Also, check out the article my husband wrote about our expat story moving to Medelln, how a couple from Switzerland moved to Medelln and are loving Medelln. Walking along the highway is unsafe, as is having your vehicle stalled on or on the side of the road. Medelln in particular celebrates Christmas with its world-class Medelln Christmas lights that are turned on for over a month. And the Medellin Guru site previous covered not being on time in an article about Medelln dating tips and advice for foreign men. Still, I think it is something that, a foreigner need to get used to. Despite being the most populous (and arguably most influential) country in the world, China tends to get a bum rap, possibly because of its colorful history of human rights . 1. Australians aren't the only ones who are apparently opposed to flying a kite. You may also face a fine, depending on the contents of your barrel. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. Why? The typical granny talking to her little dog in a high pitched voice and dressing it like a baby. Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. Flag of Colombia: History and Meaning of its Colors The Salmon Act 1986 is a weird English law that deals primarily with the licensing and regulation of salmon dealing in Scotland and in England and Wales. This was a real wake up call for me as this is very much embedded into their very polite culture. I must of asked 5 people in Medellin for directions each of them giving me opposite directions. 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. For me, it wasnt really an issue because it is pretty similar to the culture in Switzerland. So, I am tentatively planning to buy three tickets and fly in for a week beginning December 25th. As a rule, bus travel in Peru is safest if you go with the best bus companies. Como estas? Sitting in a bus and watching other people can be really interesting. Thanks to any member wishing to comment on Christmas. Many Colombians has no idea what they are celebrating or why, but love to throw lavish parties anyway and enjoy drinking and dancing with friends and strangers alike. Our son Joseph is seven years old and born in the United States with light brown hair. We're not sure how they enforce this, but China is known for having some strict laws. Don't get caught blowing bubbles in the streets! A $110 license is required for teenagers to mow lawns. Keep your eyes on your gas gauge and fill 'er up when you get low. 19 Weird Laws You Might Have Broken | Mental Floss Maybe because I have many Hispanic friends. elderly person etc) but they will ask you if you want to put your shoulder or shopping bag on their knee whether you are young or old. Here are some funny, dumb state laws from Nebraska to Wyoming. Being late. Mothers calling their sons papi and fathers calling their daughters mami. Colombians in Antioquia take solicitous politness to a whole new level that I must admit fatugues even me. Hot chocolate with cheese is also a thing that Colombians like to drink. The Air Fouling Legislation" of 2011 made it illegal for people in Malawi to "foul the air.". #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. No fish is allowed to be caught barefoot in Kansas. Have a question? 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. Links to additional digital content are provided when available. But don't even think about trying to enjoy this childhood pastime anywhere else. The point of this silly law is that you are not to interrupt the service. I retired to Cali three years ago from Houston, Texas with my wife and our 7-year old son. Hola But for the many dog owners who ignore this law, science is now against you. When driving along the highway in the Garden State, you are legally required to provide an audible warning that you are about to pass a car on the left. And when seeing something that is unusual or unknown, try not judge them for doing it, but to try it yourself. Officials claim the ban helps to properly identify people during crowded events, should anything negative happen and someone need to be identified. In addition to documents, many of the links below retrieve results from online databases and catalogs or collections of legal materials maintained by the Law Library. This is ironic, given that the town is known for its "Kissing Alley," where the legend of two star-crossed lovers is said to have taken place. 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 . About drug law reform in Colombia | Transnational Institute 10 Weird Religious Practices - Listverse Colombias mafia hired Spanish PR company to erase New initiative will make govt. Thanks a lot for highlighting them. I prefer the cheese with sweet stuff, like Arepa de Chocolo con Queso or Pastel de Arequiqe con Queso. The following title(s) link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. (We have to admit, that's a pretty good rule.). 14 Weird Facts about Colombia - ESLstarter - ESLstarter Articles Gringo: Is Being Called a Gringo Offensive in Colombia? Sometimes we all suffer when fools break the rules. A Colombian may have a cup of tinto in the morning with breakfast, with lunch, with an evening snack, as dessert with dinner. These weird facts will help you get over the culture shock when you relocate to one of the worlds happiest countries. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. Some Colombians may not even know what some of the Colombia holidays stand for, but will certainly celebrate. Photo of a women with braces outside of a dentist officeC. When packing for a trip to Greece, make sure you have the right shoes. (I recognized it from wikpedia My favorite is PANDEBONO (Cheese Bread! Not that South Africa has bears, but if it did, it would be illegal to wrestle with them. Let's say a man and a woman walk into a hotel in North Carolina, request to share a room, and claim they are married. In my time in Medelln, I have noticed several things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or even funny. However, the law doesn't say they cannot wear dresses with spaghetti straps, capped sleeves or long sleeves. But it would be boring if you would know everything already and everything was the same, right? People dont usually give a seat up on packed buses (unless its very obvious ie. If you're in a Nordic country and feel inspired to spontaneously break into dance, we have bad news for you. FLOWERPOTS. According to newspaper El Pais, Article 4, law 62 of the year 1887: The importation of Chinese [laborers] for whatever work in Colombian territory is hereby prohibited, without regard for prior company policy is one of the laws set to be removed. I have run into getting bad directions from Colombians many times so I never ask anymore. Casadas Marinka in Minka. They love to dress them up with a Colombia shirt or another cute little outfit. Countries like Malta and Lebanon have strange laws against women. Today this has dramatically changed with new links and transportation in Colombia, which has made it easy, cheap and accessible for everyone to move around the country. 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. Sometimes they will tell you, that theyre on their way. 30. ), Swiss officials reminded folks that a public indecency law still exists and you can be fined if caught in the woods in the buff. Ive spent many months and weeks in Cali since the 90s. Thats daily life here in Colombia and with every age group. We're not sure exactly what level of dirt is permitted or how often the rule is actually enforced. A receipt with two totals, one with a tip (27,315 pesos) and one without a tip (25,000 pesos). Im glad that you agree with almost everything in the article :). Muy bien tambien (At this oint Im thinking okay, now down to business to buy that chocolate bar) Take, for example, one popularly referenced law: You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant in the state of Michigan. The Ultimate Guide to Beln for Expats Living in Beln in Medelln, Pros and Cons of El Poblado: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats in Medelln, How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa 2023 Update, How to Obtain a Colombia Investment Visa 2023 Update. A few of our bizarre, unexplained laws. ( IC 14-22-9-1 ). 6639481. Article 8, law 88 of 1923: With the exception of soft drinks and beer with an alcohol content at or below 4%, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the sale of fermented beverages is prohibited between the hours of 6PM to 6AM, and on Sundays and public holidays.. This sexist law is due to the belief that alcohol may make a woman more immoral. So, rather than saying: Sorry I dont know they will make up a story or tell you anything to help you even though its not true. Como has estado? - International tourist arrivals: 10.3 million. My father was red hair and everybody called him mono. The guy down the street is fair game, though. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances Use our online form to ask a librarian for help. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). The law was put on the books in an effort to reduce crime. 13 Extremely Weird Laws In Colorado That Will Make You Laugh Theres most probably gonna be some cheese on it. At times they say that but are still laying in bed and havent even showered yet. And Christmas is almost a month-long celebration in Colombia. Germany banned making any loud, excessive noises during quiet hours which are typically between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. 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. Despite what may take place in South Beach's world-renowned drag clubs, it is actually illegal for a man to wear a strapless gown in Florida. Under employment law in Colombia, employees are entitled to five days of bereavement leave in the event of the death of a parent, in-law, grandparent, sibling, child, spouse, or partner. And you dont have to feel obligated to tip, even though youre used to it from back home. You can't wake a sleeping bear to take a selfie. Although there is no jail time for the offense, you could risk . Be polite and cover tattoos, respect "no photograph" signs, and don't turn your back on him. And you end up going in circles. While in the U.S., it is common only to drink a single cup of coffee in the morning. Those who live 5 miles or more from the place where the invasion is occurring must announce it by beating on a drum or another method that alerts the town. Not sure why anyone would want to make a trek around the ruins and dirt in heels surely it's tough to walk and will damage the shoes but the Greeks put this ban in place to protect its ruins from damage caused by the sharp shoes. ARTICLES WEIRD WORLD 6 INSANE LAWS THAT MAKE CHINA A GODDAMN NIGHTMARE 6 Insane Laws That Make China A Goddamn Nightmare By: Carolyn Burke February 02, 2017. 5 strange California laws. If you're caught without this gadget in your car, you'll be expected . Colombians love cheese. 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. 15 Interesting, Weird Laws in Germany - ViaTravelers Laws in Thailand: How to Stay Out of Jail - World Nomads Tacha is an expat from Switzerland and lives in Medelln full time with her husband Sam. The ban went into place to prevent "traffic accidents" and "public disorder.". Not even indecent emojis are allowed. 16 Strange Enforceable Laws Still on the Books in Texas - HG.org Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? Me too, I learned my lesson haha . Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. Not only can you not toss confetti in Mobile, Alabama, but it is illegal to possess, keep, store, use, manufacture or sell it within city limits. You can get cited for driving too slow ly . Colombians use every occasion to drink aguardiente (anise-flavoured liqueur), to sing and to dance together. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). Just know your audience. They say things like we are leaving at 12, thats 11 brown time . There a many weird and strange laws in Colombia. My wifes aunties often call our young son my name then our sons name. 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. And on the Medellin Guru website we previous looked at the top 5 coffee shops in El Poblado and the top 8 coffee shops in Laureles. . It's not that you can't go to the bathroom, but you won't be able to make noise while you do it. The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. In Finland, however, taxi drivers are required by law to pay royalty fees for songs they play while driving passengers. The law wasn't for safety, but rather that men wouldn't dare walk around town in a Speedo, so if he wears a Speedo in the water, it surely would be cleaner than something he may have been wearing all day long. For a complete list of the Law Library's gazettes, please visit the Foreign Legal Gazette Collection. See also:10 Reasons Why Colombia Should Be On Your Radar. In an effort to keep the streets of Barcelona free of beachgoers in bikinis and men going shirtless, lawmakers in the Spanish town on the Mediterranean banned anyone from being topless or in a swimsuit in public anywhere but the beach or a pool. With a 1.5 mile long tidal wave that you can surf, be sure to hit its coastlines and surf the wave. 3) Vanity braces, as a fashion statement, are just as common, and un-needed, in Thailand. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. So, not everybody in Colombia expects an automatic tip. Thankfully this particular law is no longer enforced, and after the governmental body entrusted in targeting antiquated laws is finished, it might not even be documented anymore. This one is an interesting one, and it probably will make you laugh. However, in such a marriage, the condition is that divorce cannot be taken before 5 years. Living in a foreign country is always interesting. He was threatened with three weeks in jail for his choice of words. this was so nice to read ! Unless the bar or lounge that you're in has a dancing license, it is illegal to move your body to the songs they are playing. After Swiss and German travelers decided to make naked hiking a thing in Switzerland a decade ago (really! 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. Strange laws to be aware of in the most popular countries for - Stacker Besides all this, the goal is still to get a beautiful smile. So, you follow their directions and find out there is nothing there. Bien gracias y usted? So I definitely agree its something that people should know before they go ! So, keep this in mind when youre having a date, appointment, meeting or whatever it might be. 27 Strange Laws in California 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. All Rights Reserved. if there is no driver. The majority of the diversity of Colombias wildlife lives in the dense Amazon rain forest, contributing to its mega diverse status. Laws against fun are most common in centuries-old legislation. 10 Odd Laws in Arizona You Should Know - Hallam Law Group The future of Medellin Guru needs the help of readers to remain ad free. Strange Law 1: It is illegal for persons to hunt game from a moving vehicle, unless the game they are hunting is a whale. It is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor. more efficent: Santos. Since the building is considered a royal family palace, if anyone dies inside it, they must be buried with full honors. | Contact | Editorial Policy | Believe me when I say, you will never have to worry about getting bored in Medelln or other cities in Colombia, theres always something going on. In this article I look at my top 12 things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or funny. 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 was something I was not used to. The state passed legislation prohibiting bear fighting in 2000. Spiteful gossip or talking behind someone's back is illegal in Indiana. Manuel Sanvictores/flickr Yep, you read that right. 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. Here are some of the most random and unique laws in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. These things Colombians do you will need to get used to, but thats one of the nice things about foreign countries. Beauty is really important in Colombia, especially women are putting a lot of effort in. It's illegal to let your donkey (yes, you ready that right) sleep in a bathtub in Arizona. In Colombia, the everyday man wears dress shoes, khakis or slacks and long sleeve shirts or polos. Notorious for having dynamic speed limits that give drivers a chance to travel more than 100 miles per hour, car enthusiasts and speed demons love trips along the German Autobhan. Whenever you get into a cab, it's normal for the taxi driver to be listening to the radio, as a way to make the ride more pleasant for everyone. Russians care about looks. And always after saying Gracias. LOL this is a great article. You may not forsake or insult your parents, you must take care of their farm for them, and you must provide for them, among other laws. Many of these silly, outdated laws are still on the books. You may not spot moose from a plane and hunt them on the same day. Find out more, Copyright ESLstarter 2007-2023. Colombian Estate Planning Laws Before Investing Or Living in Colombia 2. He added, "Offenders will be severely punished.". 25 Things The World Finds Strange About America (That Even - TheTravel If you are going to another country you may find things that you are not use too and that is exactly what this article is about. Find out more here, Tel: +44 (0) 161 818 8864 info@eslstarter.com Skype: eslstarter. They are just not used to be punctual and since its not considered as rude as it is in the U.S. and Europe they have no reason to change. Colorado has its fair share of weird rules, some state-wide, some local to a city. Colombians tend to drink coffee all day long. Tweet this. 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. Germans believe you have the power to keep your car properly gassed up, so if you run out of gas, it's your own fault. This law was put forward to protect hibernating bears since tourists would waltz into the dens and disturb the animals' seasonal slumber. Keep it Legal: China's 10 Strangest Rules and Laws - eChinacities.com If you're caught feeding the pigeons, you could face fines of up to 700. But since braces arent a thing that every Colombian can afford, they are wearing them proudly and at all ages. Transportation in Colombia - How to Travel from City to City The law was finally repealed in 2010. LOL!! This law is enforceable for both men and women. 12 Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird 14 Weird Laws In Virginia That Are Sure To Baffle You If saving gas is your goal, don't take a road trip through . When making a payment that is more than $10, it is illegal to pay with more than a single coin under the Currency Act in Canada. What an individual can dispose . While these lists are amusing, they are often riddled with factual inaccuracies. Abortion laws in Colombia are now among the most liberal in the Disingenuous , petty, and very jealous. Paraguay Facts for Kids. Aww now I want to go back to Colombia for christmas! 0:0. does not wear pants. Weird British Columbia Laws: Strange, Bizarre, Wacky & Absurd 40 Weird Laws in The World in 2023 That Will Shock You! - Holidify The most ridiculous law in every state - Business Insider 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. Some Colombian friends told me, that the braces are like a status symbol, for wealth or having money. The rule isn't followed in every part of the country, but if you have an annoying neighbor who wants to complain, they would technically have the law on their side. A fine of $25 to $500 can be issued if you call a woman a name orally or by other means, so that means not even cyber bullying should take place in Oklahoma. Pack a breathalyzer in France. Although not illegal to have tattoos of Buddha, a British woman was jailed for three days in 2014 for inappropriate tattoos of the man 70 percent of Sri Lankans feel is a prophet and avatar of the god Vishnu. Only directional, real estate and landmark signs are allowed. The artwork has to be approved as art, so hanging a picture sketched on a Post-It won't do. For someone who loves ocean surfing, you will be impressed to learn that Peru is one of the best surfing locations in the world. 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. It seems a tad dangerous. Si, gracias Leave the Camo attire at home when you head to the Caribbean to wear it is a big no-no in many island nations, including Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbuda and Jamaica. Yep, that's right! Arkansas. Goldfish are not allowed to be kept in bowls and must, instead, have a full-sized aquarium. Since the law in Colombia does not allow to charge tips directly, in Colombia they usually ask you (especially in tourist areas) if they can charge you a tip. Ireland's Defamation Act of 2009 made it illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in writing. If you are tried and convicted of horse theft, the penalty in Florida is still written as death by hanging. To figure out the difference between a real answer and an I want to help you so badly but I dont know answer can be challenging at the beginning. In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in . 10 strange laws in the U.S. - CW39 Houston According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. 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. Then you can get down to business. If an owner does not walk their dog once a day (at minimum), they could be fined $625. Or really to describe people? DUMB STATE LAWS Weird & Outdated - USALS 21 air conditioning is everywhere. But how could we survive without our gorditas or our negritos or our blanquitos or our pelotones or our narizn? I think its worth mentioning that its not just a way of speaking.