Best to leave your bear attire at home if visiting this Eastern European country, just to be safe. In my time in Medelln, I have noticed several things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or even funny. (We have to admit, that's a pretty good rule.). This means that if you buy a phone in the country, you will be unable to turn off the shutter sound. This is a day dedicated to playing practical jokes on friends and family. Even if youre not dancing, drinking or singing, you will have fun watching the Colombians doing it. I also sampled some amazing cheese wrapped in platanos leaves in Tolima ! Read about these strange and wacky laws and more in Weird British Columbia Laws: * From 1947 to 1986, it was illegal to sell stoves on a Wednesday in Vancouver * Kelowna once permitted nude bathing in any public waters, but only between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am * In Port Coquitlam, it is against the law to own more than four pet rats or to allow your There are plenty of urban legends and fake state laws circulating around the internet. 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. Edy by weird dont think bad. 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. 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. Paraguay Facts for Kids. You can't wake a sleeping bear to take a selfie. Under Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, "swearing disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person.". Of all of the 12 things listed I can add several more positives and only one serious negative. Take, for example, one popularly referenced law: You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant in the state of Michigan. Completely oblivious to others outside their family or group. Expect to pay a hefty fine if you get caught doing so anywhere in the province of Ontario. As any of my hispanic friends will assert, its a brown thing. Not that South Africa has bears, but if it did, it would be illegal to wrestle with them. As a result, Arizona laws afford the same protections and rights to animals as motor vehicles. 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. Street sellers are everywhere in Colombia selling a wealth of weird and wonderful objects, just for less than a dollar, you can rent a pre-1999 mobile to make calls, known locally as buying minutes. Oblea (like a flattened waffle cone ) will be served with arequipe, jam and of course, cheese. Although there is no jail time for the offense, you could risk . Colombians really celebrate Christmas in a huge way each year. Photo of a women with braces outside of a dentist officeC. This has to do with the fact that the cemetery is full, so the mayor issued an ordinance in 2008. They help you as much as they can and would never dare saying No directly to someone. Moose aren't allowed on the sidewalk. Colombia, a civil law country, has different inheritance laws from the US, which uses a common law system. Food insecurity in Colombia more than doubled in Petro sacks three ministers ahead of Colombias local Colombias army turned Medellin into murder capital of Colombias prosecution all but collapsed, statistics suggest. In my opinion it is uncomfortable to get this question asked. Children trick-or-treating on Halloween. In this way I got to know a lot more people, learn more about the culture and also improve my language skills everyday. The worst part is that the law is actually strictly enforced. Plata Limpia, Luis Guillermo Angel Restrepo, a.k.a. As a rule, bus travel in Peru is safest if you go with the best bus companies. Bien (grrrr) My state of mind changed a lot since I traveled and now live in Colombia. This may be weird but are lovely and great. Under the Salmon Act of 1986, Parliament deemed it illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances across the U.K. 1. Clearly, such obsolete laws are not unique to Colombia. 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. FACT#17. Another law, also no longer enforced but which may explain the sad state and bad taste of Colombias most well established beers, governs the sale of alcohol. Skamania County, Washington, was the first county to draft the law in 1964 which states that "any . You can decide if you want to tip or not. The country banned high heels at the Acropolis in 2009, so no stilettos at the Parthenon. Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? Better to get the picture-perfect shot of Venice's beautiful bridges instead. While these lists are amusing, they are often riddled with factual inaccuracies. Or, more precisely, the city of Sevilla. Fact is, that you always need a plan B or even plan C when having a meeting with a Colombian. Forget about everything you thought you knew about Colombia. Como estas? 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. However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. If your fake mustache makes people laugh, save it for anywhere but church, as it is illegal in Alabama. During large national events, such as the World Cup and elections, local Colombian governments will impose a short-term ban on alcohol to avoid violence in the streets between rival supporters. In the event of a locust invasion in India, a male 14 and older must do everything possible to prevent and stop the destruction of the locusts. There were three ordeals: Ordeal by fire: The accused held a red-hot iron bar in their hands and walked three meters. Let me out of here!!!!!! At times they say that but are still laying in bed and havent even showered yet. It's also a crime to dye a dog's hair for aesthetics, so no pink poodles here. With those different habits you get to see new things and get to understand the new culture even better. 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. Here are some of the most random and unique laws in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. Until 1215, even being accused of a crime resulted in the punishment of enduring an ordeal that revealed a person's innocence or guilt. 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. SI,SI,SI,SI,SI WOULD YOU PLEASE RING UP THE CHOCOLATE???!!! I prefer the cheese with sweet stuff, like Arepa de Chocolo con Queso or Pastel de Arequiqe con Queso. Japan finally lifted the ban in 2105. And Christmas is almost a month-long celebration in Colombia. The law was put on the books in an effort to reduce crime. I think its worth mentioning that its not just a way of speaking. 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. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in . The committee will not stop there, however, and also plans to create a document that will provide clear guidelines for new laws to ensure that the creation of such obnoxious decrees will be kept to a minimum in the future, according to Justice Minister Ruth Stella Correa. Walking along the highway is unsafe, as is having your vehicle stalled on or on the side of the road. If youve been wondering why, much to your chagrin, that Aguila (alcohol content 4%) you were nursing appeared to improve your spatial awareness and make people less interesting, look no further than to this law. Also, after Christmas day, Colombia celebrates The Day of the Innocent Saints on December 28. New Year celebrations in Cambodia get so crazy that the capital city of Siam Reap won't allow for the sale of water pistols leading up to and during its big celebrations. *He requested an ice-skating rink should be built near Ashgabat so the people living in the desert could learn to ice skate. As if the people in Jersey aren't honking enough already. Here are two of my favourite strange Irish laws from Trinity College Dublin: It is illegal for a student to walk through Trinity College without their sword. The women wear heels, make-up, and other feminine attire to align with the occasion. So, keep this in mind when youre having a date, appointment, meeting or whatever it might be. Hola Ive spent many months and weeks in Cali since the 90s. Yet, I heard recently that Medellin had beautiful lights and lots to do during the Christmas holidays. We refer to mono or mona to blondes. We have no idea. Colombians are one of the friendliest people I have ever met. While the law has been around for a while, fans continue to partake in this tradition. #10: Odd Motorcycle Regulations. And when seeing something that is unusual or unknown, try not judge them for doing it, but to try it yourself. 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. A $110 license is required for teenagers to mow lawns. Yes, you are absolutely right about that. PERDON are all those food words? This ban includes any DIY projects or household cleaning that produces loud noises. A Colombian may have a cup of tinto in the morning with breakfast, with lunch, with an evening snack, as dessert with dinner. Leave Your Creativity For the Weekdays. Casadas Marinka in Minka. Not only masks, the Danish government wants to stop anyone from covering their faces in any way in public spaces. It's illegal to give, sell, do away with, even use, use stink bombs in the state of Alabama. A law that prohibits Colombian companies from "importing" Chinese laborers to work on Colombian land is just one of the ridiculous and bizarre laws that may be targeted for removal by a government body looking at ways to steamline the country's legal system, El Pais reported on Monday. Don't Take Cheap Buses and Dubious Taxis. We can get behind that! #DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness #DoctorStrange2 #MarvelStudiosWatch Doctor Strange 2 New Final Trailer concept (More Info About This Video Down Below!. Muy bien tambien (At this oint Im thinking okay, now down to business to buy that chocolate bar) Countries like Malta and Lebanon have strange laws against women. Need assistance? Beauty is really important in Colombia, especially women are putting a lot of effort in. These weird facts will help you get over the culture shock when you relocate to one of the worlds happiest countries. Lawmakers in 1907 Buenos Aires took it a step further by completely stripping the Argentinean capital of the simple joy of flying kites. Dancing after midnight was banned for generations, as it is just too sinful. Keep your dirty laundry to yourself in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is illegal to dry your clothes anywhere that projects over a street, wall, fence or window facing a street. One of Mexico's most beautiful pueblos also has one of the country's weirdest laws: no kissing in the street. The article was especially to talk about things that foreigners may consider as weird, unusual or different. 1. 1. Hunting any animals other than raccoons on Sunday. Endemic species are species that only exist in one country. One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation. Keep up to date with latest news and job offers: Gap year and career break travel insurance, tailored to you. Top paramilitary chief assassinated in northern Colombia: police. If you're in certain parts of Sweden and need to go to the bathroom after 10 p.m., you're out of luck. Why? 0:0. This goes for Ottawa, Toronto and even in the middle of the forest unless you have a permit. I wish i knew that before . 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. I have met a few that are very punctual. Guillo. Cheese, I fond the these not neutral but just more creamy. The following resources have been created or curated by the Law Library of Congress related to this nation. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. This section creates an offence in England and Wales "for any . And one has to get used to if he/she comes from a more direct culture, to not be perceived as rude. Good morning to all. So, the parents must beware of such strange laws that are in effect and should be sure of locking the liquor cabinet when they leave the house. As a response to a hidden camera crisis in subways, the South Korean government banned the silencing of phone cameras when taking pictures. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. And other things Colombian do that I noticed by observing the locals after being in Medelln for a while. Brazil is another, however, it is 10 times the size of Colombia! Disingenuous , petty, and very jealous. Colombia is a different country with different habits and some things Colombians do may seem to be weird by foreigners. But, if you run out of gas, you could face a big fine. Tinto is a thicker more concentrated version that is made with commodity beans and sold in small cups. . Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. 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 . As you might know, Colombians love to party! Billboard advertising is not allowed in the state of Hawaii. You can get cited for driving too slow ly . Therationale is supposedly that person who just left the seat youre about to sit in has left their body heat behind and that this can cause the spread of germs. 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. While women across the nations protested, the law is in effect and you can no longer buy lace garments. And don't even think of walking to a gas station; you'll get another fine for that! However, the law doesn't say they cannot wear dresses with spaghetti straps, capped sleeves or long sleeves. If not, you could be fined up to $10,000 and even spend up to two years in jail if you interrupt a wedding. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. My father was red hair and everybody called him mono. Russians care about looks. You may also face a fine, depending on the contents of your barrel. Because of this, Poland issued a ban on Winnie the Pooh around playgrounds and schools, finding the A.A. Milne character a bit too risqu for the likes of impressionable children. It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. 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. And always after saying Gracias. A husband could actually divorce her if she is drinking in public! This is possibly the weirdest fact of them all. 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. 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. The typical granny talking to her little dog in a high pitched voice and dressing it like a baby. The future of Medellin Guru needs the help of readers to remain ad free. We're not sure how they enforce this, but China is known for having some strict laws. Use our online form to ask a librarian for help. The country's Coat of Arms is on the front and its Treasury Seal is on the back with its motto, 'Paz y Justica' (Peace and Justice). Aliviado? This stirred up a big debate on whether or not this means flatulence is now a criminal offense. 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. In case you are wondering, the same law states you cannot have a loaded firearm on you while drunk. They do it in order to let the seat cool down before they sit on it. 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. (Denver) Flickr/James. I was out wandering with a friend on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan Island, when we ran into a local walking his pet monkey. But thanks for the input. Due Amici Pizzeria: A Popular Pizzeria in Medelln with Good Pizza, Viva Envigado: A Guide to the Largest Mall in Colombia in Envigado. Just in case you get hungry, Idaho will imprison you up to 14 years if you eat the flesh or blood of a person. The state passed legislation prohibiting bear fighting in 2000. In Victoria, Australia, it's been illegal to fly a kite since 1966. We're again not quite sure how they would prove this one, but it's better safe to just use the restrooms like a civilized person. Coffee shops in the U.S. do most of their business before 10 am. 13 / 50. Article 6 of the Civil Code: The bees that flee a hive and come to rest in a tree that is not owned by their previous owner, return to a state of nature and liberty, and anyone may seize them for their honeycomb, as long as they have the permission of the owner of the land upon which they rest. This means it cannot cross the road to get to the other side. The Colombian people are very patriotic and their laws reflect this. Me too, I learned my lesson haha . Keep your eyes on your gas gauge and fill 'er up when you get low. If you're in a Nordic country and feel inspired to spontaneously break into dance, we have bad news for you. This means that you will be forced to let it mellow until the morning. Chewing gum in Singapore Matt Ragen/Shutterstock It also applies to trout, smelt, freshwater fish, lampreys and eels, but it doesn't specify what is considered suspicious. Strange laws from Latin America Some laws are obvious. It is illegal for autonomous vehicles to drive over 60 miles per hour. As far as I know, Colombians usually dont tip like in the U.S. in example. Before you ask, yes, kids are included in this restriction and parents foot the bill. The list of celebrations in Colombia seems to be endless. Australians aren't the only ones who are apparently opposed to flying a kite. You can find many people selling tinto from thermoses on the street. From the suburbs right into the centre of the city, Bogota is covered in cyclists and cycle lanes. Colombians in Antioquia take solicitous politness to a whole new level that I must admit fatugues even me. Colombians love nothing better than dipping a special, melting cheese into a steaming hot mug of hot chocolate. According to a law made in 1924, it is illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs. Also, no matter where I have been so far in Medelln, I usually have seen a pet store nearby and off course in every mall. Hi Rich! I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. Let me be the first this year to say Merry Christmas. Whereas in the U.S. or Europe, it seems almost only kids wear braces. 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. 30. Good luck explaining that to the little ones. Did you think the French just really liked their Speedos? 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. In the District of Columbia, you could be fined up to $500 for every time you throw a stone or other projectile on any street, avenue, alley, road, highway, open space, public square, or enclosure. But they are normal for Colombians. no longer applicable (in regard to current culture or modern law). does not wear pants. 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? All Rights Reserved. When you have a dog you can enter most restaurants and most stores with it. This one is an interesting one, and it probably will make you laugh. 3. The Christmas season in Colombia unofficially tends to start on December 7, which is known as Da de las Velitas (Day of Candles). I dont have so much luck when Im asking for directions. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. This means that in an hour of radio during the workweek, you'll hear more than 20 minutes of artists like Nickelback, Alanis Morissette, Celine Dion, Michael Bubl and Justin Bieber all of whom are proud Canucks. Paraguay is the only country worldwide whose national flag has different emblems on each side. Same with your height or your body size, its possible that you get called gordito (fat) if youre bigger or flaco (skinny) because youre skinny, and so on. 2. Yes, the dreams of many children everywhere are coming true! Laws against fun are most common in centuries-old legislation. 8) Thou shalt not bind thy daughter's feet. In 2013, one young tree-climbing enthusiast earned himself a $365 ticket for climbing one in Bellevue Square Park. While this can sometimes be the case, Colombia is currently taking steps to crack down on corruption, and attempting to bribe a member of the police or armed forces is a crime. According to this law, if the girl is kidnapped and married, then her crime is dismissed. 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 controversial ban went into effect in August 2018. 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. 0:0. How they'll know what you have on underneath is another subject. No spitting (it's a public nuisance) Donkeys may not sleep in bathtubs. Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job! The law 198 sees thatOh gloria inmarcesible! is played daily at 6am and 6pm both on the radio and on public television. Tibetan Buddist monks are not allowed to reincarnate after they die unless they have been granted permission from the government. No one has ever captured proof of this hairy, giant creature, but if you should find it and kill it, you could be fined up to $250,000 if you do not have a proper hunting license. Save for Sumo wrestlers, in an effort to prevent obesity in its citizens, Japan created the Metabo Law. 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. Medellin Guru Annual Subscriptions Now Offering a Discount! Thats daily life here in Colombia and with every age group. If an owner does not walk their dog once a day (at minimum), they could be fined $625. Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip. 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. Still, I think it is something that, a foreigner need to get used to. The artwork has to be approved as art, so hanging a picture sketched on a Post-It won't do. jajajajajaja hopefully find another that can come to enjoy and not criticize . But a note will typically be on the bill that says that it isnt mandatory to pay the propina (tip). For someone who loves ocean surfing, you will be impressed to learn that Peru is one of the best surfing locations in the world. The ban went into place to prevent "traffic accidents" and "public disorder.". It's illegal to kill Bigfoot Bigfoot hunters, beware. Instead, being hesitant around the issue and explaining their reasoning instead of just saying no. LOL!! In 2011, a Swiss man was fined more than $100 for his bare-bottomed walk. But how could we survive without our gorditas or our negritos or our blanquitos or our pelotones or our narizn? Why this law exists is anyone's guess. This is a strange Turkmenistan law that affects such a small group of the Turkmenistan population. When packing for a trip to Greece, make sure you have the right shoes. No obscenities during phone calls. Sounds fishy, but it's true. It is illegal for women to drive vehicles while wearing a housecoat. 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. Children are technically not supposed to go trick-or-treating on October 31st. ( IC 14-22-9-1 ). Thats why it surprised me even more that they nickname people by their appearance. The law, which is rife with subjective definitions like "grossly abusive" and "causing outrage," pertains to all religions. They are smarter than Costa Ricans but not by much. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Yes, you read that right. And you end up going in circles. 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. Only directional, real estate and landmark signs are allowed. Tall dandelions and other weeds are banned in Pueblo Large dandelions in southern Colorado. 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. Why? - International tourist arrivals: 10.3 million. I absolutely love that about the culture but for others it would demand an elevation in their sartorial game if they want to be taken seriously. 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. Its very common in Colombia to find this out when asking for directions.