Argentina!!!
People and Family Values
One thing I picked up on while visiting Argentina for three days was that family values are very important. They’re ALL about family, family is pretty much the center of their lives. The head of a powerful family head here commands a lot of respect and responsibility to care for other when it comes to jobs, security, and personal/family honor. I met many different people who showed this. As far as the people, his country is full of very direct but tactful individuals; most also tend to be very warm people. Getting to know some of these people, especially one of the families I met, made me think of the story the Censors I read and the dirty war also. In the Censors it seemed to me that the people were kind of harsh and did things without much care and I can definitely see those traits in some people I met although they were over all good people. I could also kind of relate Juan to some of the people I met because they were really focused on their jobs where people within families want a lot of respect and responsibility when it comes to work.although they were over all good people. They are also close communicators physically, meaning they speak a lot using their hands and gestures. The official religion here for most is Roman Catholic, but there is still religious freedom.What amazed me about Argentina!!!!!
Do you believe in change? Well let me tell you that there is change, it is possible. And I am sure of this, because Argentina, for example, used to be a country in which darkness used to reign. Argentina went through a time called the “Dirty War” which refers to Argentines being persecuted by the government. During this time, many people were kidnapped, murdered, and other just simply disappeared this people were called "los desaparesidos" or "the disapeared" . The government was sinister and severe with the people to the point where everything was “censored”. Imagine the fact that everything you watch in the television or read in any paper has been censored by the government. It will be obnoxious. The best way to understand this is by reading the story “the censors” which will give you a clear understanding of what happened. But what if a country changes, and becomes prosperous? Well this is the case with Argentina.
After all that happened, Argentina is now a country where people live sprightly, and in harmony. This is what I witnessed when I traveled there, all the lovely people that live each day as if the dark past did not even existed. And you must be wondering but what did you do or saw that impressed you and left you wanting to go back? Well let me tell you that the best way to get to know a country and its culture is through sports. The sports include soccer, rugby, polo, tennis and others. Sports for many in Argentina, are a way to express the freedom that they have, and the liberty that was once denied in the past. And i feel lucky, that i had the opportunity to spend time with such incredible people in a exuberant place like Argentina.
Sources:
http://m24digital.com/en/2012/06/30/the-italian-argentine-tennis-player-that-shocked-england/
In Argentina I visited some of the oldest buildings with the best historical value. I only found 3 Main places that I enjoyed but one of them seemed kind of creepy to me, but interesting. These build historic building have been standing since the 18th century and still are being used by the public and government. In Argentina I found out that religion is a big thing there, there are a lot of churches there especially very old ones. You will see to very different churches I visited during my trip, and I believe most churches there are catholic. A couple of churches reminded me of chapels in universities but they had little differential things. I also got to see the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I sort of reminded me of the white house in the US but with a lot more culture to it.
Casa Rosada – The casa Rosada is the presidential palace of Argentina, it’s been standing since the year of 1857, in Buenos Aires 
Basilica De Neustra Senora De Pilar – This building is an 18th Century church 
Catedral Metropolitana – It’s an 18th century building and center of Catholicism of Argentina.
Food in Argentina
One of the best things about my stay in Argentina was the great food, and lots of it! The average Argentine eats 4 meals a day, so we spent a lot of time while we were out eating. For desayuno (breakfast) I ate a light meal of rolls and jam with milk. It wasn’t much, but the rolls were super sweet and tasty. 
Out on the street, we realized that you can buy pizza almost ANYWHERE, and in some places you could even show with your hands how big a slice you wanted and pay by the gram! On our first day I got a slice as big as I could afford (to make up for the small breakfast). The bread was thick and soft, with plenty of gooey cheese and delicious toppings. Another thing we had plenty of was pasta-or, rather, pasta sauce, which usually outweighed the actual pasta! I always ate mine with red meat sauce, so it tasted more like spaghetti.
We also had some more traditional foods, like empanadas, which are small pies filled with all types of filling like ham, cheese and meat. Since Argentinean empanadas are really small, we could eat 7 or 8 at once as a normal meal or snack.
For lunch we had milanesas, a thin breaded meat normally served like a sandwich in fast-food joints.
Above all else, I HAVE to talk about beef. It was served at every cena (dinner) and is served in many different ways. We tried Bife a caballo (beef on horseback), or steak topped with an egg, and Parrillada, which is blood sausage, ribs and other meat grilled together. We even gathered in a restaurant at the end of our last day to eat a common food called asado con cuero, or whole beef roasted, complete with hide and hair (We got to see how they cook it. Not so cool). It tastes a lot better than it sounds.
All in all, I really enjoyed all the food in Argentina. I hope the next place we visit will have another diverse (and delicious) array of foods like the ones here. I can’t wait to try them!
JAPAN!!!☻
When visiting the great country of Japan I found very interesting locations which indeed are very historical. Visiting these sites I noticed Japanese people relate nature to them as if it was the same thing. This experience reminded me of a story “The Jay” about a baby bird’s life being compared to a girl’s life in Japan. In the other hand, my three main favorite sites I got to see were Usuki Stone buddhas, Yoshinogari Ruins, and Toro Ruins. In the Usuki Stone Buddha’s picture I’ve took there would be about 6 Buddha’s in it. One Buddha was carved from a free standing rock and the others were from a side of a hill. The Second one is the Yoshinogari Ruins, Which lasted from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. These ruins are still up but they’re not being occupied cause of their history. My third favorite site is the Toro ruins. The Toro Ruins mark where a village used to exist around AD100 to AD 300, it’s still standing, now it’s being used as a tourist site.
These are the toro ruins and only a few huts are still standing, and its a very well known tourist site and it is also has been standing for many many years also.
Food!!!
I got to experience some of the most of the very delicious here meals consist of a bowl of rice or noodles (very popular for light meals)! To go with that is usually a bowl of miso soup, pickled vegetables, and fish or meat. The Japanese also love their well seasoned seafood and so do I! Actually got a chance to eat at a restaurant called They have plenty of new things for you to try and maybe some of the things you are already familiar with. Some of the seafood that they have plenty of is fish, squid, octopus, eel, and shellfish that you may see in all types of dishes. Some of the dishes that you may come across, that I also came across while here maybe Tempura, Yakitori grilled chicken, Udon noodles, and Soba noodles. Green tea is also a very important beverage. This tea is used in the Japanese tea ceremonies. I actually got a chance to go to a tea ceremony, which is held in a Chashitsu, to see how things are done. I also learned a lot about the Japanese culture and how things have changed overtime. Like wearing the kimono!! They are very beautiful pieces of traditional clothing. The kimono use to be something that was mandatory, but now no one really has to wear them although some still wear them. Seeing these made me think about Yoshiko in the story The Jay and how Yoshiko had to prepare for a meal and had to wear a kimono. To me it just made me see that this is really an important piece in their culture and that it’s so important that it’s worn in many different important meals and ceremonies. I had my experience with this tea ceremony at Choushukaku Residence in Sankei Garden, but there are many others!
The influence of nature in Japan
Nature is an unusual way, but yet unique, to base your everyday life on. I traveled to Japan, and I was elated because the attractions are mostly based on nature and I love the fact that there are places where these things are valued. Why am I amazed? Because I once read a story called “the Jay” In which a mother bird, the jay, looked ceaselessly for its chick. In this story, a girl was about to make a big decision in her life and she based her final decision in the example set by the mother bird. The little girl wanted her family to be as persistent and loving as the mother bird, but the girl was also concious that even nature is sometimes more reasonable that humans. This is the reason why I came to understand that nature is the root of Japanese beliefs, Shinto principle; which "is a basic belief that humanity and nature are the offspring of the same parents," is extremely important to Japanese people. I love nature, because it delivers a message of peace and harmony through its variety of colors, scents, and sometimes even flavors. When I traveled to Japan, I felt freedom walking through the beautiful gardens; I could smell the sweet scent of the pink blossoms, the kids laughing and playing between the long rows of thousands and thousands of flowers. What I loved the most? The astonishing waterfalls; in which crystalline water runs through, and to my surprise there was a beautiful jay flying freely and singing. Others birds singed songs that could resurrect any soul. But yet sometimes we harm all this beauty that has been given to us. Why? Why can’t we, just like Japanese people, value nature? We have lost the respect that small things such as nature, place, time, and wisdom deserve. Therefore, I definitely love the idea of expressing one’s love and respect towards different things through the arranging of flowers and the special nurture of gardens.
NATURE: a way to reflect our life
http://blog.alientimes.org/2011/09/on-respect-for-the-aged-day-keiro-no-hi-a-look-at-japans-other-traditional-celebrations-of-longevity/
Visit Japan today, and you’ll find some HUGE, almost New York-style cities and buildings, just like the ones here! In the big cities, we saw things like fast-food restaurants, businesses, and plenty of taxis, loud cars, and busy people. I took the opportunity to learn about how to communicate with others in the traditional way.
One thing I picked up on was bowing. People bow when they say hello, goodbye, thank you or sorry. It’s used to show respect and greeting. I decided to use a simple head nod instead of a full bow, and to shake hands occasionally when greeting others.
Another simple tradition is removing your shoes when entering a home. I had to take my shoes off when entering people’s homes, a traditional ryokan (guesthouse), a temple, and even some restaurants. It makes sense, considering how the dirt would get on the tatami matted floors where we eat, sleep, and sit. Often when entering buildings there were signs asking us to remove our shoes in the genkan (entrance hall), and sometimes even lockers for them to go in. If you’re lucky, they’ll even give you a pair inside shoes to use!
One of the biggest parts of Japanese culture is values. People show a lot respect for elders, and normally take care of them in the home instead of sending them to a retirement home. Even in stories, the elderly are shown as wise, calm and enchanting. I noticed this in the story "The Jay".
‘“Grandmother understands well,” Yoshiko said.
Her grandmother’s eyes were bad...she could only see dimly out of her left eye...This nearly blind grandmother, simply from having heard the jay’s voice, spoke as if she had seen everything. Yoshiko was filled with wonder.’
“The Jay”
-Yasunari Kawabata
When you meet an older person, you should always bow, though you won’t see much of them out and about. Also, older japanese are sometimes known to be quiet and serious, but very wise. Non-verbal communication is seen as more important than verbal, especially since a lot of communicating used to be done through art.
A couple other simple manners I learned (through trial and error) were:
- Before eating a meal, you should put your hands together and say Itadakimasu (I humbly receive). It’s kind of like saying grace. After eating, it is polite for you to say Gochiso sama deshita (thank you for the meal).
- Don’t pass food around with your chopsticks (this is normally a part of japanese funeral ceremonies, and is frowned upon if done otherwise)
- Drowning your rice in soy sauce can be taken as offence to the restaurant owner. (saying sorry doesn’t help)
- Walking and eating is bad manners
And a big one that caught us way off guard
- No tips necessary
Seriously. When we left one, they just gave us our money back.
I really liked learning about how people in this culture act. They’re extremely well-mannered (almost to a fault). I am a little tired of having to remember all these rules on how to operate in public, though. Guess it’s time to pack up for our next stop!
Do you agree with the idea that literature is very influential? But what if a whole country based its culture in it? This is the case with Egypt. I loved, totally loved traveling to Egypt. Before traveling to Egypt, like any other person, I wanted to have a clear understanding of its culture. I read many facts, but I wanted to feel familiar with their culture this is why I read a story called "the fisherman-and-jinnee.” This story thought me the basics about Egyptian culture. The story is about a persistent fisherman who is trying to provide for its family, but times are hard. But the fisherman keeps on praying to Allah, which is the Egyptian god, and he still believes after three times not catching any fish. What I liked about the story, is the fact that it teaches people that even when times are hard if you really believe in god good things will come to you. But the story has a dark twist, because the fisherman comes face to face with a malevolent jinnee that in this case doesn't want to make his wishes come true, instead he wants to kill the fisherman. But later the fisherman tricks the jinnee, so this makes me think about the fact that some cultures use writing to deliver a message saying "wisdom is valuable, and can get you out of trouble." There are many ways that literature can send a message of understanding to people, and in Egypt most of its literature is religious. When I was in Egypt, I learned that literature in not only written, I learned that they also use literature in plays which teaches people but at the same time entertains them. Literature is influential and essential to a society, and in this case Egyptians relay on it to teach us about the value of religion, wisdom, and respects towards others. This is the first time, I have traveled to a country and I have dedicated my entire time to reading and learning about its literature.
And you know what? I loved it!!!!!http://www.egyptembassy.net/10.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_literature
On my trip to Egypt I saw many interesting sites. I had the chance to see the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and Abydos. Seeing the locations I noticed these were some of the oldest sites since ancient Egypt. Also visiting these historical locations I learned that their culture was mostly about religion, if there was a king or pharaoh, they looked upon gods. This adventure reminded me of a story I once read, “The Fisherman and The Jinnee,” the story was based upon a fisherman who ended up catching a jinnee on shore, but the jinnee tried to kill the fisherman. The fisherman showed very religious values of Allah. While being in Egypt I did see a lot of Mosques and many religious buildings there.
Pyramids of Giza- 3000BC - 2001BC - Giza is home to the pyramids of kings Khufu, Khafra and Menkaure. The largest pyramid in 
Valley of the Kings - Ancient Egypt - The Valley of the Kings in Luxor in Egypt was once part of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes.From the Eighteenth Dynasty to the Twentieth, the pharaohs of Egypt were buried in the Valley of the Kings . Today, visitors flock to see the myriad of ancient tombs cut into the limestone of the Valley of the Kings , mostly contained in its eastern valley.
While visiting Egypt one of the things that stuck out the most was religion! It plays a really big part in their everyday lives. Everyone is all about ALLAH! All the mentioning of Allah made me think back to the story The Fisherman and The Jinnee. I got to witness a lot of the prayers and a lot of people here mention his name in just about everything they do. I actually got to visit one of the popular mosque in Egypt, Mosque of Mohamed Ali. It was located in Cairo. This mosque was very very beautiful. I thought seeing how much religion played in people’s lives was just amazing and pretty different than how we do things here. 
http://www.argentour.com/en/argentina/argentina_food.php
http://www.yendor.com/vanished/
http://www.southamerica.cl/Argentina/Food/Guide.htm
http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Egypt.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Egypt.html#b
Just like in other places, the part of Egypt I enjoyed was the FOOD! Egyptian food has been highly influenced by neighboring cultures, so it offers a lot of variety.
Though meat is a normal part of many dinners, most Egyptians are Muslim, which roughly translates to “No Pork”. We had to make do with trying new types of meat, which I was all for. There was lamb, which is a component of most kebabs (balls of lamb meat on a stick), as well as pigeon and rabbit, the latter of which I tried to stay away from.
Religion ties in heavily with meals and diets and every day life, as I saw in the story "The Fisherman and the Jinnee", so we learned a lot about meals dealing with Islam. While being the major religion of Egypt, Islam has a few different religious feasts with certain meals. 'Id al-Adha, a holiday celebrating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son (who became a ram), requires a ram to be sacrificed. 'Id al-Fitr, which follows the fast of Ramadan, is celebrated by baking kahk (special cookies powdered with sugar) and offering them to guests coming to the feast. The Prophet's Birthday, marking the birth of the prophet Muhammad, is celebrated by eating halawet al-mulid (a variety of sweets cooked with different types of nuts). Sham al-Nassim or Easter Monday, a holiday celebrated by all religions in Egypt as the spring and harvest festival, normally involves a breakfast of salted fish, spring onion, lettuce, and colored eggs, all of which are eaten outdoors picnic-style.
Other foods involved in a lot of meals are fruits. Mohz (bananas), burtu'aan (oranges), battiikh (melon), khukh (peaches), and 'anub (grapes) are grown commonly. They also make a delicious fruit salad! Tea is normally served with a desert, like baklava (honey pastry) or basbousa (cream-filled cake).
Well, I’m stuffed! With all this delicious food, it’s hard not to eat too much!
