opportunity (years ago!) to travel outside the United States. Not so sure that's something I'd like to do now, given this 'climate.' When my son and DIL traveled to Germany a few months ago they observed a distinct dislike of Americans.

HappyK said...

It's fun to learn things about other countries. Nice to see the pictures too. :)

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Thank you so much for sharing this! I enjoy learning new things. And I love the old photos!