Do you consider yourself of being a rather unique person, who can not only travel to various countries, but also get adjusted to the newest cultures and get everything out of it? Well, then you have to get through our list of the places which are considered to be the ones to cause culture shock.
5. Moscow, Russia
This is the historic heart of the country, the city of architecture and art… this is just a fragment of what the guides usually provide about Russia’s capital. Over the past couple of decades the city was decorated with modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels belonging to the world’s leading hotel chains. In short, everything as in any other European capital. But one of the main exceptions is the fact that this city is not friendly to tourists. While in every single corner you can buy luxury items, the purchase of even simple things as batteries, for a foreigner can become a problem. Arrived in Moscow travelers will be seen as wealthy businessmen who has a passion to spend evenings in expensive restaurants. The other con is that at the outlet from any metro station you’ll be followed with dirty ragged beggars with outstretched hands. The corrupt police can stop you solely somewhere and tell you that he /she doesn’t like your appearance.
For tourists:
If in any western country in the bar a luxurious blond dressed in the latest fashion will accompany you this will be a reason to get happy. But in Moscow, this kind of girl is likely to be high-class prostitute or a girl seeking to get an escort to a wealthy businessman, so be careful.
4. Havana, Cuba
Classical colonial architecture, mojito cocktails and bars, where dancing samba lasts for days and nights – it’s not all of the info that a tourist should know about this country. Cuba remains a socialist state, and therefore you need to be prepared for some local characteristics. First thing you’ll get surprised is , of course, the number of the police which is almost everywhere. But it is precisely due to the fact that for Havana to remain a relatively safe place. Surprisingly, but in Cuba you can hardly not meet American tourists, which are not welcome on this land. Despite the fact that, formally, travel to that country was allowed back in the 1990’s, state governments usually do not approve this kind of travelling.
For tourists:
Beware of over-active local residents, offering help to show a cafe, a tour of the city – the prices of their services would be unreasonably high . It is better to go to the restaurants and tour agencies that you recommend the hotel to stay in.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
On the foot of the majestic Table Mountain is the capital of South Africa. It has the most fashionable restaurants, the most modern hotels on white sandy shores of Africa. Gradually, Cape Town turns into a kind of Miami on the African continent. But tourists should not forget that in such an attractive facade still lurks Africa – one of the most violent places on earth. Discovering Cape Town is better accompanied by a guide: alone traveler will arouse the suspicion of local residents and unhealthy interest in his person. When going for a walk around the city you better leave large sums of money, documents, tickets and jewelry in the hotel. This culture shock in here can be experienced from the constant feeling of some discomfort – a tourist can become a victim of violence absolutely at any time.
For tourist:
In the west, the one who can give the robbers a resistance is considered to be a hero. In Cape Town, this person is likely to be killed. Give the criminals what they wish, and thank god that you survived.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Huge humid capital of Thailand will surely turn not only into a transit point on your way to Phuket. If you are able to survive the very hot weather and a huge number of people, you must definitely stay in Bangkok at least for a couple of days and visit the Royal Palace located near the city of the floating market. Bright memorable cultural attractions will not be the one to react on the imagination of Western travelers, but no less shocking to a thriving industry in these places of love. While the sex in this country is allowed to engage 15 years old people, prostitutes must be at least 18, this is something impressive. Many Europeans are unaware of this and find themselves behind bars. Bangkok – it is a real minefield: on one hand, in the towns it is imaginary permissiveness, on the other – for many violations of laws, you might be judged for very severe penalties. In nightclubs, the police carries out regular raids and doing tests for doping control. Although buying drugs is not difficult if you find them, you need to immediately call the best lawyers and prepare for long years in a Bangkok cockroach-infested prison.
For tourist:
If some Thai guy comes to you offered to withdraw the club with cheap beer and ping-pong show in English, you better give up. For a drink, in fact, you almost never have to pay, but the questionable spectacle is not only shocking, but it will completely empty your wallet.
1. Marrakech, Morocco
The mysterious Marrakech full of secrets is divided into two separate parts- old and historic districts. The first culture shock you’ll feel immediately when going out on its streets – because you will find yourself in a décor of a fairy tale “The Thousand and One Nights”. Crossing the central square, you’ll see snake charmers, fortune tellers, predators and their tamers, acrobats and dancers, speakers at the dusty terracotta floor. You’ll get surrounded with various booths offering all kinds of herbs and spices, the smell of which will merge into the air filling it with rich spicy oriental fragrance. In the West we are accustomed to trust the price tags, in this city, they mean nothing. Haggle!
For tourist:
If you get lost in the West, the passers-by will simply indicate your way. If you get lost in Marrakesh, you will not just be told where to go, but they will also invite you to have dinner with them. Beware! Your volunteers might expect to get a lot of money for such a service.
nice to know about the best historic cities to visit,the cape town looks wow in the pic
wow the 1st picture was great and i no what to visit in my life i was adopted when i was 1 and i have always wanted to go back and she what it lookes like and it is amazing what is there
I would like to say thank you for the reviews, but some things stand out to me. How can you state that behind Table mountain lurks Africa… like behind the Grand Canyon lurks Mexico, or ATL? You have demonstrated abit of ignorance here! All I can say is, every town in this world at this point in time has some violence in it. “South Africa” the country where table mountain is… does have an escalating crime rate and they need to work on it but your comment sir/madam is out of line.