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| Name: | JEAN DE LA CROIX NSE NGIYUMVA |
| E-mail address: | njeandelacroix@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | RWANDA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | KINYARWANDA,ENGLISH,FRENCH AND SWAHILI. I SPEAK ENGLISH MORE |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The most tremendous tourist is Volcanoes Gorillas whom the world tourist come all to visit;
They seem like people, act and react like people and are said to be true ancestors,according to archeologists, of Human kind. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in MUSANZE TOWN, the second biggest town in Rwanda after KIGALI, THE CAPITAL.
MUSANZE is situated in the Northern part of the Country, nearby KINIGI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS a crossboarder of three counties, RWANDA, UGANDA AND DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO) |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | 1.There local areas where people were used to worship their traditional goods before christianism came in.
2. Can visit historically marginalised people, who have been for a longer period living in forests. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Roman Catholic, 7th Adventists, protestantism, Islam and Naturalistics |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | .Religious:Christmas,Idriffitri,etc
.New Year( double-sided) .Public holidays: Heroes' day,liberation day, etc Just going to church and sharing meal and drink afterwards but on family basis. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | .Religious dances
.Traditional dances .Some times modern dances accordingly |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Used to go to primary school in 10 kilometers on foot in a natural road and driving a motorcycle's spare wheel.
Played a natural(made) ball fabricated through old clothes,etc |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas,maizes, beans,vegetables, etc |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football and Volley ball.
They are the only ones developed in long period past. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Though our country has experienced genocide in 1994, we have had exemplary national politicians and our country is currently taken in a model not only in Africa , but also oversees. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Purpose driven leadership bringing in unity and development. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Rwandan traditional belief and worship |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | It has been long for me looking for the one with whom we can have a purpose driven correspondence eg: cultural, intellectual,commercial, touristic exchange, etc but have failed to get one; i wish thi should be the real transformation of my dreams into reality.
Am 35year, Married, have double sons(David Chancellor and Key Champion) and am currently doing Masters OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT in UGANDA. I wish you should write sooner and tell me about my request. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Seems to be long though detailed. |
| Name: | touali désiré |
| E-mail address: | toualidsir@gmail.com |
| town/country: | Jacqueville/Ivory Coast |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | french,yacouba,dioula,bété |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Here we have the Basilica our lady of peace in the political capital,then the "lac aux caïmans" a lake with sacred crocodiles,"la dent de Man" which is a montain as 2 teeth in the west of the country... |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in jacqueville a small seaside city near the capital city. the town is in fact an island because it's surrounded by the sea,and the lagoon it's a very nice place to live in and to discover. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | In my country we have about 60 ethnic groups and each of them has its own culture so the culture changes from one reagion to another so in order to understand our culture we have to visit the 4 main regions(east, west,north,south) |
| What religions are practiced there? : | christian,muslim,protestent... |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | in the south for example we have the "abissa" it's a yearly festival.it's a very colourful festival during which people dance, sing...people also give demonstration of their power by stabing themselves... |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | men dressed up as women and women as men |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | i was grown up in the west of my country where we have a lot of forest and montains.So our special game was hunting in the forest |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | in my region we eat pounded cassava with a special soup.it's in fact a sticky soup |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | soccer it's popular because it's easy to play and it doesn't require a lot of means. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | since it's an african country, many people mainly in europe still think that we live in the jungle.but they are wrong even if we want to keep our nature safe but we also have builgings, modren hospitals,school... |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | the kindness of people and their cheerfulness |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | in my country people are really welcoming this why we have many foreigner the rate of immigration in my country is estimated at about 26percent one of the highest in the world. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | just to come and visit my country i'll happily be your guide |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | i think it's alright. |
| Name: | Jolie |
| E-mail address: | jolie@sympatico.ca |
| Homepage URL: | http://corket.chez.com/lansoprazole/lansoprazole-price-list.html |
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| Name: | Annalise |
| E-mail address: | annalise@yahoo.ca |
| Homepage URL: | http://deram.scienceontheweb.net/oxycodone/oxycodone-addiction.html |
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| Name: | Hunter |
| E-mail address: | hunter@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://robnet.atwebpages.com/provera/provera-at-cut-rates.html |
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| Name: | Lariyah |
| E-mail address: | lariyah@terra.com.br |
| Homepage URL: | http://mazure.reunionwatch.com/norvasc/norvasc-side-effects.html |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Our partners : best price is about best price... macon ativan is about macon ativan... Hello, excellent design and nice site, best wishes from me! our site is also very good. |
| Name: | lexarez |
| E-mail address: | lexarez1991@yandex.ru |
| town/country: | russia |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, russian |
| Name: | Jessica |
| town/country: | Questa, New Mexico, USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English and Spanish. I speak English and a little Spanish. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Well, I've never really lived near any big nation-wide tourist attractions, but there's the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty in New York, and there's Las Vegas, Nevada. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Questa, for one thing, is really small for the United States. It only has 2,000 people, so it's considered a village. There aren't many places to go in Questa, but there is a coffeehouse run by Jackie Vigil (pronounced vee-HEEL) on the south end of town. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to the Plaza (we just call it "the Plaza", with no extra name) and Bent Street (both of them are actually in Taos, but it's right next to Questa). I would take them to Jackie Vigil's coffeehouse, and I would also take them to the many art galleries and craft fairs that we have. I would definitely take them to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and maybe even down into the gorge. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholocism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and New Age religions |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas and Easter are really important holidays, and so is New Years' Eve. We also have the Rose Parade on New Years' Day, which has big floats that are completely decorated with only organic plant products, like seeds and flowers. On the Fourth of July, also called Independence Day, we do big displays of fireworks and have family get-togethers. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We usually go to the Plaza, Kit Carson Park (we just call it "the park"), and walk around town. We like to ski, snowboard, and sled during our very long winters. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | My childhood here was pretty nice, although I didn't spend my whole childhood in Questa. I moved to this village when I was 11. There are no special games that I can think of. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | A mix of United States cuisine and Mexican cuisine, but it must have chile on it, whatever it is. We have three kind of chile here: red, green, and "christmas", which is red and green together.
My favorite traditional dish is a bean and rice burrito with red chile. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football (I don't know what it's called in other countries) and volleyball. I think it's because volleyball is so simple and football... I don't know. It's just a national sport that the teachers and students really get into. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People think that the United States of America is full of fat, arrogant and (possibly) stupid people who think they're always right and don't know anything about the outside world.
Well, many of us are fat, it's true, but not all of us. We can be arrogant and we certainly aren't all the open-minded, accepting people that many of us think we are. I think that happens in a lot of countries, though. I honestly don't know how much about the outside world we know, compared to how much people in other countries know about the outside world. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Potential. This country, I think, has potential to do good things. I don't know if it will, but I think it can. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | How much your differences will be accepted all depends on where you are. In Taos, people will barely glance at you if you wear a headscarf (unless they're tourists). In Questa, people will give you funny glances. In Red River, which is just east of Questa, people might yell at you or lecture you about the "sinfulness of your ways." |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | In New Mexico, people make and sell "ristras". A ristra is a string of chiles (usually red). You hang them on your porch or by your door, and it's a sign of welcome.
There's also something you should know if you're going to speak to an older person: they might call you "jita" (HEE-tah) or "jito" (HEE-toe). It means "little daughter" or "little son", and it's only used in New Mexico. |
| Name: | Catherine |
| E-mail address: | cls3090@mchshi.com |
| town/country: | Hidden Valley Lakw, Ca USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Golden Gate Bridge.Staute of Liberty, Primyd Building San Francisco, |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Hidden Valley Lake is in Northern California, Its a small town in the country,There a rolling hills and Oaktree, wildflowers in the spring, Hot in the Summer |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | San Francisco |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Everything |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | thanksgiving, families flock together eat a speical meal and just spend time togethr. Christmas, and most espcially the $th of July is An American Holiday, with BBQ's fireworks patriotic music Fun |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Swimming, Hiking, boating, shopping movies going out to eat |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Nice childhood. alot of kids in the neighborhood, played Hide and Seek, Red Rover, Bike riding skating |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Oh My anything from Sea food to Mexican to Itallian, there is A Northern Cal cuiseine from Napa Vally wine country. I love Turkey and Spahgetti |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | FOOTBALL !!!!!!!, Baseball,
Competieion between team and regions in the uSA |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think people think we spend money and don't care about each other, Just like anyplace everyone is different different relions and languages and the freedom to worship who or what you want and speek freely |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Our Freedom, and our welcomng spirit |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We love our family, our country we're friendly |
| Name: | Samantha |
| E-mail address: | lovekaramito@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Edmonton Canada AB |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | I speak English and lots of languages are speaken here like French |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | West Edmonton Mall is a main attraction for every one who live and come to see Edmonton there are over 800 stores and services and parking for more than 20,000 vehicles.The mall receives 28.2 million visitors per year and between 60,000 and 150,000 shoppers daily depending on the day and season.
West Edmonton Mall first opened its doors to the public on September 15, 1981. The mall has been expanded three times since its opening in 1981, It was the largest indoor shopping centre in the world until 2004 Fantasyland, is the world's largest indoor amusement park it is home to the world's tallest (14 stories), and longest indoor roller coaster, the Mindbender. It is also home to the Space Shot, the world's tallest indoor tower ride (12 stories). 23 Rides total, The mall has other stores too like HMV T & T Supermarket Bay department store Bed, Bath and Beyond Sea Life Caverns / Sea Lions Rock Ice Palace Movie Theatre 24-Hour Gold's Gym and so much more stores and other stuff. Also World Water park is the world's largest indoor waterpark, built in 1985, with a size of over 20,000 square metres (4.9 acres). The park has the world's largest indoor wave pool and is known for its high-speed water slide called the Sky Screamer, which is often mistaken as the park's tallest slide at 24 metres (79 ft). The highest slide in the park is the Twister, which is 25.3 metres (83 ft) high. The major slides are all on the east side of the park, with a children's play area and change room access behind them. On the west side is a tube ride which has been changed many times over, a three-person inflatable raft slide and the separately owned Bungee Tower where one can bungee jump directly over the wave pool.And so much more to see and know well that is all for here read more online if you like or come see for your self. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Edmonton (pronounced /ˈɛdməntən/) is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta. The city is located on the North Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farmland on the prairies. It is the second largest city in Alberta after Calgary, and is the hub of Canada's sixth-largest census metropolitan area. The hadrosaur Edmontosaurus is named after the city.Most of Edmonton's metropolitan population lives within the actual City of Edmonton rather than having multiple suburban cities surrounded by one main city like most North American cities. Since Edmonton historically had few urban municipalities surrounding it, with most of which that did exist being absorbed through amalgamation or annexation, Edmonton annexed a significant amount of land up until the early 1980s, which has enabled it to sustain much of the region's suburban growth within the city. This makes it one of the largest cities in North America in area at 684km Edmonton is Canada's second most populous provincial capital (after Toronto) and is a cultural, governmental and educational centre. It plays host to a year-round slate of world-class festivals, earning it the title of "The Festival City."[7] It is home to North America's largest mall, West Edmonton Mall (which was the world's largest mall for 23 years from 1981 until 2004),[8] and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum. In 2004, Edmonton celebrated the centennial of its incorporation as a city. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take my friend to Fort Edmonton Park It is an attraction in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Named for the first enduring European post in the area of modern-day Edmonton, the park is the largest living history museum in Canada. It includes both original and rebuilt historical structures representing the history of Edmonton (including that of post-horse aboriginals), and is staffed during the summer by costumed historical interpreters. I would also take my friend to West Edmonton Mall or if they like too The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is a performing arts centre located in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Also Museums and galleries like Royal Alberta Museum it is located in Edmonton, Alberta and was named the Provincial Museum of Alberta until 24 May 2005 when Queen Elizabeth II visited, bestowing royal patronage. It has a natural history exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, an entomology exhibit, a Native Culture exhibit, as well as some smaller displays. It also houses an entomology collection and an arachnology collection. The museum is currently undergoing an extensive multi-million dollar renewal project.[2][3] Also on the premises is Government House which is used by the Alberta Government Caucus. Also take them so much more place to see if they like all over the place. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All Kinds |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | One holidays is Canada Day Formerly Dominion Day is Canada's national day, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act, 1867, which united two British colonies and a province of the British Empire into a single country, still within the Empire, called Canada.Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as internationally. Most call it Canada birthday, Under the federal Holidays Act, Canada Day is observed on July 1 unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case July 2 is the statutory holiday, although celebratory events generally take place on July 1 even though it is not the legal holiday.If it falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is generally also a day off for those businesses ordinarily closed on Saturdays. There so much fun amazing good great times to spend there with friends or family. Another holidays are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Boxing Day, Christmas. I am sure there so much more but that is some of them for sure look them up if you want to know more about it. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Go shopping go to West Edmonton Mall the beach see movies eat out take a class like Japanese cooking baking music do music stuff see a band see other place in Edmonton Canada AB play with friends or family go on a rode trip go swimming go to a theme park work out. There so much to do and so much stuff to try so get out there and try stuff out. Play sports hicking and other stuff. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Seven-up, Duck, Duck, Goose, Freeze Tag, Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Relay Games, Hide and Go Seek, Telephone, Hopscotch, marbles, checkers, Cards, Tag, leapfrog, skipping, I Spy, Tic Tac Toe, Cat's Cradle, Blind Man's Buff, Shadow Tag, and so much more games for all age groups to play. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | For food and stuff people here eat a lot of Poutine it is a dish consisting of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with hot gravy. Also Maple Syrup with pancakes are my Favourite Dish of Canada people eat it a lot here. We have Dish from all over the world far and close by from French Japanese Chinese Koren and so much more all over the world. Also try Back Bacon and Beer. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular sport in Canada is Ice Hockey. Ice hockey is also the official winter sport of Canada. Although Lacrosse is the official Summer sport of Canada it is not very popular compared to hockey. Canadians go crazy over hockey. As everyone knows, Canada's national sport is hockey. (I know, there are a few sports that can definitely be documented as having been developed in Canada, such as Lacrosse and Basketball and therefor have better claim to the moniker; I just like to stir the brown stuff:) and what I'm really referring to when I say "Canada's National Sport" is this nation's preoccupation with the sport of hockey. I don't like hockey but every one else does and there so many teams to pick from. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Every one is right or wrong sometime no one is always right or always wrong every one in this world have a right and wrong and sometime there right is wrong or there wrong is right but that does not matter at all. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | That we take in so many people all over the world from old to new from all age groups from Japan French China Koren U.S.A and so many other place in the world. That we help fight the wars in this world even if we like to live in peach Canada is the most peaceful place we like to keep the peace and stuff we don't have many wars or make other place in the world hate us or start stuff. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | The Name "Canada" In 1535, two Indian Youths told Jacques Cartier about the route to "kanata." They were referring to the village of Stadacona; "kanata" was simply the Huron-Iroquois word for "village" or "settlement." But for want of another name, Cartier used "Canada" to refer not only to Stadacona (the site of present day Quebec City), but also to the entire area subject to its chief, Donnacona. The name was soon applied to a much larger area: maps in 1547 designated everything north of the St. Lawrence River as "Canada." Cartier also called the St. Lawrence River the "rivière de Canada", a name used until the early 1600s. By 1616, although the entire region was known as New France, the area along the great river of Canada and the Gulf of St. Lawrence was still called Canada. Soon explorers and fur traders opened up territory to the west and to the south and the area depicted as "Canada" grew. In the early 1700s, the name referred to all lands in what is now the American Midwest and as far south as the present day Louisiana. The first use of "Canada" as an official name came in 1791 when the Province of Quebec was divided into the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada. In 1841, the two Canada's were again united under one name, the Province of Canada. At the time of Confederation, the new country assumed the name of Canada. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Canadian Culture Canadians come from many different racial and religious backgrounds. Consequently, it is not easy to define a typical Canadian family. Although the majority of Canadians are Catholic or Protestant, many belong to other religions. Some cultural characteristics, however, are shared by most Canadians. Equality Canada enjoys a society that is open and relatively free of class distinctions. Most Canadians take pride in the fact that all people deserve the same rights and respect, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or cultural background. People in Canada usually resent comments that seem disrespectful to anyone from a particular background. Body Language It is customary to shake hands when being introduced. It is not usually considered objectionable to lightly touch someone on the shoulder or elbow during a discussion. Most Canadians do not often kiss or hug when greeting friends. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Canada has two official languages—English and French—and a highly diverse culture, thanks to the contribution of Canadians of all origins. Because of its short history, Canadian culture is above all contemporary. |
| Name: | Héloïse |
| E-mail address: | helo-dingue@hotmail.fr |
| town/country: | Boulogne sur Mer, in France (North West) |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | French, i speak french |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Paris, of course! the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the Louvres |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It's a town of 200 000 inhabitants, in the North of France, just in front the sea, the beach, very close to the Channel to go to England (you can see England from the beach some days) |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to London because it's very close, to Paris because if you go to France you HAVE to see this beautiful town
I have an apartment in the South West too, next to Spain I would take them also to the South East because I have friends over there In conclusion, they would see all France!! |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholic |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | A lot of things!!! |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | going to the beach, partys, concerts.... |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | sports, etc |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The beautiful wild and towns |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | the French food, and the Frenches, very nice |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Come to France!! the best country XDDDD |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | very good |
| Name: | Somayyeh |
| E-mail address: | s_s7137@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Iran/Mashhad |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Persian-English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Ferdossi Tomb-Nader Shah Afshar Tomb-Imam reza's Tomb-Shah Abbas's Mosque-Harounieh Boghee-Shandiz and Torghabeh-Chalidareh- |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Padideh Resturant for foods taste and Imam reza Mosque for cultural undrestandings. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Yes |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Norooz(New year ceremony)which people celebrate it with a special table design and reletives.
Chaharshanbe soori(wich is the last Wendsday of every year)and poeple use to play with fire which is too fun . Sizdah be dar-Which is the 13rd of every new year and people use to go out for fun and pleasure.. this is also called nature day. Ashoora and Tasooa which are religious days and in these days people use to donate food and have special ceremonies and wear black clothes. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | t |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Chelo Kabab-GHorme sabzi-Dizi-Shishlik |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People might seem Alittle pushy which is totally wrong . |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Iranian people are too kind and freidnly,They love to help you in a case you need.Over here people care Tourists |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | IRan has strong restriction for women..whoever enters should wear scard(ladies).This is sth fun for most of ladies who doesnt used to wear.but in Hot weather might be alittle trouble.
women and men doesnt shake hand(due to islamic cultural). |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | there is no night life in Iran typically like other countries..No Disco-No bar..Drinking alcohol is srtongly restricted in Iran,but still u can find it illegaly |
| Name: | Cesar 'Charlie' Flores |
| E-mail address: | scare31452@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | philippines |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, Filipino/both |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Boracay Island isthe number one tourist attaraction in my country. White sand, fresh atmosphere, white and clean beaches. The subterranean river 5 -km. long is one awesome place tp visit. Really wonderful. we have the Banawe Rice Tertraces, a work of love and labor by our forefathers beleived to be a half as long as the equator put linearly. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | My hometown, San Miguel, in the province of Bulacan, is generally agricultural and rich with mineral deposits (marbleized limestone, silica, manganese, white clay).we have a vast spread of pastur land suitable for large cattle and small ruminants. The climate in here is tropical, with a six year wet and another six year dry season. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I can take them to visit the places of attraction. I will show them how the rural folks in the Philippines live. For those who will be coming colder countries, Baguio City in my country shall suit them. It is the coolest part in the whole country and where lots of foreign tourists stay. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholic |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | U
You can observe various festivals over here. The Pnagbenga Festival in Baguio City held in the month of February is a colorful flower festival that lures tourists to see. There are many festivals held in the different parts of the country. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We play games and visit places, join clubs and friends. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | we play native football and other games, too. But, we spend our leisure times with friends. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We go native food. But in some parts of the town, we sometimes crave on foreign dishes as being served in restaurants. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Basketball has been the most popular sport in the country nowadays. And then, here we have the pound-for-pound king in professional boxing Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some believe that the Philippines is the Pearl Of The Orient Seas as there were lots of mine deposits,and a climate suitable for a whole-year round agriculture. And they are right. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I'm glad I was born a Filipino. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | One thing I want for our culture is to set its vision in international acceptance. i dont ant a downright change. I only wanted to have some improvements. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Yes. Come and visit the Philippines ! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Its a-okay. Ride on ! |
| Name: | Marcia Scott |
| E-mail address: | mdnurse2002@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Montevallo,Alabama,U.S.A. |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | We Speak English...I can read some Spanish and French |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The biggest attracion in my Small town. Birmingham is 20 miles away with many attractions. The Vulcan is a Large statue created to honor the iorn industry, you can go up inside it and see the city.There are Art museums,4-star resturants and tons of shopping.
Alabam has everything to see from beaches to mountains with southern hospitality. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | The University of Montevallo is here. It is the only fine Arts college in the south.
It is a small town, you can walk practicly everywhere. There are Historic homes. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Oh Goodness. First of all I would cook them a true southern meal. We would go to Birmingham to see Theater and Art. I would take them to Tuscaloosa to see The University of Alabama, enjoy a football game. Huntsville has the space Center. Haper Lees',Carl Sagan and Helen Kellers birthplaces are here. Mobile has a US Warship.The beaches at the coast have beautiful white sand. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Christmas we put up a tree and decorate. Exchanging gifts and enjoying a big meal are highlights and of course we all wait for Santa Claus.
Easter is the symbol of the resurection of Jesus. We hide Eggs and the Easter Bunny. The Fourth of July Celebrates Americas indepences, there are lots of hot dogs and fire works. On Halloween the youngsters dress up and go house to house asking for candy. Thanksgiving is a festival of graditude. We have large Turkey and remind ourselves of the first meal with the Native Americans. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Movies, Theatre, Rodeos, Marathons,Lots os Football, basket ball and Baseball games. Art Gallerys, musicians and antique shopping. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I grew up in Texas, It was like a diffrent world. Lots of horses and cows. All the Big Colleges and Companies. Chicken fried steak and tex-mex are the menu. Mexico is not far away. Many go to the beach and cross the border to shop.
WE played tag, dodge ball and musical chairs. Rode bikes and horses. Bar-B-Q's were great fun, so wer rodeose and the State Fair. Everyone went to the Amuesment Park, Six Flags of Texas to ride roller coasters. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Homecooking. Biscuits and gravy, Black eyed peas.turnip greens, grits, Bar-B-Que and Fried Chicken. I love vegetables, so anything out of the garden, especialy corn on the cob. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football, Base ball and basketball. They are very encouraged here and have long exciting histories. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think they view us as loud and greedy.
I think there is some here, but I also she people trying to help the enviroment and other countries. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Our Freedom. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | It has so much diversity. There are people from all over the world living here and practicing their customs. |
| Name: | Tirera |
| E-mail address: | tireramahamadou@gmail.com |
| town/country: | Bamako, Mali |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | My national language is Bamananka and the official one is French. I speak all of these languages and english, german. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | In my country there are many buildings among them that of our independance is the famous |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | My town is Bamako where I'm studying. A river called ''fleuve de Niger'' crosses the town and divides into two main parts. Our culture is very rich. Here, we don't have any developed means of transportation, however the cars we use are very interesting. Here persons are happy and always break the ice. Our culture is rich by musics, theater and dancing. There is a huge building only for the culture. We meet foreigners and famous stars. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | When a friend want to meet me, i'll receive him first in my town and then in my village which is more rich in culture and humanity. Wherever you're in Mali it's like your own country. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | In my town there are muslims, christians and animists. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The first important day is the 22nd september (the national feast). Besides this day many other feasts some shared with the worlwide and some only in Mali. During the feast children, women and men are well dressed and happy. Some goes to cinema, some to the entertainment centers. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | People imitate fool theater stars. Many children wear masks on their faces and dance in a very extended place. Each parents or family chief kills animals so that to have plentiful meat. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | As any other country realities change by the time. Here the childhoo i lived is different from that of today.we played hiding games on rock-mountains today this game disappeared. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | The most eaten dishes are rice and nut soup. My traditional dish is the millet fufu, it's cooked with bao bab tree leaves. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular sport is football. Here many people like and play foot ball especially youth. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Many tourists think that Mali is the most calm and peaceful country of Africa. They always go back to their country with remorse. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I'm proud of Mali because of its kind people, culture and its good political climate. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | I want to people to know our tradition which consists SINAGOUYA, sorry for not knowing the english meaning. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | In Malian society each family name has a historical meaning dated back to the past of Mali. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Absolutely, I find here as very interesting place where people can share the same way of life and culture. |
| Name: | sagar saud |
| E-mail address: | saudsagar@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.gvnepal.blogspot.com |
| town/country: | Nepal ,Dadeldhaura |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Nepali, English. I speak both. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Pashupatinath Temple, The Lumbani,The Baudhanath Stupa, |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in Dadeldhura district,Bagbazzar |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I will take them to my village. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Hindu, Buddha,Christian and Muslim |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Dashain Tihar,Fagu,Gaura.people spend time by merry making, |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Singing songs |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | We used to play Tippu game |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Fado Bhat,Dalla,Dupka |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Cricket |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | as peaceful and respecting |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The mt.Everest and the Lumbani Gautam Buddha |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Gaura Culture and Bhai Tihar |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | You are welcome in my Cultural world. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | You have done very great work to bring cultural closeness in the world.I thank you. |
| Name: | Elisabeth |
| E-mail address: | oliviamacc@yahoo.ca |
| town/country: | London/England |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, lots of others. My family speaks English and Arabic |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The London eye, Big Ben and the houses of parliament. We get hundred of thousands of tourists every year. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I love London, with its bustling streets and may shops. The Tube is very fun to ride, but not at rush hour, when you're packed in like Sardines. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to the houses of parliament. And to the Tower of London, so that they could learn our history. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All the religions. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | We celebrate Guy Fawkes day, and we burn the Guy in a big bonfire, and we have rockets all night. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We do all the same things as our American friends do. Football, Music, Dance, Reading teh list goes on. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I am still a child legally. We still love to play conkers, with chestnuts. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We eat normal food here, pizza and ice-cream just like other countries. My favorite dish is Custard. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football is definitely a favorite. I am not sure why. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | They perceive us as quaint Brits, that drink tea and eat scones all day. They are right and wrong, we do eat those things, but not all the time. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I love our Queen. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We all do all have accents, but we are all different than the stereotypical british people. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | No |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | No |
| Name: | Ireland |
| E-mail address: | ireland@earthlink.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://dujast.xaper.com/esgic-plus/drugs.html |
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| Name: | Emma |
| E-mail address: | emma@juno.com |
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| Name: | Matthew |
| E-mail address: | matthew@earthlink.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://pernis.web.fc2.com/fluconazole/fluconazole-150-mg.html |
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| Name: | Grit |
| E-mail address: | elchtochter@freenet.de |
| town/country: | Potsdam/Germany |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | german |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Sanssouci |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Potsdam is the capital of the federal state Brandenburg,and its well known for its park and castle Sanssouci.It was built by Frederick the Grade from 1745 till 1747.his son,Frederick Wilhelm the second,built a big park around it,he collected many art,so nowadys park Sanssouci is famous for its different artcollections. Every building inside the city has an other style,so there is a dutch quarter,a french church,a russian colony,...
The Maxime of Frederick the Grade was "everybody should live as he want"and there were no religious chase...till the second world war... In 1945 the winners of the second world war(UK,USA,France and Sowjet Union)held a conference in Potsdam(Cäcilienhof).Tere they spoke about Germany after the second worldwar,and decided the seperation of Germany in a capitalistic state(West)and a socialistic state(East...GDR) |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take him to park Sanssouci and show him all the interesting places like castle Sanssouci or Cäcilienhof.After it we would eat the best icecream of the city:) |
| What religions are practiced there? : | christ,judaism,islam, |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | I think the most important holiday is Christmas and New year.Children have to sing a song or to speak a poem to get presents on december the 24th(by the Santa Claus...). Normally the whole family is together and often they have a christmas tree.
On october,3rd we celebrate the Day of the German Unity, there are always parties in many cities. In the east,many children in the 8th grade make a rituale on their way from child to adult called "Jugendweihe". |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | watch television,make sport,meet with friends,go to cinema,
to concerts,... |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | hide and seek,thief and policeman,father-mother-child,.. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | potatoes and pickled cabbage with escalope. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | soccer,I dont like it,I think most people like it,because its a good feeling to see your team winning |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think other people see Germany as the country which start the second world war(this is right),which is rich( maybe the politicans but not every inhabitant)and whi´ch has a big cultural past(Beethoven,Schiller,Goethe,...) |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I am not proud of my country. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We have many cultures...every federalstate(we have 16)have an other past,other cultures and so.And we have many people from other countrys,so you have international feeling:) |
| Name: | Mike & Chris |
| E-mail address: | colourforme@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Brisbane Australia |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Being a multi cultural country, I'm not sure that Australia has a culture so much as a way of life that is very aussie. And if we were lucky enough to entertain an international visitor, we would take them to Australia Zoo which is huge. We would also visit the Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast, great beaches, wonderful places to eat & visit. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Cricket & Rugby League |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | To be honest, all Australians have to leave Australia & come home to appreciate the beautiful country we live in. |
| Name: | Marta |
| E-mail address: | martasmail@libero.it |
| town/country: | Perugia-Italy |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Italian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Perugia is a mixture of styles: etruscan, roman, medieval and modern monuments perfectly fit into our town. you will surely get fashinated by our Rocca, a medieval fortress that leads to the town (that lies on top of a hill). on modern age people decided to build an escalator into the fortress. that makes everything easier to reach the top. and it even is a funny and interesting view, such a mix of modern and ancient! |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | the town i live in is a multicultural one: lots of people from all over the globe live here. it probably is due to the fact that we host the most popular university of italina language for foreigners. must admitt 'though that people originally from perugia are quite reserved and not willing to become friends with people they do not know. still, if you manage to get in touch with them, they'll then do one thousands and one things to make you feel at home!!! you just need to catch their attention and then... game's done! |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | if a friend was to come... i would first of all suggest to come by mid october. you gotta know that perugia is the town of chocolate! so if you ever are a fan of chocolate (of all kinds!!!)you really should be here for the Eurochocolate. as you surely guessed it is the festival of chocolate! yum! a 10 days long festival were you can get all kinds of chocolate... even pasta made of chocolate, and pizza as well! can you ever believe?! |
| What religions are practiced there? : | mainly roman chatolics, but a good number of muslim are here too. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | hmm... we have another popular festival held in mid july. it's umbria jazz. so if you are fond of jazz... perugia is the right place for you to come! a 10 days long festival, with as many gigs as you like available!
we are quite greedy and are famous for the best cuisine ever! whatever holidays you wanna celebrate with us (may it be christmas, easter or new year's) you'll have belly full and a good eating experience! as for the rest... perugia is not much of a fun to live in...a quiet town, popuilated by quiet people. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | young people usually go to discos at week-ends, or for a pint at pubs. nothing funnier than what you could do in every other small town of the world!!! |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | we eat lots of meat (things that i don't esp.appreciate actually), esp.pork. then comes chocolate (of course). pasta is one of the most special dishes you could get into our houses. and pizza!!! luckily, lots of foreign restaurants have been opening here... if you asked me what's most famous food here i would suggest you to taste Easter pie: a cheese cake... no words to really explain how delicious it is! |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | in perugia males mostly play soccer... and females go for volleyball... still many people are lately joining dance courses... still we're not much ofa sporty town.... |
| Name: | Roberta Kass |
| E-mail address: | carpathianloverU@peoplepc.com |
| town/country: | Chateaugay |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, learning Romanian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | I'm in a farming communty but I'm a day's drive from NYC, where the twin towers once stood |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | smelly cows, where the smell last for weeks |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I'm 5 miles from the Canadian border, so I would go to Canada for a day trip. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | various |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | New Year's, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year's, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Columbus, Thanksgiving Day, Hanukkah, Christmas.
With family, friends and church members. Outside my own famil and friends, I don't know, but nothing outside of traditions in any funny matter has happen. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | There are less than 1,000 people in my community and not very many places to go |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Simple.
Not any unusal game that are different tha jump rope or ring around the rosey. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Yorkshire pudding, gumbo, fried shrimp, boiled crabs |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Basketball, football, tennis
Everybody plays them |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | don't know, no body is perfect. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I like my country to a point but I wouldn't say I'm proud of it. Our presidents have made alot of mistakes |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That I'm a Native American Indian who were the first people here. We are a people who first formed the United States of America before there were white peopl in this country and we deserve to be given knowledgement for our contribution to this country. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I love learning about forgein cultures and traditions as well as languages. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | This is great, I love the new changes made on this site. It's excellent! |
| Name: | barrat |
| E-mail address: | quentindu33@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | france |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | I think it's eiffel tower |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in Bordeaux, the famous city of the french wine.
It's an enjoyable city, I can go to the Atlantic ocean and also skiing in the Pyrenees. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Maybe in a Museum |
| What religions are practiced there? : | no religion |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Summer holiday is the best because people are the happiest.
The sun is here and we can go to the ocean, swimming pool . |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They make sport, shopping. They go to cinema.
what else? people in France love discos and dancing. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | there are everything. We can laught a lot. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | it's gastronomical food like cheese which doesn't smell good, very good meat |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Soccer and it's normal because we are the World champions |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think people love my country because there is paris the most beautiful city around the world. But some people reproach us our peaceful policy. each one is free to think what he wants |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | the good food, Our soccer team and our beautiful women. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | french are very funny |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I love USA |
| Name: | Timothy Clark |
| E-mail address: | iregael06@satx.rr.com |
| town/country: | San Antonio |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Alamo is very big in San Antonio. There is also the Tower of America and the Ripley's Wax Museum. The Imax has the biggest movie screen in San Antonio and we have one of the few drive-in theaters in the USA. And last but not least, we have the best basketball team on earth: The San Antonio Spurs. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It is very cultural but not diverse. It is mainly a hispanic town. I have lived here for more then ten years. The weather can get hot but we have nice rain showers too. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them Downtown to the Riverwalk. They could visit the Alamo, LaVeitta, and the Tower of America. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity and Catholicism |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas, New Years, St. Patrick's Day. The stores are very busy around Christmas. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | There is Fiesta Texas and Sea World. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I didn't remember any special games. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Tacos!!! Yea I like Italian and English food. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Basketball Go Spurs. They won the championship 3 times. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I don't know. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | We are founded on Christianity. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We are a diversity of many cultures. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Not that I can think of. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | No |
| Name: | Eden Matumba |
| E-mail address: | edenmatumba@yahoo.co.uk |
| town/country: | Harare |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English and Shona |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Great Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Nyangani Mountains ; Lake Kariba |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | it is a beautful town with peace loving residents |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Rural ares and Great Zimbabwe monuments |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | yes many |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | sadza and dried beef in butternut sauce and pumkin leaves |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | soccer/football |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | peace ful there are rigth because Zimbabweans are very peace loving people |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | No civil wars for the past 25 years and very low crime rate |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Westnisation is eroding the Zimbabwean culture |
| Name: | suwarti |
| E-mail address: | dido_agw@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Indonesia |
| Name: | niamh |
| E-mail address: | anne3higgins@eircom.net |
| town/country: | Ireland |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | irish english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The spike in Dublin the lovely country side glendalough in wicklow |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Wicklow is the most beautiful county in Ireland it is known as the garden of Ireland its most famous atraction is Glendalough where st.Kevin lived it has the most lovely waterfalls, lakes, trees, plants, shurbs, churches and you can take most wonderful walks ever |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Glen dalough because of the reasons above |
| What religions are practiced there? : | cristian |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | st.Brigits day (1st feb)
April fouls (1ST April) every1 plays tricks on eachother st.patricks day we have a big parade the biggest is probbley in Dublin Easter we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead and eat lots of chocolate eggs Halloween we dress up and go trick or treating and eat lots of sweets Christmas we celebrate the birt of our lord Jesus and give presents to each other to show we care we love them |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | in the summer we go to the beach.we garden alot.
we play alot of sport we have fun with our friends the same as most countrys |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | chase tag freeze
tommato-squash bulldogs stuck in the mud |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | id say a full Irish breakfast my fav it would have
rashers sausages pudding |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football and rugby
because we are so so so good at them and we alot of thngs for them |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | most people thing were drunks and all we do is drink
Ireland is a lovely country if we drank alot dont you think ireland would be full of beer cans and mess |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | we are peaceful people and were the best in the world i cant realy put it in to words what makes me so proud but if your Irish youll know |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | THERE IS TO MANY THINGS TO SAY AND TELL ABOUT MY COUNTRY I COULDNT JUST SAY ONE THING |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | IRELAND ARE THE BEST IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO IRELAND YOU SHOULD TAKE A HOLIDAY OR DAY TRIP HEAR |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | IRELAND IS A VERY WELL KNOWN COUNTRY |
| Name: | K. Saurabh |
| E-mail address: | saurabh@sisindia.com |
| town/country: | India |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, Hindi |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Taj-Can anything else symbolise the love more aptly, other than this magnificent monument built by ShahJahan for his love Mumtaj Mahal way back in 15th Century.This has been the greatest and most beautiful piece of art ever and is currently leading the list of new 7 wonders to be decided by January 2006.It mesmerises people with its sheer grandeur and aesthetics. Seeing Taj by the moonlight with the river Yamuna gently flowing past it has been one of the most un forgetful experience of almost all the people who have seen it in their life time. Posing in front of Taj with your loved ones has been the thing to do there...where would anyone get such a wonderful background???
|
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Presently I am living in my hometown a small city in eastern India called Ranchi. It is the capital of a province called Jharkhand ( Land of Jungles). Obviously it has lots of forest cover surrounding the city with no. of beautiful natural streams cascading down from the hills (All situated in the vicinity of 40 K.Ms. from the city.It has a serene and refreshing climate.People are friendly and open here.It has lots of good educational institutes and has India`s largest and oldest Mental Asylums called "Central Institute of Psychiatry" |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I`ll take them to a roadside vendor to sip..hot cup of Chai(Tea) usually thats a place where people would come have their tea and talk about anything and everything..ranging from current affairs to philosophy and what not.I`d also take him to nearby villages populated by tribals so that they can learn about them first hand.India being a land of festivals year around ..chances are they would get to catch one themselves. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Hinduism,Islam,Budhism,Jainism,sikhism,etc. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Dance,Chill out, food , friends and usual stuffs that anybody would do anywhere. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Childhood was normal and fun filled....used to wonder a lot about everything...used to wonder why the plants are green unless someone told me...it has chlorophyl in it...and killed my curiosity then n there. We used to fly Kites , play football,cricket..almost everything that used to be fun. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We love to eat Chicken and its delicacies beside locally flavoured vegetables and their preparations. Chicken Tikkas,Murg Musallam(Roasted Chicken) Kebabs , mushroom do pyaja(Mushroom deep stirred fried in onion) are few of mouth watering delicacies of this part. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Cricket is the most popular sports here for the simple reason that only in this sport we seem to be counting among the best. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People still perceive India....where the elephants roam the city roads and have blinkers on their back (lol)snake charmers showing their art and Hindus and Muslims slitting each others throats....I think that just goes to show how little they know about others ..wrapped atop in their ivory tower.
Its a progressive, tolerent and peaceful country and one of the oldest civilisation of this world, not to mention the largest democracy of this world. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Freedom , Democracy , Free and Responsible Press, Our Military might,Our unity in diversity,friendly people,Its railways,I.T.Power, The Intellectual Properties,Spirituality,Intellect and most of all my country according to me...looks most beautiful in the world map.In 2007 we will be sending our own space craft to see it from the above and re-confirm it. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | The Taj |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Its very thoughtfully done, covers almost everything.You can add a column asking people one thing that they did not like about their country. |
| Name: | Jeremy |
| E-mail address: | bacchus225@cs.com |
| town/country: | South Louisiana |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | A dialect of English and a dialect of French |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The biggest tourist attractions for South Louisiana are most likely the old Plantations. These are now mostly museums, but before the American Civil War these were enormous farms. They are beautifully built structures, some many hundreds of years old. They truly showcase the genteel grandeur that was the Old South. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | The region I live in, South Louisiana, is the southern half of the US state of Louisiana. It is an area very much different from the rest of the USA. It was settled first by the Spanish and then, much more heavily, by the French. We owe most of our local culture to the French and the Acadians - a people thrown out of Canada by the English who chose to come live here 200 years ago. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take a friend to see several plantations, take them to a festival or two and let them see the magnificant city of New Orleans. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Primarily Roman Catholicism |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | By far the greatest festival in my region is Mardi Gras. This owes it's creation to the Catholic tradition of Lent. In Lent, Catholics must avoid certain foods, fast and observe other strict guidelines - much like Ramadan for the muslims. Instead of Idul Fitri, as the muslims have after Ramadan, Catholics in my region developed Mardi Gras, literall Fat Tuesday in French. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and so befoe this perios od fasting my ancestors decided to have a big party before this. It begins about a month before Ash Wednesday, but doesn't really get going until the week leading up to it. The Friday-Tuesday period before Ash Wednesday is the best time to come. This Mardi Gras is celebrated by many parades with elaborate costumes. It also involves a great deal of revelry and an anything goes attitude. It is fantastic fun, but The evenings are best left to the young. Many families choose to see the parades, but it is young people who visit the French Quarter in New Orleans for 'the best free show on Earth!' As you can imagine, there is a lot of drinking and partying, though in the many years I have attended I have seen almost no violence of any kind. Some traditions are: At parades, beads are thrown from the floats in the parade, with people competeing for how many beads they can catch and how elaborate the beads are they can catch. especially young men! In the French Quarter, these beads can be 'traded' with single young women who will 'flash' (show their breasts for an instant) to get these beads. It is all in good fun! I would recommend everyone see a Mardi Gras before they turn 30, or after. But beware, it is a wild time on Bourbon street during Mardi Gras so if you are offended by drunkenness or nudity stay away. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | There are festivals nearly every day in South Louisiana. I have personally known of parties being thrown for a pothole in the street, for a dog's birthday and for a neighbor's yard he refused to cut the grasss in. Everyone is invited to such events and veryone takes it for what it is. Just fun of the good natured sort. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Childhood here heavily involves playing in the many waterways in my region. Here we have swamps, bayous, rivers and streams running not just in the country, but all throughout the cities! As a little boy, I spent a great deal of time playing in these - catching turtles, snakes and frogs. It is a great place to grow up. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | The food of my region is widely known and considered some of the finest in the world. This is where Cajun and Creole food comes from. We eat mostly seafood dishes because of the amount of water that surrounds us. I would recommend Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffe and Boudin. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | College Football is the most popular sport here. I do not know why this is, but in this we are much like the rest of the American South. It is nearly religion here to support your favorite university team. Go Tigers! |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think many people from outside of the USA believe that the US is a homogenous place. I mean, that everywhere is the same in the USA. This is totally untrue! We are an enormous nation with many different cultures living side by side. The culture of South Louisiana is totally different from that of North Louisiana, and we are the same state! As for my fellow Americans, I think they believe that South Louisiana is the same as the rest of the deep south. This is also wrong. This is defintely not part of the religious Bible Belt (though north louisiana is). All of the stereotypes Americans have about the South are wrong, but especially so regarding South Louisiana. We are a liberal, laid back area who accepted other races and lifestyles long before even the Northeastern US. They are right, however, in considering our food to be some of the best and believing our festivals are one of a kind! |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I love the general attitude of the region. People are very laid back and take nothing seriously. There is a live and let live attitude that would put South California to shame coupld with a graciousness and easy familiarity alien to much of America. I wouldn't live anywhere else! |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | I can sum it up in one of my regions catch=phrases: Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez! Let the good times roll! |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I would simply like to warn everyone about generalizations of any kind and to realize that people are people wherever they live. We all want the same things, it's just the details that set us apart! |
| Name: | PREMRAJ |
| E-mail address: | premrajkum@rediffmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.penpal4ever.com |
| town/country: | kerala, india |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | malayalam, english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | TAJ MAHAL, mysore palace |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | this a smalll town but everything is available here.it is surrounded by hillls.is alll green here.about six months we get rain fall. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | mysore palace, TAJMAhal, trivandrum temple, madurai temple, art gallery. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | hinduism , christianity, Islam |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | holi, Onam, deewali. dassara, christmas. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | make friends go to movies, wedding parties. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | i had lots of friends during childhood.
kabadi, cricket , hideand seek are childhood games. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | rice and fish curry. my favorite is tapioca and crab curry with toddy. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | cricket most people play it. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | other people think india is a spiritual country.they are right.when u step in to india ,you will be electrified by a spiritual aura, |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | long culture and spirituality. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | indian spirituality and YOGA |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | plz come and see india.india is a multicultural, multireligious country.is unique,exotic.plz see it for yourself, then you willl realize it. have a great day in india. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | very kool form. nothing more.this is ok. |
| Name: | abraham thomas |
| E-mail address: | abrahamthomas@postmark.net |
| town/country: | Bangalore, India |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarathi, Malayalam, Kashmiri, Haryanvi, Rajasthani, bojpuri, Urdu, Kannada, Telugu, Goan, Konkani, French, ...333 languages and dialects...I speak Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Malyalam, Telugu, and German |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Taj Mahal is the biggest tourist attraction and i guess most have heard of this. Its by default the most commonly visited monument. http://www.webshots.com/search?query=taj%20mahal&new=1&source=searchhome |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Bangalore is a city that got destroyed with the open markets. We were forced or we opted for rapid changes and rapid unplanned growth and its today a very crowded place. It had a population of 2 millions 6 years back but today its pop is at 8 millions.
Sad! it think its very sad. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Sure. I can handle that well.
|
| What religions are practiced there? : | many.. Hindu way of life, chiristianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Islamm and Guru Nanak's way of life. |
| Name: | priya |
| town/country: | nepal |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | nepali,newari..... |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | dhrahara ,ckocktower, hanuman dhoka......... |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | its the best town i ever visited |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | new road,bhotaiyti |
| What religions are practiced there? : | hindusim,buddhism,jainism,christanity,islam,sikhism |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | dashin,tihar,bhai tika,chhat.............. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | chat,shopping,party |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | fabulas,
cricket,mostly football &i too love it |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | chatamari
mo mos yamiri........... |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football
cricket baskeball rugbee |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | as apeaceful country.
of cource right |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | ITS THE BEST. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | U'LL never find such good culture anywhere else |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | NO |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | NO |
| Name: | Emma |
| E-mail address: | emma_pen@yahoo.co.uk |
| town/country: | Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Mainly English, but people from all races here |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Newcastle is recognised by it's fantastic architecture, both old and modern. There is the famous bridges over the river Tyne, including the renowned Tyne Bridge and the modern Millenium Bridge (which had to be carried down the river on the world' largest crane). St James Pak is Newcastle's pride and joy - the football stadium!
The biggest and most famous attraction to Newcastle is it's notorious nightlife - there are hundreds of pubs and clubs to cater for all tastes, and it is a real part city, making it very popular with bachelor/birthday parties from all over the UK and Europe. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Newcastle upon Tyne is located in the North East of England, and is a large bustling city. It is a very cultural city, and is inhabited by all races and religions. There is always something to do, and it is close to the beach for summer! |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Through the daytime, there is the tyne and the bustling town centre with a huge variety of shops and cafes, the cinema, the seaside, or the countryside.
Once evening comes around, it would be time to experience the party city in all it's glory. Get dressed up to the nines and hit the tiles! Whatever your taste in music, there's a place for you to go and dance! |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All religions - mainly christian & muslim |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | We celebrate Easter and Christmas like the rest of Europe.
During the summer, there are various cultural festivals with live music & entertainment. A huge popular funfair comes to Newcastle in June-July. The biggest celebrations are when the football team, Newcastle Utd, or England, are playing somewhere! The locals of Newcastle, known as Geordies, are on the whole football mad, but they are very loyal and supportive fans. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Shopping, restaurants, cinema, pubs & clubs, football (watching & playing) |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | It was great fun. Where I grew up in Newcastle, all the kids played out in the street all day long, none of us were bothered by tv or computer games. All the parents would sit out on doorsteps on sunny days, and they were all happy to look after each others children if required.
We all played chase, football or rode our bikes until our mums called us in for tea! |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | There are places to get every kind of food imaginable in Newcastle, from all over the world.
Of course, the best traditional British food has to be the old Pie/Fish & Chips. Chips with everything! There are loads of restaurants - Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, Indian, English, the list goes on and on. And of course, after a night out in town, everyone heads for the nearest kebab shop... |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Definitely football (soccer). Newcastle Utd is the team most locals support, though since there are a lot of students, there is wide variation of fans. Match days are huge occasions, the streets are quiet as everyone is indoors watching the match - either at the stadium, or on tv in their homes or the pub. Newcastle is famous for it's loyal football fans, known as the Toon Army, but unfortunately it is also famous for football violence too, when the fans take rivalry too far as resort to hooliganism.
Other popular sports followed in Newcastle are rugby, ice hockey, basketball, racing (horses/dogs), and speedway. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Most people think of Newcastle as 'the party city', which is right, but people can get the wrong impression. Newcastle is not just for people looking to get drunk and party, there are lots of attractions for all interests.
Because of past episodes of football hooliganism and violence, locals have attained somewhat of a bad reputation, but they are actually renowned to be friendly and always smiling! |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I am proud to be a Geordie because I live in such a beautiful city with such fabulous locals. On the whole, people rarely go away from Newcastle with anything but excellent memories of a great trip. The pople of Newcastle have come through a lot of good and bad times, and they are still standing proud. No matter what, we always stick together! |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Eat, drink and be merry! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I have not got my own pictures, but it would be good if you could find pictures that are actually of Newcastle, not London as I have seen from other English keepsakes. My suggestions would be any of the bridges and architecture, the football team in it's black and white strip, etc.
Thanks!!! |
| Name: | Jihyun Cho |
| E-mail address: | joji3377@yahoo.co.kr |
| Homepage URL: | http:// |
| town/country: | Busan.korea |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | London tower |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | My hometown has the beautiful beaches, Haeundae.
which is the southern harbor city, South Korea. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would like to go to Bexco, which is Modern international industry Museum and Expo. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christ |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Thanksgiving day |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | sports |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | computer games, soccer, basketball |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | rice cake. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | soccer. The 4th of 2002 world cup. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Korea is peace-loving and generous people |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Korean is very diligent.
Kind. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | their thought about life.Religion |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Thank you very much |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | nothing |
| Name: | Jose |
| E-mail address: | APDO 4 CP:13270 ALMAGRO (C.REAL)ESPAÑA |
| town/country: | ALMAGRO |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | INGLES ITALIANO FRANCES ESPAÑOL |
| Name: | Lisa Lien |
| E-mail address: | lisa_yoshida@agilent.com |
| town/country: | Sunnyvale, CA/USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Vietnamese |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Too many. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | poor and dirty |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | yes. I would love to do that. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Morman |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Vietnamese new year. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Go out with boys and have intermate relationships. It's our tradition on our first date. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | poor. hang around with friends. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | vietnamese (hot) |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | not much sports available. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | There is always war goes on; it's dangerous because of the previou war, a lot of bombs and weapons left on the wild. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | people, food, and life in general |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | food. I love to cook. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Just come for a visit. I welcome all.
1492 Samedra Street Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 524-2733 |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | nope. |
| Name: | Farhana Anwar |
| E-mail address: | farhauna@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Pakistan/Jhelum |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Urdu/Punjabi/Sindhi/Baiochi/Pashto&many others.i speak Punjabi&Urdu |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Lahore fort,Minar-e-Pakistan,Shalimar garden,Badshahi Mosque,Faisal Mosque.
|
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | ilive in a small village which is known as chack Mughlan.it is near the city of Jhelum in the province of punjab.people are very hardworking here they work in their fields all the day and grew different types of crops. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | i will take my friend to Lahore because it is the heart of PUNJAB and centre of our culture and heritage. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Islam,christian,hindu,sikh |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | the most important are our Eidholidays that comes twice in a year these are named as Eid-ui-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azzha.the most intresting festival is our Basant festival.people wears yellow clothes and they spend their days,nights by flying kites high up on the sky.the topmost holiday is our national day on 14 August.all the official buildings and houses were decorated with lights and flags. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | people like to have fun by playing some typical games like ludo,playing cards,kabadi,kushti, |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | it was really wonderful.i spend my whole childhood in my village.children specially girls like to play with dolls and they also arranged their doll,s wedding.Boys used to play guliedanda,and some others. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | people in Pakistan usually like to eat spicy cooked food.i like purri channa. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Cricket is the most popular game here because Pakistani cricketrs are popular all over the world and they are world champions also. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Pakistan is a very friendly country but due to our Kashmir problum people usually think that we are supporting terrists but they are freedomfighters and they are fighting for their right to live their lives according to their will. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | i feel very proud because ALLAH has given my country the treasure of four seasons,beautiful mountains the worlds second highest mountain K.2 is in pAKISTAN,rivers,lakes,and variety of seasonal fruits the topmost is mango of this country. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | the most intresting event is Eid it comes twice in a year.people say their eid prayer in the morning and after their pray they say eidmubarak to everyone.ladies were busy to cook traditional dishes at that time.people goes to their relatives this is the time when all family getstogether forgetting all their problums. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | it,s excellent because peole from allover the world can share their ideas, culture,traditions.they can get alot of informations about the country of their choice. |
| Name: | GUY |
| E-mail address: | MUGU@MUGU.COM |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | HI |
| Name: | kim p |
| E-mail address: | babygirlki15@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://yahoo |
| town/country: | mobile Al |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | we do not have one |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | its a big state.cool,cheep. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | to the park,out to eat,aroound my family also to the mall. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | thankgiving.
everyone family member bring a dish of food they prepared. yes! |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | shopping |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | great.
hide and go seek. mobile alabama |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | christmas |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football and basekball. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | most likely |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | every one is nice. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | it's the best culture in the worl. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | you will llike what you see. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | no |
| Name: | kim p |
| E-mail address: | babygirlki15@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://yahoo |
| town/country: | mobile Al |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | we do not have one |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | its a big state.cool,cheep. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | to the park,out to eat,aroound my family also to the mall. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | thankgiving.
everyone family member bring a dish of food they prepared. yes! |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | shopping |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | great.
hide and go seek. mobile alabama |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | christmas |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football and basekball. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | most likely |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | every one is nice. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | it's the best culture in the worl. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | you will llike what you see. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | no |
| Name: | mugu oma |
| E-mail address: | mugu@mail.com |
| town/country: | lome togo |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | very good site |
| Name: | Blue Goose |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.maintour.com/virginia/dnvmart.htm |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Good Luck |
| Name: | Chuck |
| E-mail address: | cf_fun@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.wheresgeorge.com |
| town/country: | Ohio, USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | There are several. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It is a village. There is not a lot going on here. But there are several attractions in other towns in the area. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take friends to amusement parks, restaurants, museums, state parks, a campground, on a canoe trip. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Several. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The big holidays are: July 4th (Independence Day), Easter, Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Play sports, watch sports, fish, camp out, water ski, snow ski, go to amusement parks, go on a cruise. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | When I was growing up, there were several kids in the neighberhood. We play sports (baseball, football, etc.), hide and seek and other games. We camped out in the woods, or in a neighber's yard. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We have steak, potatoes, fries, pizza, fruit, and a lot more. I like pizza and steak. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular are football and baseball/softball. A lot of people like them here. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some people like America because of the freedom and lifestyle. Some people believe America is conceited, arrogant and they don't the country. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I have the freedom to do so many things. I can be as successful as I want to be. Some countries have a dictater that will not let the people do anything. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | I am not sure. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Ask me how to get a free comic book. |
| Name: | Blue Goose |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.maintour.com/virginia/dnvattr.htm |
| Name: | Cindy Tucker |
| E-mail address: | dance_chick842003 |
| Homepage URL: | http://yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Tampa bay Florida |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The beaches are the best things around here except the oranges.And there is alot of football. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It is very nice.Beaches and there is alot of football. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | To the beach and to church and to get guys. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | christanity |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Ther is christmas and Easter. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They go to football games or go to the beach. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | It as the best except for all the Jelly fish every year almost we went to Disney land. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | I got babptised when I was little and eveyone loves to see people get babptised cause it washes your sins away and my favorite dish is green bens,chicken fingers, and mac and cheese. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Foot ball because the Tampa bay buccaners.They were in the super bowl. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think they think it is pretty good but not no more cause the 9-11 incodent but were a strong nation and were gonna keep strong! |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Because we still stick together after the 9-11 incodent and we don't fall apart when something like that happens. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That God is our lord and our saviuor. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | That I hope that any child will get saved. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | That theres one thing that i wanna say is GO BUCCANERS! |
| Name: | Claire |
| E-mail address: | celtic_spirit_17@BTopenworld.com |
| town/country: | Nr Inverness, SCOTLAND |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Gaelic, English as well as languages from people from other countries that live in Scotland - china, pakistan etc. Scotland is very multi-cultural. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Well, First and foremost i would say it is the beautiful hills, glens, Lochs and other scenery which people visit scotland for. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and also has Britains highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Also, Loch Ness is famous for its monster, Nessie. However, Scotland has a very, very rich history! It has many impressive castles which were the centre of historic battles in years gone by. Stirling has the "wallace monument" which is a tribute to sir william wallace, who tried to save scotland from being captured by the English, and is one of our greatest heros. Glasgow has some amazing architecutre, which are very popular. Edinburgh Castle, which hosts the military tattoo every year, is also one of the most impressive castles in Scotland. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Tain is Britains oldest royal Burgh. It is near Dornoch, the town where Madonna had her son christened, and skibo castle, where she got married and is also where famous people such as Sean Connery go. Its also near where Monarch of the Glen, the popular TV programme is filmed. Further south is Inverness and Loch Ness. Inverness is the capital of the highlands. Loch Ness is supposed to have a monster in it, and is a great tourist destination. We are also near the remote west coast, where there is miles and miles of unhabited countryside, lochs etc. and there are rare wildlifes such as dolphins, wild cats and caperceildhs here. We hold ceilidhs (dance parties) regularly, have our own pipe band and a famous distillery "Glen Morangie" which means "glen of tranquility" when traslated from Gaelic. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Scotland has made very important inventions - the TV, telephone, steel, heart and lung baby monitors and hundreds more. We also produced the writers that created James Bond, harry potter and peter pan! We have amazing achievements for a country of only 5 million people. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All kinds! |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Hogmanay! (new year) The edinburgh street party for hogmanay is the best in the world. There is the tradition there of kissing strangers on hogmanay night. lol. People travel from all over the world to attend it, wearing kilts and so on. Of course, we;re famous for drinking the most here in scotland too. First footing is also popular at hogmanay, when you visit other peoples houses after midnight, traditionally with shortbread and other such gifts. I think scotlands funniest little quirk is the fact true scotsmen arent supposed to wear anything under their kilts. Every summer we also have highland gatherings, where we perform traditional scottish sports such as tossing the caber and theres highland dancing, pipe bands etc. St Andrews day on the 30th of November is when we celebrate our patron saint, and in january is burns night, where we celebrate the poet rabbie burns. Theres so many funny rituals for that night, i wont type them here - but they do some weird stuff with the haggis, all im saying is, well, they "hunt" a haggis, pipe it into the dining room and then stab it with a knife =S lol |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Drink a lot. lol. Go out to parties, to the cinema, the usual western amusements. However, we also have ceilidhs, which are scottish dance parties, pipe bands, that play in the streets, highland gatherings in the summer, where scottish sports are played. Every summer theres the Edinburgh tattoo, which has entertainments from all round the world and also hogmanay is a massive celebration. I would say we have the same sort of fun as most people do though. =oP |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | a lot more freedom here than in the cities, because its not so dangerous and crime rates are lower. I had a very happy childhood though. We played the usual games - tip, hide and seek, dress ups. lol. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Haggis. Made from a sheeps stomach and stuffed with various sorts of meats etc. Mince n tatties. (potatoes) a straighforward, home cooked meal. Broth. (a kind of soup) oatcakes, brownies, tablet (a delicious sweet). Theres lots and lots of traditional scottish recipes, but the most well known is haggis. Im vegetarian, so none of those are my favourites, but i love tablet, its gorgeous. Whisky is of course, the famous scottish drink, and theres a famous distillery in tain and many others throughout scotland, that makes the whisky. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football, although we arent that great professionally. (Im sure thats about to change though. Come on the tartan army! *cheers*) Rugby, shinty is a traditional scottish sport, gaelic football, tossing the caber and shot put which all involve being physically strong. Skiing is very popular, as we have lots of snow covered mountains and ski slopes. Similarly, we have lots of lochs where water sports are popular. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | They compare us to the english perhaps, which is totally out of order. theres nothing wrong with the english of course, but I dont want scotland hiding in the english shadow, it happens too much. We're more like ireland i would say. Celtic. We also dont wear kilts all the time! just for weddings or special events. (although some of us do) we're not completely remote, we do have proper cities and proper electricity, running water etc. lol. (although some remote places dont...) We dont all live in castles and talk in a broad scottish accent. There are varients of the accent. Its the sexiest in the world though, i love it. We're very friendly, but thats well known. i cant think of anything else. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Scotland has made very important inventions - the TV, telephone, steel, heart and lung baby monitors and hundreds more. We also produced the writers that created James Bond, harry potter and peter pan! We have amazing achievements for a country of only 5 million people. We are also famous for being extremely patriotic, fiery and funny people. We are just such a friendly country and I'm proud of the way we've stood up to the English and our battle for independance, which im sure we'll win someday. :) I love the beautiful scenery, which is amongst the best in the world, and the rare wildlife we have. I love our depth of culture - highland dancing, celtic rock, pipe bands, national foods like the haggis, the kilt, tartans and our sense of humour that men arent supposed to wear any underwear under their kilts! I love the richness of our history. If only our football were up to scratch, we'd be perfect! |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | How friendly and proud a nation we are. I would like everyone to know all the important contributions we've made to the world, from inventions, famous writers, architects (charles rennie makintosh for example) andrew carnegie,the steel tycoon who gave all his wealth away. Sean Connery, ewan Macgregor etc. also, how much we have to offer the world in terms of our rich culture, our thriving industry (silicon glen), beautiful scenery and rich history etc. I just want people to know what a brilliant place i live in, im so proud of my country and all that we have achieved, despite being held back. You know, the first case of ethnic cleansing happened in Scotland, when the english slaughtered the highlanders in the "highland clearances" and banished us from our homes. They raped, murdered, burnt houses down. But thats not recognised, cos the english dismiss it. Also, in the British national anthem, the second verse sings about squashing all unruly scots. I think thats a good example of all the english and scottish rivalry, which now manifests intself more in sporting events. Its quite good fun. lol |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | we invented pink bath tubs! Come and see how beautiful scotland is and how friendly the people are. thats about it! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | its a great form, i think youve covered everything! |
| Name: | Mohammed Antar |
| E-mail address: | antamosm@softhome.net |
| town/country: | Cairo, Egypt |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Arabic, English, French and many others depending on the the contacted person. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The pyramids, sphinx, the Egyptian museum, th old christian churches and monstries, the old islamic mosques and palaces, and the modern monuments which enclude the Cairo tower and much more. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It's the largest city in Africa. It's almost 400 sqkm or even wider. The weather isn't normally hot or cold if no exceptions are found. Cairo is divided into modern and ancient areas. The ancient areas are those areas designed according to the Islamic and Otoman style whereas the modern destricts are designed acording to the modern style of high buildings ... ETC. From the northern part of the city southwords, there is a long reelway underground which extends to 43 kms. Another line is added which links Cairo with the neighbouring Guizeh. There are many other things that are difficult to be mentioned here about the city. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Al-Hussein district. We'll sit in the most popular cafe ever found in Cairo, El-Fishawy. Al-Hussein is an ancient district. It has many old mosques and in addition, it has one of the largest markets in the world that sells souvenirs, I mean Khan Al-Khalali. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Islam, Christian Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | There are many festivals in my country which are celbrated in a particular way in Cairo. First, the two Islamic Bairams which are celebrated according to the Hejrah calendar. After morning prayers, people go out for long tours where young people play whatever and however they want, and old people spend long hours in talking. Also, there is the Mawled Al-Nabi festival in which people celebrate the birthday of the prophet of the Moslems. They also go out and eat a kind of sweets designed specially for this occastion. Apart from the religious days, Egyptians celebrate Sham Al-Naseem day which can be refered to as the spring day. People always go to either the seeside in Alexandria or walk by the river Nile in Cairo or anywhere in Egypt. Some of them may take a boat and go through the Nile. There are also national days that are almost celebrated the same way. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | People may play football, go to cafes, have something to drink together and much more. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | |Apart from football, there are some traditional games that children used to play most of which depending on hiding someone and searching for him, and after finding him he starts to run and the Apart from football, there are many traditional games that are used to be played in the streets and lanes of Cairo. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | In Egypt in general, and particularly in Cairo, people may eat anything. However, there are some specific dishes that Egyptians mostly eat. First, In the breakfast, most people eat Beans and Taamiya. In the afternoon, Molokhiya with Rabbits meat is much prefered but not everyday. There are other dishes which are identified with the Egyptian character like Kushari which can be eaten anytime. Also there are lots of sweet dishes that people may eat after dinner. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football is the most important sport in Egypt. It's practised almost everywhere. Also we've Ping-Pong which has a wide popularity due to the effort needed to play it. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People may think of the Egyptian people as uncivilised people. They are always thought of as terrorists, extremists and fanatics while they may contain elements of both sides like everywhere in the world. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The number of civilisations our Egyptian history passed by which formed a special thing that not many people can know exactly what it is. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Egyptians are mostly warm, generous and lovely people. They welcome everyone and deal with him as if he is an Egyptian citizine. Yes, they do this unless this person insults them, their religion or their civilisation. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Come and explore yourself. |
| Name: | Praveen |
| E-mail address: | praveens@email.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.geocities.com/praveenu4ia/ |
| town/country: | Bangalore/India |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Believe it or not, about 500 languages, I speak Kannada, English and German |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Taj Mahal,
The Gateway of India The Vidhana Soudha Qutub Minar Rameswaram Temple www.picturesofplaces.com/Asia/india.html www.angelfire.com/in/myindia/tajmahal.html |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | My City is Bangalore. It is a hustling bustling city with a population of 64 lakh. It is a tech-savvie city with a lot of software companies. It is called the Garden City of India and truly the most clean and beautiful city in India. But now it is getting polluted. It is an advanced place and people here come from different cultural backgrounds and places. The best residential areas are Koramangala and Jayanagar(Biggest Residential Area in Asia). The famous shopping centres are M G Road, Brigade Road, Jayanagar 4th Block, CMH Road, Malleswaram etc. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take him to temples like ISKCON temple in Bangalore and Rameswaram temple. I would show him all avenues of Indian life from culture, tradition to cool beaches in Goa. I would take him to Taj Mahal, the 8th wonder of the world. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, It is a secularcountry. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Dussera, Diwali, Holi, Pongal, Onam, Makara Sankranthi, Christmas. People ge together, go to others houses, eat a lot of food and sweets. They pray to god in the morning and evening it is fun time. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They hang out with friends, watch TV, internet, travelling, |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | We used to play a lot of Indian games like Kabaddi and Kho Kho. We also were addicted to Cricket like most Indians. We plaved Chess, Tennis and a lot of Indoor Games also |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | It's hot and spicy. There are two entirely different cuisines in India, the North and the South Indian. The North is wheat and south is rice dominated.
My favourite dish is Pani Puri. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Cricket!!!!
It is popular. It is a mass-hysteria. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People think that it is a countr with beggars and poor people. But come and see Bangalore once, you'll know. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | India's culture, India's history and the Indian hospitality and the way of treating people. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | It is elaborate. So please don't misjudge it as stupidity or silly. Give it some time in your life. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Your site is just great!!!! |
| Name: | NICKY MSILO |
| E-mail address: | nikita26@ananzi.co.za |
| town/country: | Botswana |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English and Setswana |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Okavango swamps,Tsodilo hills and Makgadikgadi pans.And there are national parks like Moremi game reserve,Chobe game reserve and Gemsbok national park.There are different kinds of animals in all the game parks. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I currently living in Gaborone the capital city of Botswana.Its a big city,and busy.Life here its okay as you can a lot of things around here. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Since most of Batswana are farmers,i would take my friend to our home village and show him/her how will live.Mostly at the villages we use clay to make pots which can be used for decorations or for brewing traditional beer.We use fire wood for cooking, and we have lands for ploughing.We even keep cattle,goats,donkeys and sheep,now there are even pigs. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christians,catholic, |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Independence and president's day are celebrated all over the country,our independence is the 30th of September.In the villages the ceremony is held at the Kgotla and cattle are slaughted and traditional beer is prepared.In towns people meet at the stadium and celebrate there.Other festivals are the first harvest,the first crops to be harvested are taken to the chief and there is a celebration made to thank the ancestors for good harvest.In some tribe they send people to go and pray for rain and they will kill a bull and prepare traditional beer and the traditional dance will be there to take part. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Some people do sports,some women gather and form a club and they do pots,knitting,waving,baking.And others go parting with family and friends. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | When are grew up we used to play different games,some were playing netball or football.But mostly we liked to play what we call diketo( its a game you dig a small hole and put 10 small stones and 2 girls can play by taking those stones out of the hole and put them back again maybe in two's or three's and fours's. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | My favourite dish is papa and seswaa.Its a good meal which contains all nutrients needed by the body.And there are other foods popular like pizza,chicken curry and rice,samp and oxtail. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Its athletics and football.Its popular since most of the sports man are now participating in big events in the world.They make sports grow in botswana. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some people think this country is a place of khoisan and san like.Its not true there are about 8 different tribes in this country,and we all life in peace with respect of one another. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Botswana is a peacefully land,we believe in democracy.We have team spirit.We welcome visitors and give them love for them to feel at home. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We are peaceful people. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I would like to ask you people to visit our country and to come and see the beauty of it.Please lets keep on exchanging culture info. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | No comments its quite good |
| Name: | Astrid |
| E-mail address: | astridguen@aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.beepworld.de/members19/angloclub |
| town/country: | Köln, Germany |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | German, but many people are able to speak English and some French and other languages. I speak a little Spanish and Italian, too. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The castles along the Rhine and down in Bavaria, the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Hamburg harbour, Cologne cathedral |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | read so many great keepsakes here, and I know I can't compete with them, but I would like to write something anyway. I live in Köln ( or Cologne in English language ) in the West of Germany. It is a very old city. The most touristic attractions are, of course, the cathedral and the old town and no doubt I would take a guest who has never been to my city before there, but there are a lot more places I like in Cologne. Sometimes when I want to relax, I just go to the Rheinpark ( created for a Bundesgartenschau in the 1950s ) which is just a short walk from my house. In some of the outskirts you have a lot of greenery and sandy beaches along the Rhine - it almost feels like being on holiday!
We also have a very beautiful botanical garden ( the entrance is free ) and one of Germany's most beautiful zoos. Of course, there are a lot of museums, or you can go to the theatre or a concert. If you want to go to a pub or dancing, there is something for every taste. You can get more info about our city from the web: http://www.koeln.de Of course, many people, if they think Cologne, they think carnival. But honestly, I am already a bit tired of it. But who likes it, why not. Thank God we are all different. However, I admit that if you see it for the first time, it is great. Personally I prefer the "Geisterzug", a kind of alternative carnival. What I also like about my city, is that there are many people from different nations living here ( for example in my area there are Germans - of course-, but also a lot of Turkish and African people ) and all get along without any problems. I live a rather active life - I join a canoeing club ( I have a folding cayak since I think it is more stylish, but if you just want to do a bit of paddling after work it is more convenient to go there and just take of of their plastic boats ), I go to English- and Spanish-speaking social clubs ( whoever is interested: http://www.beepworld.de/members19/angloclub for the English International social club and http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/encuentro_internacional for the Spanish one ) and for a long time I took care of children of refugees from Kosovo and I still take them out every now and then. I still have enough time for my boyfriend, my friends and my cats though! |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Depends on if he / she has been here before and on how much time we have. If it is his / her first visit to Cologne and we are limited by the time, I would show the cathedral, the old town hall and the old part of the town in general first. If we have more time, and / or he / she has already been to Cologne before, I would take her to some beautiful places along the Rhine further out of the city centre. Or we could spend a day in Phantasialand, a big fun park. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Most of us are Christians, but there are also some Moslems ( mostly immigrants ) and a few Jews living here |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | There is a "Kirmes" in every little village. It has got a religious background, but now it's mostly a fun fair.
Depending on the region, we also have carnival with long parades and people dressed in funny and sometimes very beautiful costumes and its typical carnival music by groups some of which are known not only in Cologne, but throughout Germany, like Bläck Föss, Höhner... and it is celebrated in every pub which are very crowded that day. It's funny to see how some pubs change their style that day. You can have great fun in a pub you would normally not go to. And, as I said, there is the "Geisterzug" which is an alternative carnival. Its traditions dates back to former centuries when the official carnival was only for the upper class, but average people were allowed to make their own, more simple, procession. This tradition was revealed in the year of the Gulf War, first of all, because the official parade was cancelled, but also as a protest against the war. Now the "Geisterzug" has become a fix element of the alternative carnival. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We usually go to pubs or to a disco for dancing. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Sorry, I can't remember any special games. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Usually I prefer international cuisine, a bit Italian, a bit Chinese... but if you ask me about traditional dishes, my favourite one is Reibekuchen ( potato waffles ). |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | I think Germans most favourite sport is soccer. I, however, prefer skiing and canoeing. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I don't think that many people perceive our country, but there are some who still think there are a lot of Nazis here. There are a few, which is a sad thing, but 99 % of us aren't. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I honestly think I can't be proud of my nationality since I can only be proud of things I have achieved myself, but no one can choose his parents. If I am proud of something about Germany, it is of our constition and that, except a few idiots, I think we have learned from the past and our democracy is stable now. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Hm, maybe that it is no longer true that Germans are hard-working, but without any sense of humour. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | If anyone reading this is planning a visit to Cologne, or is even living here, he / she is welcome to drop in at our international groups http://www.beepworld.de/members19/angloclub ( meetings every Wednesday night ) and http://de.groups.yahoo.com/group/encuentro_internacional ( meetings every Sunday night ). |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Unfortunaly I don't have a scanner so I can't add pictures, but I will mail you some pictures of Cologne via another website, maybe you can add these? Thank you. |
| Name: | Kingslry Lartey |
| E-mail address: | apauus@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Ghana |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English,Twi,Ewe,Ga,akwapim,Fante |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Boti falls,dodi island, |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in the Industral city of Ghana,is called Tema.there are many companies here,we have a habour here and the Volta Alluminium company |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I will take them to my home town festival and other festival in the country |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christian,Traditional |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | There is,the Farmers day,and the Bakatua Festival,and the inmacipation day celebration.During this day people do not sleep over night,and also they drink a lot,is this time that they mee4t old friends. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They go to the beach and also to noght clubs |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | It was great.the game we play is ,ampe for the ladies and oware for the boys and also,cooking |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | My favourit traditional dish is Fufu and palm nut soup |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Is football,and table tennis,basketball |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | They are right because there are a lot of fun in my countyr |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | There are a lot of tourist attractions in my country |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | What i want people to know about my culture is that,during the festival,someone will use cutlas to cut the body but it will not cut |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I want you to know that anyone who visit my country is going to enjoy him/her self |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I realy want o everyone to read this form |
| Name: | aaron reynolds |
| E-mail address: | brorayz@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | dormaa anhenkro |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | 1,brong langueage |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | the kintampo monkey santury,which is in the brong ahafo region.the kwame nkromah muslum at accra , the botee water fulls at the esten region, the paga nation game reserve in the northen region, the kakum nation park in the central region, the cape coast castel, which are the main nation tourist attraction the my country can bost of.aside the are many more tourist attraction which are also very attractive in the country. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | it is a vary samll town with a vary few people which most of the inharbitant are farmers, |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | if a friend should can visit me i well like to the friend to the westen region of the country were one will really learn alot about the culture of the country since most of colonial activitys took place during before the country gain indenpendenc and it is also the place where the first president of ghana was born so most of the old fulks there have lots of oral history to talk about the country which i beleive my friend will really like to hear that. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | islam/christianity |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The yam festival and xmas holidays but the yam festival is the important since most farming is the main sources empolyment and yam is the main crop that the cultivate.during this time the native of the town should light fire at hours at the day,people should not go to farme during the festival days sinc it is a taboo to do so and the elders of beleive that it about time to thank their gods for good harvest, during that time there will marry marking street carnivals outdooring of chiefs and elders of the town . |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | most people go to the town cinema, most of them also go to the town center for culter shows and dubers, and most often most of them go to the elder onces to hear storys and history of the town. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | it was normal and we use to play games like pelolo which is like hide and seak,and chalskel which is also like bass ball |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | 'banku' and 'okro' soup, 'fufu' and soup 'ampesi'
my favourite is fufu and soup. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | the monkey park and the 'kiku' laned.
the monkey park is popular because it is well know for it various types of monkey that can be found there, and 'kiku' were it is is also know for it wondfull natral trees that have been use to build nice natral buildings. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | it is only peacefull country in surb - west africa were the people there are friendly and worm hearted. were freedom of speech and movement is being observe at any time.also both men and women have the right. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | my conutry is well know for its natral and rich miniral resoucess like gold and timber and kente colth. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | the way we dress in our traditional kente colth and how talk to an elder one, our marrage ceremoney and our name ceremoney. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | one can tell much but since mucy of it can not be tell but one needs to see it. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | none |
| Name: | sigrid yoakum |
| E-mail address: | sigrid@interpac.net |
| town/country: | Hilo, HI, U.S.A. |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, Pidgin; German, Spanish |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | There are so many beautiful places in the U.S., including tourist attractions. But the most beautiful part of the U.S. are its vast stretches of pristine nature. One of these are the Hawaiian Islands. And since I live t(here), I'd like to tell you about this part of the U.S. People don't come here for its monuments and buildings. The attraction is a laid-back life-style, mountain streams and waterfalls, ocean waves and wind, and volcanic vistas, either of them or from them.
The Big Island, the Island of Hawai'i where I live, features all but two climate zones, arctic and sub-arctic. It's a haven for hikers and nature lovers. But you don't have to be a super athlete, there is something for everyone. One of my favorite places is the trail up Mauna Loa volcano. It leads from ca. 7000 feet, where you park your car, straight up to the top, and as you ascend, all sounds cease except for a mild wind and your own heavy breathing. The Big Island has also become the center of Hawaii's cultural renaissance where you can find many events that expose you to an ancient culture. It's music especially has had an impact on American music in general. It's amazing how a huge man with a teeny tiny ukulele can produce such heavenly music. Today, after almost becoming extinct in this century, you can hear the Hawaiian language again, especially among educated Hawaiians. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Hilo has ca. 40,000 inhabitants. It's the second-largest city after Honolulu. Unlike the latter, Hilo rolls up its sidewalks after 6 p.m. Not much night life or diversity in restaurants. We make our own entertainment here with family and friends. But there are quite a few cultural events throughout the year. The best known is the Merry Monarch Festival, a week of Hula dancing from around the world. The University of Hawaii also has a campus here, and specialty sciences, naturally, comprise the fields of astronomy, geology, and oceanography.
Although Hilo is a small town, it's people do not have the traditional close-mindedness. People from all over the world have settled here, among them the gifted and talented who had enough of the rat race on the mainland. The local population is a blend of Pacific Islanders, Asians, and Europeans. It makes for great diversity. But the majority is of Asian descent. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Lilioukalani Gardens by the sea, a lovely gift from our sister city in Japan;
the downtown Hongwanji, the Japanese temple; The Saturday morning Hilo Farmers' Market, where you can find many varieties of flowers, especialle of the anthurium family, not to mention all the different kinds of fruit and vegetables from around the Pacific; a Hawaiian luau, a festive meal outside in which they serve laulau (fish and pork wrapped in ti-leaves), kalua pork (cooked and shredded and spiced, best when freshly hunted),poi (a pounded taro root mush), haupia (a coconut milk desert) Lyman House Museum, which features exhibits on oceanography, the volcanos and the Hawaiian mythology and traditions surrounding them, artifacts of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino sugar worker immigrants; Kamuela Museum which displays the history of the Parker Ranch, which began with King Kamehameha, and the Paniolo culture of Hawaii's cowboys a fishing trip with one of our local fisher boyz; a hunting trip in the mountains and forests for pig or goat; Volcanoes National Park and its active Kilauea Crater and Pele's (the ancient fire goddess) mythology the Tsunami Museum which displays the history of this Island's devastation by at least three deluges from the ocean; Hilo was destroyed twice this century, in 1946 and 1960 |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Hawaiian Religion, New Age |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Hawaii has about double that of the rest of the U.S. To the regular national holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July, we add holidays honoring Hawaii's kings. On those days we hold parades in which flowers play a prominent role. By the time the parade is on the way, people are lining the route in picnic chairs, coolers handy, often from the back of a station wagon. Often families have special get-togethers on those days, but families gather often here, anyway. Always outside in the parks or at the beaches.
The Japanese have their bon dances once a year, a rhythmic dance in which people form a circle around a large drum. Prior to the dance, little handmade boats are set out to sea, with candles burning in them, to send to their dead ancestors. The Chinese have the New Years' celebration in February, when they send a snake of people dressed as a long, elaboratge dragon through the streets with incense and much thimbal crashing. We also have regular County Band concerts which are free and take place in the band stand by the sea in Hilo's pretty bay. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We get together with family and friends, in homes, gardens, garages, parks, or on beaches and bring good food. Food goes with everything in Hawaii, even at work. We love to eat. We swim, surf, snorkel, fish, dive, sing karaoke, or just simply sit and talk "story", catching up on the "coconut wire" news. And then we eat again. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Sorry, didn't grow up here.
But my child did. His and buddies' most popular activity was to go swimming in a waterfall, dive from rocks, go boogie boarding, or camp out at the beach. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Aside from American fast food, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Mexican, Hawaiian, and California "healthy."
My favorites are laulau, kalua pork, haupia, and shrimp tempura. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | In or on the ocean: surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, swimming, fishing; surfing is a Hawaiian sport and the longest standing tradition, followed closely by outrigger canoeing and sailing, another tradition. The Hawaiians were superb swimmers, sailors, and navigators.
On land: skateboarding, it took off from surfing; golf: big tourist attraction with many choices of courses due to climate; the usual soccer and football teams; martial arts due to the extensive Asian population; and then all the nature activities involved with hiking |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | In regards to Hawaii, it is a dream vacation for many, due to the tropical climate and the breathtaking beauty of the islands in the middle of a big blue sea. It's a honey moon place, the haven that lovers seek for a moment in time. And since they are on vacation, they don't see that we too have our stresses and pressures and paradise isn't always what it appears to be. I think the first thing that hits people when they get off the plane is the air, it's humid, soft, moist, warm; but it's not oppressive because the trade winds from the Northeast blow gently most of the time.
the second thing is that everybody smiles at you, even though they don't know you. It's common gesture here to smile as we pass each other. But it doesn't mean people are always in a good mood. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Sorry, but pride about my country or place doesn't fit into my life's philosophy. It is what it is, the good and the bad. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Our best known word is "aloha." It means hello, good-bye, I love you, I care for you, I'm your friend, we share, kindness, all the concepts of human brotherhood rolled up into one. There are several more specific words in Hawaiian, which children learn in kindergarten, but this one is the all-in-one expression. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | As with all places, you only skim the surface of a place if you do the "tourist-thing" for a week. It's best to get the real feel, under the tourism surface by staying at least a month or three. Affordable out of the way bed and breakfast places in charming locations offer nice lengthy getaways. They, or a friend. Friends are better. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Well, I had to think about the country part. Because Hawaii is culturally worlds apart from the U.S., yet it is part of it. Some people here have never even given it a thought that they are traveling under a U.S. passport if they leave the country. To them, their country is Hawaii, no kidding. But we are somewhat of an exception, due to left-over colonialism, hm? |
| Name: | Adrienne |
| E-mail address: | Irishcountrygirl@attbi.com |
| town/country: | Battle Ground/USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English/English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The closest building that is a tourist attraction would be The Seattle Space Needle, Seattle is located 2 1/2 hrs-3 hrs, depending on how fast you drive, north of here. Battle Ground WA is out in the country,just north of Vancouver, WA, which is just north of Portland, Oregon. The columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful ladscapes around, the Columbia River is surrounded in a valley by hills on either side, and has thousands of hiking trails hidden behind hundreds of waterfalls. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in a small (but growing) country town north of Vancouver, Washington. Battle Ground has been a rural community up to 5-10 years ago, with mostly farmers with land anywhere from 5 acres and up, not the city folk wanting to move out have bought a lot of the land up and there are continuing developments springing up every year. This year alone they project the growth to be 50%, we obtained Fred Meyer, Albertsons, Hollywood video and a Taco Bell, all in one year, where before there was only 1 grocery store here, now unfortunately the small town has traffic jams the people travel back and forth on their errands. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | The Columbia River Gorge is always a favorite, it has Beacon Rock where you can climb, on a trail, going up and down only takes about an hour, at the top you can see both Oregon and Washington, and on a clear day, see all the way down the River. Bonneville Dam is close by where you can see spawning of Salmon and the release of Salmon into the Columbia River. Moultnomah Falls, a beautiful waterfall where you can take a more strenous hike to the top for more breathtaking pictures. Downtown Portland is always a joy, with stops, people watching and Waterfront park where there is activity mostly in the summer which attracts a lot of people. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christian mostly, Morman, Apostolic, Methodist, Catholic |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Being in America, of course 4th of July is the biggest, especially 2002. Memorial day end of May celebrtes the Veterans, people who have died, Labor day 2nd of September, celebrates the workers.
4th of July people gather at Ft. Vancouver which is a huge park, where most people bar-b-que, bring their soccer balls, frisbees and generally hand around, drink beer and eat all day. At dark a glorious firework celebration can be seen for miles around. Memorial day is a holiday off from work, people who have lost loved ones, visit their graveside and bring fresh flowers. Labor day is the last holiday in the summer and most people use that time to go camping as the weather is still nice, or have a bar-b-que at their house. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | It is beautiful and green, becaus it rains a lot, most of the activities are done in the summer. Boating, water skiing, ski dooes, hiking, walking, rollerblading are among the favorites. You will find a lot of people driving to the Beach for day trips or over nights.
In the winter, skiing is the favorite, we are close to Mt. Hood one of the most popular resorts. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I grew up in Ireland, but a lot of the culture is the same, the children are very active in sports in school, they play soccer, rollerblade, softball/baseball.
They play a lot of ball games at school |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Ha, we are in America, everything goes. Her in Vancouver/Portland, we have a lot of mexican and chinese, but also, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, some Indian and Greek
My favorite is Thai food that we are learning to cook at home. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Sports as mentioned above are baseball/softball, football and now Soccer. You can play these games most of the year and the schools support them so children learn a passion for them at a young age. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Everyone loves America, well mostly everyone. It really is the land of opportunity. Unfortunately a lot of people's vision of USA is what they see on television and that is not necessarily true. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | That you can be whoever you want to be and live where-ever you want to live, American's take their freedom for granted as they don't know how other countries live but that's what makes it so wonderful. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That there is hope, there can be freedom, that people in all races can get along. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Come visit and see for yourself. |
| Name: | kim smart |
| E-mail address: | mizzmintz@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | inverness |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | scottish |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | its not the monuments or the buildings its probably the loch ness monster in you guessed it loch ness. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | inverness is pretty borin, i cant wait to leave! |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | i'd take them shopping and then to the museum then probably to loch ness. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | well i'm wiccan |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | we really only have new year,valentines day and christmas oh yeah and the tatty holidays. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | go shopping go to the cinema just hang about basically. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | red rover i used to always play that. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | my favourite is cheesy macoroni. haggis is the traditional dish but i dont like it |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football all the boys love it, and bmx. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | i think they see the scots as hard but were softish really. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | i practice magic. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | nope. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | nah its all good. |
| Name: | paul l brandon |
| E-mail address: | BLACleopard@collegeclub.com |
| town/country: | sharon/usa |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | the washinghton mountmen mount rushmore |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | it a small town where football and soccer is bigatt |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | it a a playhous in yountowncalled stambaugh playhose ,butler art instuite sore placs in erie buhl park wendrel august forge vocal group of hall fame |
| What religions are practiced there? : | chatholic,prostant,bastist, |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | july 4 ,memorial day ,labor day , |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | clubs, shopping ,going to eat ,going to scapper game indians games pirate games high school football game
|
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | it was a normaltyme |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | itialan fast food mexican
my favorite cusine is cajun and itialan and mexican |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football baseball basketball
football it ongainatied here so did basketball and basbeball |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | we fight for freedom |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | we are deveristy |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | i am dirct trusty honest caring for my friends |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | nope |
| Name: | Irena |
| E-mail address: | iren@tut.by |
| town/country: | Baranovichi/Belarus |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Russian and BElarussian, I speak Russian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Oh a lot... but mostly Mirski castle and Sinkovichi church (the buildings of 15 century)... also BElarus is famouse with it's nature... fabulous, really! |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Well, a little nice town, wich isn't an ancient one, but a lot of buildings were built in ancient view. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | OH, for examl\ple to the our Slavic market (the songs festval) or knight tournament that goes every year... also I would show them our Neswizh castle. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholic and Orthodox, also some Protestant churches |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | For examle the Kupalov's night, I'll tell you in a story I've written for my English lesson
The open fields, covered with green grass, the trees, whispering the fairytales, clear streams, soft buzz of bumble-bee - it is summer... I wake up and find myself at the field among the flowers and tasty smell of herb. I jump to my feet and extend my hands feeling the warm breath of nature. I'd like to stay like this forever, but I have to pick up flowers for the wreath, we always make at the Kupalov's night. What is Kupalle? Oh! This word includes the whole meaning of summer. It is the holiday of nature spirits came from Slavic heathen mythology. Long-long ago it was a holiday of the Sun, and was at the time of summer solstice, when all nature got the top of it's power. After Belarus had accepted Christianity, church made this day the day of St. Ian Christen, so this holiday was named Ivano-Kupalo. And what is Kupalle at it's real meaning? The symbol of the holiday is the fire, the fire also is a symbol of the Sun. And the great Fire is made this night. People take all the things they don't need and put them into the place, that has been chosen recently. At the top of the fire the wheel is put. And so at this great night the holiday starts. The flame raises into the sky covered with stars, people take each other's hands and dance round the fire. Laughing, singing, dancing and, of course, boy's and girl's jumping over the flame - the way to get sacred power and to exile cruel spirits. And later boys and girls go to the river where they drown Kupalov's scarecrow, than the ritual swimming takes a part at the sun rising. There are talks that at this night the magic is real. Girls put their wreathes at the water, thinking of the boys they love - and surely it will work. This night also is the night of wonders. There are a lot of superstitions about strange lights on the river, talking trees and animals, and... Paparaz Kvetka (blooming fern). The legend is that only once a year this flower is blooming and it happens at Kupalov's night. And this lucky, who find it, will be the richest in the world... People are walking throw the forests looking for this flower, but there is also a very terrible belief, if you find this flower, you'll sell your soul to evil... ...I found myself thinking of those things and smiled... When I was sitting at the ground to make a wreath of forest flowers I've picked, I heard a women's songs near the river... The Kupalov's night is coming... |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | As everywhere - discos, parties, festivales, - a lot of! |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | My childhood was smth really gorgous, but I didn't play simple games as hide-and-seek and so on... usually I was lookig for treasures in our woods, or saving the worldwith my friends... the games of fantasy. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | A lot |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Pioneerball, Volleball, horseriding and so on |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | BElarus isn't well known around... but I guess that if anybody see it, he won't stay indifferent to us. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | BElarus makes me proud itself!
"People love their motherland even if they don't know about it. So do I. And I realized it two years ago. I don't know how it happened - maybe after I had looked at the water and saw stars bathing here, maybe after had I stood under the rain, feeling the drops falling round me and it swallowing me up, maybe when the sound of the Belarus folk song at last got into my heart, maybe when I heard my sweet native language and began crying from happiness, or maybe I looked around and saw green fields, blue sky and the history, wide and sacred, when I opened my eyes and saw it! I was blind for all those years, I was blind and did not see the happiness hidden in the one word - Belarus, didn't see the thing I loved... I felt love to it, when I sat at cold winter evenings at home and watched the snow falling down, when I put the wreath made of field-flowers down to the river at the Kupalov's night, when I ran under the rain and sang ... I felt love, I didn't know where it was going of, I didn't know what was I loving! And now I know... I feel... I love... and I'll love my motherland forever, even if I am not there. The meaning of word Belarus is "white country". Is there sense? The whiteness is hidden inside, it is white or maybe sheer. The nature, the beginning of it and it's sheerness." |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | If people want - they may ask me... iren@tut.by |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | MAybe... but I don't know what people are interested in! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | Wonderful form! Especially when I realize that it helps me to tell about my country, 'cos it's kinda "terra incognita", hope one day the world will know about it!
Thanx aouthor! |
| Name: | Ngala Joslyne Kupbuh Bianca |
| E-mail address: | beautyjos@yahoo.co.nz |
| town/country: | Yaounde/Cameroon |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English/French/Mother tongue |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | My country has many tourists attractions.There are National Parks. There is also Mount Fako, the highest mountain in the whole of West Africa. Also,we have Lakes such as Lake Nyos and Lake Barombi. As for monuments we have the statue of reunification when the two Cameroons were reunited as one. There are also museums and many of them are located in the Northern part of Cameroon.Yaounde is the capital city of Cameroon because of its mild climate but most of the Cameroon's natural beauty lies in the interiors where there are many forest reserves.When you get to the interior we have unforgoten history of how the Westeners came into our country enslaved our forfathers and took them to the West. Actually, Cameroon has so many tourists attractions such that it is hard to put all of them down.The animals,birds, beautiful landscape and most important the hospitality of the citizens.
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| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon. It is the capital because of its mild climate but most of Cameroon's natural beauty lies in the interiors where there are many forest reserves. Yaounde is a Business town in Cameroon. It is very beautiful. Hospitality is number one in the heart of the people.They are proud to host somebody to the person's best satisfaction eventhough they are very proud people. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | If a friend were to visit me, I would be confused as to where to take the person because there are so many places to see. This is because CAMEROON IS AFRICA IN MINIATURE. Firstly, I would take the person to the South West Province of Cameroon for the person to view the mountain famously known as "THE CHARIOTS OF THE GODS". Later, I will take the person to Limbe to watch the sea and eat some roasted fish. After that, I will take the person to Bertoua where he/she will get to meet pygmies; some very short people who are like little gypsies. From there, we will move to the West Province where there is the statute of King Njoya, one of the kings who fought against European Imperialism. All these are just a tip of the iceberg. Many more will come as the person will come and discover for him/herself. the person may not even want to go back to his/her home country |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity, Islam, Protestantism,Catholicism, Budhism, Pentecostalism etc. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Cameroon is a countyr full of diversed cultures. Each culture has its own practices and festivals. There is the sawa festival where people go to worship the Water Godess. On this day, there is much dancing and canoe races are organised. As for my own culture, there is the festival of harvest. Here, food is believed to be given to the gods to thank them for the plentiful harvest. Another festival is the celebration of the death of a king. There are many masquerades that display and it is always so interesting. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We love foot ball. So many matches are often organised. We also love taking holidays and spending time with our extended families. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | My childhood was splendid compared to my adulthood.The best thing about childhood is that you don't get responsible for most things.
In my area we used to have many games we played under parental support. For example we had the family game in which a girl plays the mother and a boy the father.It was fun we could ask things from home like clothes and cooking utensils.In that way we could learn house works quickly.I loved it. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | There is a variety. But my favourite is fufu made from maize and eaten with a certain vegetable called "Njamsu" |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular sport here is football. Cameroon has a very determined team and their football players play very well. So it has dug deep into the hearts of Cameroonians such that they just cannot do without football. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think that some people think that Cameroon is a good and beautiful but others think it is boring
and hard to make a living.Well I think that it's the most amazing country.The good nature of the people and the peace is incredible.But I don't deny any of the accusations it is the matter of how one sees things different from the other. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | What makes me more proud of my country is the peace there is.It is hard to find peaceful countries these days. But Cameroon has managed to restore it. Also the kind heartedness of the people. There is not any kind of discrimination being racial or gender.We believe that all people are equal as God made them. I am also pround of their hospitality and generosity
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| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | If there's one thing you would like people to know about my culture it would be that Cameroon as a whole respects its nature. Being festivals,ways of dressing,foods and most importantly how to please our guests. I would invite everyone to visit Cameroon someday,being a friend or not you're all welcome. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | All I can say is for you to come to Cameroon |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I want to first of all congratulate you for such an initiative. It is such a nice site and I don't regret knowing this site and becoming a member.
What I can propose you to add is an email section wherein one can have an email. For example beautyjos@culturalcorrespondence.com. |
| Name: | Gabriel |
| E-mail address: | gabriello00@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.gabriello.20m.com |
| town/country: | cancun |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | spanish/mayan/english/other |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Ancient Ruins specially pyramid of the sun and moon dedicated to the aztec dietys in central Mexico,and the Chichen itza and Tulum Pyramids dedicated to the Mayan Dietys in SouthEastern Mexico. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Cancun is a Touristic City Surrounded by Amazing beaches and Great Archeological sites,mixed with modernity this is one of the most visted cities in the world. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | To the archeological sites. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholic/Others |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The most important festivities in my country are Independence day September 15th where most people do special dishes for dinner the president of Mexico says a traditional speech at 12 o clock in National Palace in Mexico City and families and friends came together to celebrate.
The other most important date is the day of the dead November 2th mexican families remember the lost relatives going to the cemetary to bring symbolic presents and put it on the grave, like food,beverages,flowers,cigars,and things that the gone relative used to eat,drink or smoke,also for that festivities is made a sweet flavored bread called in spanish (pan de muerto) "bread of the dead" |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | go to the discos,clubs,beaches, visit the archeological sites,going for shopping,to the baseball etc. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I am originally from Mexico City i used to play like every normal child Mexico City is a cosmopolite place and you have influences from big cities of the world i love to play baseball, american football and soccer in the park. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | the pork meat with some traditional sauce,also great sea food, my favorite mexican dish are tacos made from pork,chicken or beef. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football Soccer and Baseball also American Football.
Football soccer has a long tradition in Mexico since the early years of the past century the first teams where founded and a major league was created; right now are 2 championships of football soccer one is called summer tournament and winter tournament. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Most beleive Mexico as a place of warm climate and warm people too, but theres more than that we have a great culture with is based in the mixture of Europeans and Indian people and the mixture of both cultures from centuries ago. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The Great Cultural and Archeological sites that are a Legacy for the Generations to come not exclusively for mexicans but for all the globe. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Mexico is a diversity of cultures who mixes into one is a complex Country with diferent regions,climates,beleifs, etc but in General people are very friendly and working individuals honest and has a great hope in the future. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I am very happy to share my personal view of Mexico with all you people outhere in the net and the world. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | When vist my homepage please sign my guestbook, Thank you. |
| Name: | Emily Fuller |
| E-mail address: | limey_hey2hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Pilton, Australia |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | French and English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Centrepoint Tower |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Small, lots of farms with crops, cattle and sheep. Friendly people |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Out on a farm, where they could see a farmer at work and farm animals up close |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity, buddhism, Hinduism, and most others |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas, where people open presents and usually go to the beach or a pool because it's so hot at that time of year. Then we eat lots of good food. Another one is Easter, where we awake in the morning to find chocolate eggs left for us by the 'Easter Bunny' |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | go to the beach, shop, go to the movies or play sport. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Most children just play a lot of team sports. I grew up on the coast so I spent a lot of time at the beach. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We don't really have traditional food. Most people eat a lot of takeout and food from other cultures, such as Chinese and Thai |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Surfing, because it's so hot, Football, because there's a great atmosphere at games. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | a lot of people think that we have kangaroos bouncing around in our back yard and that we are all rude people who can't speak english properly. The only kangaroos we have are some that jump through large properties sometimes and There are a lot of Australians who are very polite and well spoken. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | All Australians are very patriotic and proud of their country and willing to help others when they are in trouble. Also, I think we get on well with a lot of other countries, because the only wars we've been involved in are some that we get pulled in to by countries that need our help. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That Australians are friendly and generous always. |
| Name: | rewayi |
| E-mail address: | rewayim@compulink.co.zw |
| town/country: | HARARE/ZIMBABWE |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | ENGLISH/SHONA/NDEBELE |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | lake kariba,victoria falls/zimbabwe ruins/matopos |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | i would take them to great zimbabwe/victfall/musiya tunya/mavhuradomha/kariba |
| Name: | P. Suárez |
| E-mail address: | Flying_falcon333@yahoo.es |
| town/country: | Spain |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Spanish, German & English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Museo del Prado, Puerta de Alcalá, Palacio Real, Casa de la Pedrera de Gaidí, Catedral de Burgos, Acueducto romano de Segovia and lots more... |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It has become increasingly bigger in those last years, even down the town is still small and has a lack of parking places and the accesses to the city are narrow, but I think it is maybe a general problem for any old town which nowadays is a big city.
It has many new gardens and green areas. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to museums (for instance Antics Museums and Archaeological ones), amusement parks, coffeeshops and tea-shop, out to the countrie-side and the mountains near Madrid and maybe to the nearest cost. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | No answer |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Fallas (Valencia)
Feria (Seville) |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Travelling around (short religious breaks united to weekends)
Going out with friends Chatting around |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Going to school |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We have a very varieted gastronomy
My favourite dish is: COCIDO for the winter-time and maybe tomatoe cream with mint leaves in the summer-time |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Wrong: it is a "very catholic" nation
or it is very funny the bull fighting parties Right: it is a sunny and mild climate nation |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Maybe the venture of discovering America and stablishing the first "really long term settlements with the first universities and so on..."- a way of spreed our culture and way of life, a heritage from the past to be proud of. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | There are two Spains in many ways of life (I do not mean only in politics, but in anything)and those two Spains are facing one each other nearer day by day...
An example: the bull fighting rings and its object, the millions euros a few people earn with those national parties (there are people for it and against it and the positions are very strong and stuck) |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I do have lots of different hobbies and are a very lively person!
I love travelling and chatting around and so on |
| Name: | Jewell |
| E-mail address: | jewell@anatolian-shepherd-dogs.org |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.anatolian-shepherd-dogs.org |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Congratulations on your site! |
| Name: | Daniela |
| E-mail address: | karma_78de@yahoo.de |
| town/country: | Crimmitschau, Germany |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Germany |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | 1. The town of Dresden,with is monuments from the time of August the strength
2. The Bavarian region with the Alps 3. Berlin, a town once divided and now re-united again |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in a small town named Crimmitschau. In the old days until the re-unification it was a town of the spinning industry. It has a long history and the market place and other buildings are still in the old style. We have a good ice-hockey club here named ETC Crimmitschau. Crimmitschau is situated in the East of Germany not far from Chemnitz and Zwickau. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to a day trip to Dresden and show them the sights like Zwinger, castle of Pillnitz, the Saxon Switzerland and more. Then a trip to Leipzig would be in order and a trip to the traditinal carvings in the Erzgebirge and a trip to the first worldwide centre for international wood carving called Daetz-Centrum. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Protestant, Catholics, Islam |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | 3rd October- day of the re-unification in Germany
Christmas with the christmas markets all around Germany Carneval in the area around the Rhine river Easter - searching for the Easter eggs Reformation day Oktoberfest in Munich My family is not religious and so we celebrate festivals in our own traditions. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Well, we like to go out to concerts, clubs and discos, bars, too. We go to the theatre and operas. We spent our times at the gym studios and in the woods for walking. We love to drive around in our cars. Basically just what a lot of people do for fun in the world. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Well, I come from the part of Germany who was the socialistic part before the re-unifications so I spent my childhood in socialism. I have to say that the government back then did a lot of things for kids. For example I often spent my free time in groups organized by schools. I played table tennis, was in the group of touristic where we often went camping. We also spent time with organizing charity things for old people and everyone had to help older people with their grocery shopping or just works in the house. We spent our time with playing adventure games in the woods, built small houses on trees and so on. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | I would say Berliner sausages and potatoe salad.
Bavarian white sausages |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | soccer, formula 1.
Soccer because all the guys are crazy and love to watch the sport. Formula 1 because we have Michael Schumacher. In my town it is ice-hockey because of the ETC and they are supported here very much because they make our town public. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some of them think that Germany still a country of Nazis but that is wrong. Yes, we have problems with Neo-Nazis but they are definately not in a mass and a lot of people are interested in other countries. Well, some other things that we all run around leather trousers like in Bavaria but Germany does not consists only of Bavaria. There are other folks, too.
It is true that Germans are punctually and try to make everything perfect. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | That the re-unification took place without a war and that it was a peaceful revolution in East Germany. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | I would like to know them that Germany has learnt from its history and that we are ashamed for what happened in world war 2 but that we changed. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Well, come to Germany and visit this country. |
| Name: | Lindsey O'Connell |
| E-mail address: | Linzsmile_2000@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Hollis, USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, I also speak some Spanish |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Washington, DC., Statue of Liberty, Boston, Empire State Building, The hollywood sign, and the list goes on! |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Hollis is a small town. We have about 5,000 people. in our high school there is a total of 500 kids. There are a lot of farms, big houses, horses, and some snobby rich kids. But Hollis is really quiet and peaceful. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to my favorite mall, a pizza place, skiing, to my soccer pratice, maybe a movie, and hang out with my friends, |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Catholic, Christian, Jewish, |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | 4th of July, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Valentine's day. They each have their own tradition. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We go to movies, to the mall, take a walk, ride bikes, drive our cars, talk online with AIM or AOL, talk on the phone. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | We played the normal childhood games, tag, hide and seek, kickball, soccer, jump rope, |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | FAST FOOD! Pizza, international foods, mexican, chinese, italian. I love chicken fingers and french fries |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Soccer, IS THE BEST, baseball, football, basketball, golf (Ewww) |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | People think of America as the perfect place but we still have our own problems. 9/11 hit us really hard. It is a day we will remember forever. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Freedom to do what we like, Peace, and happiness |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | People make their own traditions and every one excepts one another. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I would really love a pen pal! I like sports and girl stuff. I really like to shop! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I'm a really nice person and i can give you a taste of American Culture. |
| Name: | Carina |
| E-mail address: | carina_the_mental@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Norway |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Norwegian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | well..'Vigelands Parken' a big park in the middle of Oslo ( capital) with a lot of statues..and Nidarosdomen in Trondheim..far north in the country |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | it's not a town it's avillage with less than 3000 inhabitants...it's nothing to do here. All the people know eachother though..which is kinda fun |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take him to Oslo :O) Really mixed up city and full of culture.. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christianity |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Well..the 17th of May probably..our national day..when we got our own laws. That day we have big parades, eat good food and wave Norway's flag |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | party, play basket..chill with friends..ride horses |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | nah..not really..we're just like other children.. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | well..ehem..yeah! |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | horseriding..because I live in the country with a lot of farms..and horses |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | as if |
| Name: | ndidi nwulu |
| E-mail address: | ndy_nwulu44@hotvoice.com |
| town/country: | delta/ nigeria |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | english/same |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | ojukwus bunka(the leader of the opposition that fought the civil war in the late 60s created a spectacular bunka),olumo rock (is abig rock that has about 50 caves),
idanre hills in ondo state,obudu ranch in the mountains of cross rivers state,gurara falls in niger state,agbokims falls in cross rivers and the yankare games reserve in jos plateau state. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live at warri delta state, which can be referred to as the land flowing with milk and honey because it produces the greatest quantity of the country's wealth. The town is situated in the delta region and most parts covered with waterld take
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| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to the kings palace where most of the towns artefacts are kept. I 'll also take them to the coastal areas to see how fishing the main occupation is done in a very easy way. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | christainty&islam |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The most important holidays are xmas, new year,easter and all moslem holidays. As for festivals my country has a lot of ethnic groups and so numerous festivals are held yearly.
In warri where i live we have the Agbasa festival where people use matchets to cut themselves without inflicting wounds on their bodies.During this period people come out to dance with them. It is important to state that before engaging in the act of cutting,such person(male only) must not engage in sextual intercourse with any female. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | People go for siwmming,and night clubing. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | It was fun all through.The games children enngaged in were hide and seek,and skipping. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Pounded yam and melon soup.It's made from yam and the soup is prepared with a lot of vegetables with fish or meat. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football and athletics. This is because it is played from infant stage and the excel in them. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | They see my country as bad because of the picture painted of it.Most of these reports are wrong. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | We are good in sports. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | nothing |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | no |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | no |
| Name: | Arevik |
| E-mail address: | arevik2@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | Kiev/Ukraine |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Ukrainian, Russian. I also know some English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Churches and Cathedrals. Thy are made in the Barocco style and are very beautiful. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Kiev is big, beautiful and it's becoming more modren very quickly |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Actually, I'm Armenian and Ukrainian isn't my culture, but I would take him/her sightseeing |
| What religions are practiced there? : | mostly Christianity, but they vary |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | They are religious and those that were applied from the Soviet time. For example, on the 8th of March it's gonna be Women's day and every man around gives flowers and presents to women he knows, loves or respects. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Meet each other, chat and drink some bear or vodka. Just like any place. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | It was great, but thanks to my paernts. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | My favourite is Armenian dolma. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football (I mean what Americans call Soccer) |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Thanks to our boxers Klichkos. Wrong |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | as for my country, Armenia, it is tha most ancient country among post-Soviet countries, and it was the very first country in the world that accepted Christianity |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | We are highlanders |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Yes, I want to have friends all around the world |
| Name: | Katie Van Delden |
| E-mail address: | katie_van_delden@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | San Antonio, Texas,USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English, spanish, I speak english-there are communities of all races and languages here. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Washington DC, The Alamo, NYC, Disneyworld...etc |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | San Antonio is highly diverse. The city is relatively family and culturally motivated. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Down town to the Market, or to the Alamo, or to the riverwalk. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All-mostly catholicism-but all faiths are represented |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Fiesta, rodeo,-almost all international and cultural holidays are represented here. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Anything they want |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Mexican food is more popular here-TEX-MEX-is a mixture of Texan And mexican foods. However, just like in every large city in America-you can get any kind of food made. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football, baseball,soccer...they are popular because Americans in general enjoy competion |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Most think we are warmongers-in reality we are the epitomy of peace makers. Righr or wrong-I won't say that-everybody has a point of view. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The flag, our military, our freedoms |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | Freedom of everything-including stupidity |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I am American-do not judge me on the pretense of what you have been told by papers, etc. I am a normal woman . I have two kids, a husband, and a normal life. |
| Name: | Starlyn |
| E-mail address: | protokol_4@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | In my state people often like to visit the Grand Canyon, which is one of the wonders of the world. We also have some interesting towns. Sedona is known as being a metaphysical town, and has strong energy pulls. The mountains and rock formation around Sedona are breath-taking. Tombstone is a historical site, known for being one of the wildest towns in the west. Tombstone's main attraction is...a graveyard. Yes, a graveyard! Boot Hill, the infamous graveyard has humorous gravemarkers. If I remember correctly one says "Here lies Less More, 4 slugs from a 44, no less no more".
Arizona is also home to the infamous London Bridge, which was transported here and then rebuilt. Northern Arizona is always very beautiful, but especially so in the autumn when the aspen trees turn goldish in color. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Phoenix ranks as one of the largest U.S. cities, with a metro larger than 100 miles across. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | To eat there are several good restaurants to go to. A popular type of restaurant are Mongolian BBQ's, which are vegetarian friendly. There are several places to go to get this kind of meal, my favorite is Y.C.'s Mongolian BBQ in Tempe {part of metro Phoenix}. Mongolian BBQ style stir fry lets you custom pick your ingredients yourself, as well as mix your own sauce from a selection of bases. Indian, Thai, and Japanese restauraunts are also around to choose from. The "Pita Jungle" is a wonderful cafe style restaurant that features local artists paintings/sculptures and a refreshing selection of delicious entrees.
For a night out dancing, I would take my friend to a gothic/industrial night club...as thats what I am personally into. We have a good variety of "goth nights", which are listed on this site: http://www.tres-gothique.com/AZGoth/ There are also night clubs for R&B, Techno/Dance, etc. For fun there is Phoenix Art Museum as well as smaller galleries scattered around, many large malls and theatres, and some interesting coffee shops. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | everything under the sun |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Due to the fact that my country is made up of immigrants from all over, there are many traditions and holidays. The ones that my family practices are: Samhaim {Halloween} which is on October 31/November 1, ThanksGiving -the 3rd Thursday in November, Winter Solstice -December 21 or 22{-it depends}, Christmas -December 25, New Year's Eve and Day -December 31/January 1, Valentines Day February 14. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Watch movies, go dancing, go to see live bands or drink in pubs. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | American cuisine includes a lot of meat, particularly beef, fish, and chicken. However Pork, Turkey, and Lam are also consumed.
My favorite type of cooking is vegetarian. I often look to other cultural cuisines for this. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football, Baseball, and Hockey. They are popular because people like competion and violence. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I cannot speak for other people. I know that not everyone likes my country.
I like living here because I am given equality under the law, despite gender, race, or creed. I can vote, work, go to school, anything I want to do. My family does not have money, but I can still get a college education. That is a wonderful thing. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Our diversity. I think experience with different kinds of people is very wonderful. I also think our freedom has lead us to be a good place to live. People are aloud to create in science, art, music, and literatre. This lead to many great inventions and discoveries, as well as advancements in our culture-such as the beat movement, rock and roll, etc. |
| Name: | Doodie |
| Name: | Sajithkumar |
| E-mail address: | heymurali@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | kerala, India |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Malayalam, English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Fort of Tipu Sultan, Malamphuzha Gardens and the nearby Ooty Hill Station are famous attractions. The backwaters of Alaphuzha, Thekadi Elephant Reserve, Kovalam beach are some other few tourist attractions |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It is a small town near 100 km away from Ooty, having lush green paddy fields, mountain ranges, many small and large religious places |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Hinduism, Islam, Christainity |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | We have functions throughout the year. Mainly Onam, Bakar Id, Ramazan, Diwali, Christmas, Vishu etc. Since there are people from all religions different festivals are organised throughout the year.. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Enjoy family get togethers, religious festivals, travel to nearby picnic spots, visit religious places and so on... |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Like a normal childhood.. enjoyable ...playing, swimming in ponds, enjoying the nature...climbing mountains...mango trees... |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Vegetarian and Non- vegetarian cuisine is liked by the people of my town...but less inclination to sea foods as it is a little far away from the sea...
A wholesome traditional rice meal with a variety of side dishes and kheer ( a dessert)is what I like.. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football and cricket...It is played by most people....other games like basket and volleyball are also picking up... |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Beautiful and Dirty, Rich and Poor, Advanced and Backward and I think it true..India is a multi-lingual,multi-religious country of all categories of people, food, caste, religion, region, climate.....and lots more... |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Unity in Diversity... |
| Name: | Clare |
| E-mail address: | ncbray@fencepost.com |
| town/country: | New Zealand |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English. we do have a very muti cultural society, but english still dominates |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Our biggest torist attractions would be our new sky tower in Auckaland which is our biggest city,and probably our main draw card is that tourists like to see the country side of new Zealand so alot of our attractions are to do with seeing a cow being miked or a sheep being shorn, Hunting and fishing are also big attractions in New Zealand, especially as our scenery is so beautiful as well it dosnt matter if you dont get a fish.. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in a country area, in fact you would call it a village it has one small shop and a school, and a hotel, but it is only 20 mins drive to our nearest city with lots of shops and any thing you may need. New Zealand being a small country no matter where you live it is not far from amenities, or for a drive to the sea. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Well i live on a dairy farm so first i would show them around the farm and let them see the cows being milked, and how our farm works as i think when people come to a country they do not want to just see the touristy things they want to see how the "real people " live, or at least that is what i want to see when i go over seas. I would also show them our beautiful beach that is only 10 minutes drive from here, and i would also show them the schools and also the town, and the shops. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Many different religions whatever you would like to practise N.Z would accomadate. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Our biggest celebrations would be Xmas and New years.
we also celebrat "Waitangi Day" on the 6th february as this was when a treaty was signed many years ago between the early british arrivals and the early polynesian that lived here. there is some controvercy about this day , but it is seen as a national hoiliday. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | People do all sorts, some people are sporty types and will head to the beaches for surfing in the summer while others prefer to lie on the beach, poeople are much into clubbing and seeing live bands, shows etc, in fact N.Z will cater for most types of entertainment it you want it you can find it, but generally speaking if you want a large range of entertainment you will have to live in the big cities. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | i had a great childhood growing up on a farm , we played baseball, and net ball, and most kiddies games, spent time at the beach, pretty normal stuff. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We are quite big on bar-b-ques in the summer and traditional roasts in the winter, many people are much more experimental in there cooking of course but these dishes do signify nz i think and of course the good old pavlova topped with lots of cream, not good for the calories mind ha ha. i myself enjoy a good roast on a cold winters day. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Rugby is a big sport here followed by cricket and net ball. but there are a wide range played here and it is encourged that children get involved in sport at an early age.its popular because it is social and great for your fitness, probably social is the main reason though. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think people percieve n.z as an extension of Australia, which we are not, i also think they think of a lovely clean green image with great scenery etc and that perception is probably pretty correct, it is great country with great people. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | I think i love our country because of the freedom we have here, the space, the clean enviroment, the ability to be able to travel around the country and still never be too far from home. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | think thats all i can say at the moment hope you have enogh information |
| Name: | alida |
| E-mail address: | fonnesu@tiscalinet.it |
| town/country: | villacidro italy |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | sardinian italian ispeak english and french and italian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | the nuraghi
the biggest attraction is provided by the sea , the coasts and the landscape |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | it is a large town surrounded by a nice scenery of mountains and woods. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | barumini
cagliari sardinian restaurants orgosolo alghero fonni piscinas is arena selargius oristano |
| What religions are practiced there? : | catholic |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | christmas
easter carnival san sisinnio sagra paesane you can see the traditional dresses of sardinia |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | nothing special.they watch other people dresses in their costumes |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | salto con la fune.
saltarello il gioco della farfalla la corsa madamadorre |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | roast piglet
lamb in various ways pork sheep i love sheep and shrimps sea food |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | canoe
sail surfing the sea is very beautiful and unpolluted |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | they think it is a country not civilised.they are wrong.many important people were born in sardinia |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | its beauty and genuinity |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | we are sincere and like to entertain people |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | come to sardinia and see for yourself |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | thank you very much for giving me shelter |
| Name: | Silvia Van Laethem |
| E-mail address: | toetsenbordje@mailfriends.com |
| town/country: | Ninove, Belgium |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Dutch, French, German, i speak German |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The atomium (nine balls) is in our capital, but also "manneke pis" is something where many people go to see it. We also have beautifull churhes, beatifull old towns like Brussels, Bruge and Ghent. Ghent is one of my favourite cities.And some more stuff i can't remember write now |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Are specialities are french fries, chocolates,beer,...
We have Flanders where we speak Dutch (sounds a bit like German), we have Wallonia where we speak French, and a little part that speaks German In Brussels they speak French or Dutch or both |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would do a roundtrip and let him see all the beautifull places of Belgium.
Especially Ghent and the Ardennes (where my bf his parents have a caravan) |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Christian, protestant, islam,... |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | christmass holiday, summer vacation, pague vacation, spring vacation, (for those who are going to school)
we have 25th december christmass, 1th januaru= new year, 11 november= weapenhold, 1 november=day of the death people,... |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | we can do many things, like internet, bowling, gym, pool, bicycle, go for a walk, go to the sea, go to the Ardennes,.... |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | French frites with carbonate, chocolates, soup, .... |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | football, bicycling, pool, swimming, running,.... |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | we never have big earthquacks, or we don't have vulkano's
it is nice living here there is a good social system (for belgians) |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Belgium is a wet country it rains here almost all the time
it is not so cold over here (in winter -10°C on a cold day, but normally +- 0°C, in summer +-25°C) |
| Name: | Débora Rosalem Cardoso |
| E-mail address: | derosalem@yahoo.com.br |
| town/country: | Santo André/ Brazil |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | portuguese & some natives dialogues. I speak portuguese and english |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | I live in the state of São Paulo. Here is the financial center of the country, but there isn't as many monuments as Rio de Janeiro. In Rio there are the Corcovado Hill, the Sugar Loaf, wonderful beaches, Copacabana beach is the most famous one. There's also the state of Ceará, and there the beaches are better than Rio, but that's my opinion. In Bahia there's the Pelourinho. There's also the Rain Forest in Amazonas, Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul... |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in a town that is near the center of São Paulo. There is at about a million and a half inhabitants living here. There's not much to see here, but I can't complain about the city. The nightlife is not bad though. If we wanna have fun we can go to São Paulo, that's not that far. Santo André is famous for its industries. There's a lot of industries here. It's a city near everywhere. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would definitely take them to the center São Paulo because there's a lot to visit there. There's plenty of museums that shows my country's history, as well as some monuments. Depending on the circumstances, I could take them to Rio de Janeiro, it's not that far from here, and show them the beaches, monuments... |
| What religions are practiced there? : | catolicism, spiritualism, budism, gospel... I think every universal kind |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The most important holidays are X-mas, New Year's Eve, Carnival, Easter. I'm forgetting some. The most famous festival celebrated here is Carnival. In Rio there are the best Carnivals, but it's celebrated throughout the country. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They go shopping, go to dance clubs, go out with friends, go to the beach or the country side on weekends... |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I can't complain about my childhood! It was fantastic! There were a lot of children's special games, like hide-and-seek, and some games like it. We used to go out in front of our house and play with all the children that lived near there. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | The most famous one is bean stew. It consists of bean and some pig meat. It's good for those whom have "strong stomach"! We like the traditional rice & bean dish with some meat, fries or anyhting else. My favorite dish is any kind of fish. I love fish! Italian pasta is one of my favorites too. And, of course, Mc Donalds! |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular sport is soccer. Nowadays the soccer is pretty bad, but we were the best soccer team for some time ago. I think it's popular because almost everyone knows how to play it, it's not that difficult. Volleyball and basketball are popular here too. I like to play them. I think that what's missing here to improve the sports is government's help. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some foreigners I met thought that we used to live in a jungle. They also thought that we could walk naked on the streets, and that there were snakes, monkeys and wild animals walking beside us in the streets. It's an absurd idea! We live just like everywhere else in the world. There isn't wild animals in the streets, we don't walk naked... we don't live in a jugle! |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The beautiful sights and the beaches. And the fact that we're known for our hostility and warm-heart! |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That we are gently and friendly and kindly... I guess that's it! |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | I;m intersted in knowing people from all over the world! Write me! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I think it's perfect, but I think you should ask more about our lives and what we like than our country! But it;'s perfect this way! |
| Name: | Eva |
| E-mail address: | lilian-the-great@gmx.net |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.theddy.de.vu |
| town/country: | Vienna / Austria |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | German - I speak German and English fluently and some Italian |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | St. Stefan's Cathedral
Karlskirche Castle Schönbrunn Castle Belvedere Hofburg Black Knieves in Innsbruck many many others like birthplace of Wolfgang A. Mozart |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I am living in the capital of Austria, let's say the heart of Europe - Vienna. It's now for centuries the capital and the place where the government is situated. We are a democracy. Through Vienna the river Danube goes. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to the State Opera, St. Stefan's Cathedral, through some night bars e.g. Eden bar. I would take them to the 2 big classical museums, the Rathaus (majorhall) and all the others monuments. I would take them to traditional pubs and visit the "Kaffee Sacher" and Castle Schönbrunn. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Roman Catholic mainly |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Carneval - depends on the year ... kids are running around in costumes
Ball season - yeah many around 100 balls around Vienna. You can dance from one night to the other without stopping - it's more or less expensive, depends where it is situated Easter - great ceremoniations but depends on the church In Summer (July and August) we have a wonderful classical music festival. It's open air and you can watch Operas e.g. with Agnes Baltsa, Classical Concerts e.g. 3 Tenors or Plays/ Musicals there for free - the people love it There are many catholic ritulas in Austria but it depends on the place where you stay. Many towns are more religious others less so it's pretty different. The socialist party has a cerlebration every 1st of May but that's in all socialists countries I think. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | sports (cycling, hiking), culutral things like going to plays/opera/operetts/concerts, go to museums, go to movies in cinemas, get out of the city to old ruins or stuff like that, socialice with people, go to pubs/bars, go to discos or standard dancing ... there are so many things to do for fun |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I don't think there are special things here ... we sing Austrian children songs but they get more and more americaniced.
Children go to kindergarten normally till they are 6., afterwards they go to Elementary school "Volksschule" for 4 years. Then they decide between "Hauptschule" (4 years) or "Gymnasium" (8 years). You can also break up with "Gymnasium" and learn a job. You can only study with a final exam of "Gymnasium" or a 5 year long techical school |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Wiener Schnitzel
Rindsrouladen - my favourite ...with vegetables Gulasch (because of the K&K monarchy time!) Tafelspitz Apfelstrudel - sweet with apples Topfenstrudel - sweet cheese cake like Kaiserschmarn - sweet but main meal Bauernschmarn - like Kaiserschmarn but not sweet |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | skiing, iceskating, running, cycling, swimming, hiking. climging mountains, sailing
Why they are so popular ? because there is the possibility to do them! Also because our skiing trip is to great, maybe. And we have wonderful mountains, woods and places to do sports |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | We are proud of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Grillparzer, Arthur Schnitzler, Nestroy, Raimund ... we are proud of the car "Puch" and our skiing team. We are proud of being what we are and doing what we want! |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That we are different. Austrians are normally not like the media presents us. We are not right winged. It's a way media prestns us which is pretty wrong, they don't know anything about us!
We are friendly and peaceful living people, we like having fun with others and we love our nature. |
| Name: | Marjolein Vink |
| E-mail address: | ma_vink@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Lisse, the Netherlands |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Dutch, Englisch |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | the Keukenhof, Amsterdam, the Hague, Rotterdam |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | the Keukenhof is in our village. In the spring there come lot's of people to watch to the flower. It's a small village, with 23.00 people. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I don't know. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas is very important, in our country it takes 2 days. People go to church and visit family and friends.
We have a queen and 1 day a year she is celebrating her birthday. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They go to the beach, surfing, swimming and sailing. There are some big lakes in our country. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | Not really special games. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | I don't like tradiotional dishes, but we have lot's of different cuisines. That's because there are lot's of different people in our country, the people come from: turkey, maroc, etc. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Soccer, tennis and sailing. Soccer is the most popular sport. Just like baseball. Everyone can play it. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | You can buy drugs very easy. You can buy beer if you are 16 and when you are 18 wiskey etc.
The schools are very good. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | We have not so many citizen, but we are very wealthy. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | The Netherlands are small, but the people are good, we have a queen, and her son is getting married. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | It were lot's of questions. |
| Name: | GEORGINA OLVERA |
| E-mail address: | SWEETYTWEE14@AOL.COM |
| town/country: | WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | ENGLISH |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | MY COUNTRY'S BIGGEST ATTRACTION WOULD HAVE TO BE DISNEYLAND, AND THE YOSEMITI NATIONAL PARK, OR GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO AND WALKING OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | SMALL, FUN, SHOPPING |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | TAKE THEM TO ONE OF THE MANY MEXICAN RESTURANTS THAT WE HAVE HERE TAKE THEM TO PARAMOUNT'S GREAT AMERICA AMUSMENT PARK (FUN, FUN,FUN) |
| What religions are practiced there? : | MANY |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | INDEPENDECE DAY (4TH OF JULY), CINCO DE MAYO (MAY 5TH),
WE USUALLY HAVE PARADES OF THE MAIN STREET, WHERE MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE COME TO CELEBRATE, DIFFERENT CULTURES, FOODS, MUSIC AND FUN. WE JUST MAINLY DO FIREWORKS. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | GO OUT WITH FRIENDS, MOVIES, SHOPPING, SPORTING EVENTS
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| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | MY CHILDHOOD WAS FUN, I DID MANY DIFFERENT THINGS, I PLAYED SOFTBALL MOST OF MY LIFE, SO I ALWAYS HAD MY TIME OCCUPIED
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| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | TYPICAL CUISINE MAY INCLUDE, ANYTHING FROM BEANS, RICE, TORITILLAS, CHIPS, SALSA, MEAT, CORN, ETC.
MY FAVORITE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAMALES |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL, SOCCER, WATERPOLO, TRACK AND FEILD. BECAUSE IT'S KIND OF A SMALL TOWN SO EVERYONE GETS INTO THE SPORTING EVENTS |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I THINK THEY PERCEIVE IT WELL. NO ONE HERE IS REALLY AGAINST ANYTHING, I THINK IT'S BECAUSE SO MANY DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES LIVE HERE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | THE WAY THE WE ALL CAME TOGETHER DURING THE SEPT. 11 TRAGEDY AND HELP EACHOTHER GET THROUGH IT. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | THAT WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE AND TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT WE DO. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | JUST THAT I AM A REALLY FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL, AND AM EAGER TO LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | IT WAS VERY FORMATIVE AND ITERESTING.
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| Name: | Roberta Tomara Wynyard |
| E-mail address: | taumarere@hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.xtra.co.nz |
| town/country: | New Zealand |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | New Zealand has a wide diversity of cultures but the two main languages spoken are English and Maori. I speak both fluent Maori and English. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Monumental buildings... well that'll have to be The Sky Tower in Auckland. It is said to be the highest man made building in this hemisphere. Also their is our parlimental building in our capital city of Wellington that is fondly called the Beehive because of its shape. There are local Marae, or meeting houses, throughout the vast country sides of New Zealand which we (the Maori people) consider monumental as well. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | About three hours from the very tip of New Zealand is a little town called Moerewa which is where my family and myself come from. In Maori the region that we live in is called Peowhairangi or The Bay of Islands. Moerewa has about twenty shops divided down both sides of the main road, but only ten of those shops are opened. Our population here in Moerewa is 80% Maori 10% Caucasins and the rest is divided between people from Asia, India or the Islands. Our nightlife is quite limited here in Moerewa so you'll find us in either Kawakawa, which is five mins away, or Paihia, which is about fifteen mins, having a good time.
There is alot of valleys and land in Moerewa that are not occupied by people so our forests and wildlife here are plentiful, also we have rivers and waterfalls all over the place that we use constantly on hot days. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | Well here in the Bay of Islands is a place called Waitangi. Waitangi is the most historical place in the whole of New Zealand. It is the place where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the English and the Maori. The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of constitution law here in New Zealand. And the actual place where it happened is only ten minutes drive from Moerewa, a very historical place which explain Maoridoms culture and beliefs towards the land, the sea and our forests. Another place would have to be The Hokianga. In Maoridom Hokianga is the first place where our ancestors landed here in New Zealand. It is a very respected place to my people. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Alot of English religions: Anglican, Christian, Mormon, Catholic, Bahai, Jehovah. Maori religions Ratana, Katorika, Karaitiana, Pai Marire, Ringa Tu. Not forgetting the religions of all the other cultures here in New Zealand eg Muslim, Islamic, Buddhism.. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | New Zealand in a whole has alot of cultures, so in respect to those cultures there are tonnes of things happening when celebrating those different beliefs. But I'd have to say that Waitangi Day, the day of the Treaty signing, is a very important day in New Zealand as a country. That day is spent on the treaty grounds watching Maori culture performances, re-inactments of the signing, debates and reflections of the past years as a nation. There are night concerts as well, for the youth to have a good time. There are stalls and craft shops everywhere for indeginous item to be purchased. It's a national day off for everybody to enjoy. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We have the best of both worlds here in New Zealand. The north island is the place to sunbathe, swim in our clear blue oceans, tramp through our lush bushes and forests, pitch a tent and camp, visit the local marae and watch rituals and traditions with the elders of the marae and sometimes treat yourselves to the sweet taste of our ground steamed food. And the south is the more tourism orientated island of the two. With gondolas and ski mountains, bunjy jumping and sky diving, river rafting and speedboat journeys along the rivers. There's a taste for everyone. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I've lived my whole life with my grandparents (on my mothers side). I've lived with the traditions and beliefs of the Maori culture in my life, as well as the rest of my family. I have a large and loving family. My mother is one of seven sisters and four brothers, I have forty three other first cousins and fifteen nieces and nephews. We enjoyed sports in our family, so christmases were spend at times down the local high school field playing football, or scrag with the whole family. Sometimes at the beach playing volley ball or cricket, or just surf casting for some fish.
One of favourite things to do was to sing Maori songs for our grandmother, where she'll sit in her chair and just smile for the whole evening. I loved those times. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | A hangi is a trick of the trade for the Maori people. A hole in the earth is dug where special stones and wood are heated to prepare the hole for the food. The food (all cleaned and prepared) is then put into baskets and lowered into the hole, where it's covered with the earth and wet with water, to create steam which cooks the food to perfection. Other foods that are loved by Maori is fried bread, takakau (oven baked bread), whekau (i'd rather not say what that is), boil ups and kai moana (seafood). All favourites to me!!! |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Rugby has to the most popular sport here. The All Blacks our national rugby team, has won the cup world and many other great matches. The All Blacks biggest rival would have to be the Australians. But we have Jonah Lomu who is a big name both nationally and internationally. Netball is the other popular sport here. Also there is volley-ball, league, tennis, touch, surfing you name it.. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I believe that we are called the Clean Green country. We do have alot of beautiful landscapes, seas, wildlife, marine life, people and whatever else. And there is alot of places here in New Zealand that are very remote and un-touched by the city lights. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Everything!!!! I love my people, my culture and beliefs. Also what I love most about New Zealand is the different cultures that are also here living amongst us. I think it's great how we are all diverse but nationally we're one people, New Zealanders. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That we're not as savage as we seem. The Maori race has alot of times been labelled this, but I believe that is through pure ignorance and non-understanding that it has happened this way. We are a very caring race, we believe that our job as a whole is to help be guardians to our land, seas and forests. It is essential, as a people, that we always remember where we come from and we will end. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Not really, just that even though I've said alot about my country they is SO much more I don't know... and that there is alot more to say about New Zealand. |
| Name: | BETTY ETHEL NALUYIMA |
| E-mail address: | bettyethel23@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | KAMPALA, UGANDA |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Luganda ,Lunyankole,Lusoga,Lugisu,Ateso,Luo,e.t.c I speak luganda |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | There is lake Victoria which is the second biggest lake in the world, river Nile -the second longest river in the world ,Mt. Rwenzori,known as the 'mountains of the moon'. Others are Kasubi tombs, where kings of Buganda are buried,National Parks ,forest reserves like Mabira , The Uganda Museam among others. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | KAMPALA is my town.It is the capital city of Uganda. In this city ,different tribes are found,but the dominant one is that of the Baganda since its located in Buganda region.
The official language is English.This city is boardered by distrits like Wakiso,Mpigi and lakeVictoria. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | In the first place ,it would be among my familly members.Thento different hotels like Sheraton ,Kasubi Cultural Tombs e.t.c |
| What religions are practiced there? : | PROTESTANTS, CATHOLICS, MUSLIMS,SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS, BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS,e.t.c |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Christmas season is the where almost every Ugandan is taken up.Kampala streets are normally crowded by street vendors ,merchandise and shops are filled up to capacity.Ugandans during this season are very busy till the beginning of the year. Entertainment is also increased in theatres,bars,hotel grounds e.t.c. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | They spectate and enjoy them selves by drinking, dancinge.t.c |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I was very playful , lovely and caring . Iused to like leadership very much. Special games for children include DODGEBALL,HIDE&SEEK, ROUND BALL,SEE-SAWSand many others. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Matooke served with any other source.Matooke is prepared from banana leaves (amotooke amanyige, nga ga sibiddwa).It's fantastic when it's served with G.nuts which are also prepared using banana leaves(ebinyebwa eby'oluwombo). My favourite is the one i've described above. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Sports practiced are football,netball,basketball,volleyball,tennis,among others.The most popular one is football since its practiced almost on village level. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | WELL cultured country.They are right since when one reaches this country, one proves the different cultures around. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | Its one of the most CULTURED COUNTRY in the world.It has good physical features which bring us to proud of our climate as we don't have winters,autumn .Atleast in our country , one can find green grass unlike in other contries. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | People should know that the Baganda dress in gomesis well wrapped using a piece of cloth known as a kitaambala and inside one wears a KIKOOYI that's for females. Whereas men dress in Kanzus. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | Encourage others to come to Uganda to see alot. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I thank you for giving us an opportunity to talk about our cultures. It will help us learn more about others. Please include the column for knowing the head of a particular culture,Like ours is KABAKA RONALD MUWENDA MUTEBI. |
| Name: | Klara Brletic |
| E-mail address: | Klasy2000@yahoo.com |
| town/country: | New York State |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | Many different languages but the Main one is English. I speak English and Spanish fluently and I speak some Croatian and Italian. |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The biggest attractions of my state are The Empire State Buliding, The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, The South Street Seaport, 5th Avenue and its shops, and Ground Zero even though I don't believe it should be a tourist attraction. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | I live in Queens, NY. This is one of NYC's boroughs. Queens is one of the most diverse boroughs. There is at least one family from every country in the world living in Queens. I love my town because in some ways I don't need to travel to see different cultures. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | If a friend came to live with me, I would show them the Empire state buliding, The statue of Liberty, and Madison square garden b/c they all represent NY in the best way. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Every type you could think of. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | The most fave holidays for NY are the same as for USA. We celebrate the 4th of July, our independence day. On this day we celebrate by doing lots of fireworks. For christmas we celebrate in NY by going to the lighting of Rockafellar Center. Lots of people go skating in Rockafellar center.
We also celebrate Labor day and Veterans Day. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | In NY everyone goes to Clubs and to Bars to Party. We also go to pool halls and to Bowling alleys for fun. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | As a child the games we played were hopscotch, jumping Rope and lots of Patty cake types of games. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Typical cuisines I guess are steaks and potatoes. In NY there are no typical ones because there are restauraunts of every country. My favorite dishes are Italian ones. Lasagna is my alltime favorite dish. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | The most popular sports are Football, Basketball, Baseball,and Wrestling. I guess they are so popular because they are so competative. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | Some think our country is very rich but the truth is their are many poor families here. In NY, there are so many shelters for the homeless people. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | The way we fight for our rights makes me proud of my country. The diversity is what I love the most and is so proud of. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | My culture is about Freedom of Religion and Freedom of everything. |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | NY state is only a piece of the USA. We go through hard times now but we are united and thats why this country is called the United states of America. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | You should ask what religion are we and how do we feel about our religion. |
| Name: | Vanessa |
| E-mail address: | Nanzhai@hotmail.com |
| town/country: | Spain |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English/Spanish/Catalan |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | In my country the most famous buildings are in Barcelona, but in Tarragona you can visit more roman buildings. It's very interesting. But, all tourist prefer go to visit Universal Studios Port Aventura, a temathic park near to my house. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | It's a tourist town, with a very beautiful beaches and important storic monuments. People are very happy and funny and we like to spend all night seeing the moon, the stars and the sea. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | We will go to visit roman buildings and modernist buildings. And we will go all performans and festivals over my country. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | Cristianism |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | There are an interesting festivals with a tipical dance of the country, typical food and performance with the human castels, giants and always with the girls with the tipical catalan dress. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | We go to the discos and pubs and all performance and shows of my town. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | Paella, Fideuá, Mediterran food. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Football, Basketball, Handball and Hokey. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think it's right |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | The old history of my country. |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I want to know people over the world, for to know different culture and countries.
I like to travel, read, listen music, go with my friends... |
| Name: | Lindy |
| E-mail address: | lanelindysteve@ozemail.com.au |
| town/country: | Melbourne, Australia |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | Rialto building, Melbourne. The Arts Centre spire, The MCG. |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Melbourne has been voted the world most livable city. We are a very multicultural city with restaurants of many cultures, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, just to name a few. I live in Frankston, a beach suburb of Melbourne. Located on Port Phillip Bay we are the Gateway to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula is well known for its beautiful beaches and wineries. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | If a friend came to stay I would take them into the city of Melbourne, take them to the observation deck on the top of the Rialto Building, which is our tallest building in the southern hemisphere. I would take them to our beautiful botanic gardens in the city. Also, I would take them down the Mornington Peninsula near where I live and take them to the top of Arthurs Seat which is a mountain overlooking all of Port Phillip Bay. |
| What religions are practiced there? : | All religions |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | We celebrate Australia Day on January 26, most people have a "long weekend" and spend time with the family. Its usually very hot so we go to the beach or have a barbecue. Our most celebrated sporting event in Melbourne is the AFL grand final, our football game celebrated on the last Saturday in September. |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | Melbournians love to go the beach, relax by the beach, have barbecues in the park, the younger set love to check out the nightclubs in the city. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | I played with dolls just like other little girls. No special games were played really. Just like little girls in any other country. |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | We have so many different foods here in Melbourne but our traditional dish would have to be the meat pie and tomato sauce. |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | AFL (Australian Football League) football and cricket would have to be the most popular. Its a fun game, and people just love to relax and watch the game. Cricket is the summer sport and Football is our winter sport. |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | I think other people think we are maybe "backward" and that kangaroos wander around and its all red dust and outback. Its not like that at all. Its probably perceived from "Crocodile Dundee" and tv. |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | We are such a friendly, easy going nation. I am so proud of being an Australian, I wouldn't change that for anything. |
| If there's one thing you would like people to know about your culture-- what is it?: | That we are so relaxed and easy going with a great sense of humour. |
| Name: | Dina DiLorenzo |
| E-mail address: | lettytoretto1057@yahoo.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://geocities.com/lettytoretto1057/index.html |
| town/country: | NewYork |
| What languages are spoken there? Which do you speak?: | English |
| What monuments or buildings are your country's biggest tourist attraction?: | The Statue Of Liberty |
| Give us a few words about the town you live in: | Its very crowded, theres tons of stores, tons of people. Its very big, and has lots of buildings. |
| If a friend were to come and stay with you, where would you take them so that they could really understand your culture?: | I would take them to all the good/cool clothe stores in the City! And I would take them to the Soho Grand hotel where many stars hang out, and eat there! I would also take them to see one of the churches (icant believe I forget what its called) |
| What religions are practiced there? : | catholic,christian, methodist, etc. |
| What are the most important or interesting holidays or festivals in your country? How do people spend those times? Are there any funny or interesting traditions or rituals that people do during those times? : | Its just like almost every other country. We celebrate Christmas, easter and Thanksgiving! ON Christmas and Thanksgiving we spend them with family. And we get *presents*! |
| What do people typically do for fun there?: | People go shopping, and hang out with friends. Go to basketball games and football games. |
| What was your childhood like there? Were there special games children play where you're from?: | There is lots of people and kids, so there is alays someone to play with! We played all kinds of games! |
| What is the typical cuisine of your region? What's your favourite traditional dish?: | My favorite food is Pizza. Thats what alot of people eat here! I also like Chinease ood. Thats also what people get here alot! |
| What are the most popular sports there? Why do you think they're so popular?: | Basketball, football, and dance! I think basketball and football are very popular bacause there cool sports!! I dont know why dance is popular, all you do is jump around and twirl! |
| How do you think other people perceive your country? How are they right/wrong?: | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| What is it about your country that makes you so proud?: | That everyone should be treated the same! And we have such good stores and clothes! |
| Is there anything else you would like to tell us?: | If anyone wants a snailmail penpal that is 13 years old and lives in New York, thats a girl. Email me! |
| Well, that's it! Do you have any comments about this form? Anything you think I should add?: | I think you should take away some of the questions, its to long, and more or less they mean the same thing! |