Oh, I see! moments
Travel Cultures Language

Respecting Cultural Traditions and Taboos

by Meredith Mullins on March 9, 2020

Travelers can learn much from the Buddhism of Myanmar
© Meredith Mullins

A Traveler’s View of the Buddhism of Myanmar

Not long ago, a crowd of tourists stood mid-street, jostling to claim the best photographic position as more than 1000 monks walked reverently in their procession for food and alms.

This exceptional experience takes place every morning at the Myanmar Mahagandayon Monastery, just south of Mandalay, as the monks prepare to receive their second (and final) meal of the day, which they must eat before noon. The maroon-robed devotees are humble. Their purpose pure.

The Many Worlds of English

by Joyce McGreevy on February 18, 2020

A female traveler looking at the electronic board of departures in an airport, symbolizing an opportunity for crossing cultures (Image © Jan Vašek/Pixabay)

Do you ticket travel only to countries that speak your language?
© Jan Vašek/Pixabay

Why Crossing Cultures Always Means Learning a Second Language

Most English speakers who travel internationally and enjoy crossing cultures have, at one time or another, depended on people in other countries to also speak English.  Such moments may arise because

  • even a polyglot is bound to miss one or two of the world’s 6800 languages.
  • your language learning app doesn’t cover how to say, “Could someone help me retrieve my cellphone from the hotel swimming pool?”

Memorable Moments: Love is in the Air

by Your friends at OIC on February 11, 2020

Valentine’s Day puts love in the collective spotlight once a year, but as these heartfelt posts from the past remind us, love and its steady stream of “Oh, I see!” moments are a constant.

Copyright © 2011-2024 OIC Books   |   All Rights Reserved   |   Privacy Policy