2 . While tea may have its origins in Asia, now it has found its way into their food culture and traditions in many countries. It is a special way of connecting people all over the world in different ways and ceremonies. That finally all results in a group of people sitting together and enjoying a cup of tea.

Chinese tea culture

Since China is considered as the birthplace of tea, it is no wonder that Chinese tea culture is rich in history and tradition. Today, Chinese tea continues to be used in Chinese medicine and is commonly used on both formal and informal occasions either for personal enjoyment or as a Chinese cultural tradition.

Japanese tea culture

Japan also has a long history with tea, especially Japanese Matcha, which is a kind of ground green tea. Japanese tea is commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies and only in recent years has become popular in western culture.

British tea culture

When it comes to British tea, British tea culture is what comes to mind. A hot cup of Earl Grey tea often serves with a little milk and a biscuit in the afternoon as a pick-me-up for the day, which makes you feel better and more energetic. Even though tea may not be native to England, this British tea tradition is still going strong today.

Moroccan tea culture

When you visit Morocco, it is hard to miss the outstanding tea culture that is such a special way to welcome guests. Before any gathering, a pot of mint(薄荷)tea is always prepared and served among the host and guests. This is an expression of Moroccan tradition and kindness, which should always be accepted by guests as a sign of appreciation and respect to the host.

5 . Entering adulthood is an important step in everyone's life. It means that a young person must soon leave childishness behind and start to shoulder grown-up responsibilities.

In Germany, “Jugendfeier” is a coming-of-age ceremony for 14-year-olds. They go to school to prepare for the occasion, studying topics, such as cultural respect and social responsibility, which will help them become worthy citizens. The hope is that the young people taking part in the ceremony will take on these values for themselves.

In Latin America, “quinceanera” is a celebration for girls on their 15th birthday, marking a girl’s entry into womanhood. In the past, “quinceanera” was intended to ready girls for marriage and they were taught cooking, sewing, and other household skills in preparation. Today, it's similar to how one's 18th birthday is considered an important day in other cultures.

In India, the sacred thread ceremony is performed when a boy is grown-up. He is given three sacred threads representing three promises he makes: to respect knowledge, to respect his parents and to respect society. After the ceremony, the child, traditionally, leaves his family to live with a Guru (teacher). At this point the boy becomes “twice-born” — first his physical birth, and second his intellectual birth through a teacher's care.

In Vanuatu, young boys come of age by jumping off a 98-foot-tall tower with a bungee-like rope tied to their ankles, just barely preventing them from hitting the ground. At the ceremony, the diver's mother will hold something representing his childhood, and after the jump the item will be thrown away, representing the end of childhood. He is now a man, ready to protect the family.

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6 . I travel a lot, and I find out different “styles” of giving directions every time I ask “How can I get to the post office？”

In Japan, people use landmarks (地标) in their directions because most streets don't have names. For example, the Japanese will say to travelers, “Go straight ahead and turn left at the hotel. The post office is across from the bus stop.”

In the countryside of the American Midwest, there are no towns or buildings in many places. Instead of landmarks, people will tell you directions and distances. In Kansas, for example, people will say, “Go north two miles. Turn east, and then go another             mile.”

People in Los Angeles, California have no idea of distance. They measure(测量)distance in time, not miles.“How far away is the post office?” you ask. “Oh, ” they answer. “It's about five minutes from here.”

It's true that a person doesn't know the answer sometimes. What happens in such a situation？A New Yorker might say, “Sorry，I don't know.” But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers, “I don't know.” People believe that “I don't know.” is impolite. They usually give an answer, often a wrong one. A tourist can get very, very lost in Yucatan!

7 . The discovery of Liangzhu Culture

From December 1936 to March 1937, three archaeological diggings were carried out in the suburbs of Hangzhou,where loads of black ceramics and stoneware were brought to light.

Inspired by these relics, an archaeology lover named Shí Xingeng, who came from West Lake Museum in Hangzhou, wrote several detailed reports on the digging. However, he had to put his work aside when China started to fall into Japan's military aggression. Shi joined the resistance movement against Japanese invasion and died of disease in 1939. What passed away along with him during the war were many of Liangzhu's precious relics.

Fortunately, Shi's reports were finally published in Shanghai in 1938, which caught considerable attention of archaeological circles, In 1959,the name Liangzhu Culture was given to the independent regional culture by archaeologist Xia Nai. It represented an earlier civilization that had remained unknown to historians. The culture, as the radiocarbon dating applied to the relics proved, existed between 3,300 and 2,200 B.C.

It is commonly believed that the earliest known Chinese written language dates back to more than 3,000 year ago; when oracle bone script appeared in Shang Dynasty. But Liangzhu Culture might provide evidence of a written language that appeared in China at least 1,000 years ealiler.

In 2007, Liangzhu Ancient City was reported to be discovered in Hangzhou, where archaeological diggings revealed a large and early walled city in Chinese history. There were man-made hills and streams in the city area, which were very likely part of the early designed urban landscape. To protect the urban space which was formed by waterways and entrances both Inside and outside the city, a flood control system was connected to the river networks and 11 dams. In the fields outside the wall, archaeologists discovered rains of the residences, tombs, workshops, and docks with wooden boats.

8 . A housewarming party is a special party to be held when someone buys or moves into a new apartment or house. The person who bought the house or moved is the one who throws the party. The party is a chance for friends and family to congratulate the person on the new home.     1     And it is good time to fill the new space with love and hopeful presents.

    2     Some people register a list of things they want or need for their new home at a local stores. Some common things people will put on a gift registry include kitchen tools like knives and things like curtains. Even if there isn’t a registry, a good housewarming gift is something to decorate the new house with, like a piece of art or a plant.

    3     This is often appreciated since at a housewarming there isn’t a lot of food served. There are usually no planned activities like games at a housewarming party. The host or hostess of the party will, however, probably give all the guests a tour of their new home. Sometimes, because a housewarming party happens shortly after a person moves into their new home, people may be asked to help unpack boxes.     4    

Housewarming parties get their name from the fact that a long time ago people would actually bring firewood to a new home as a gift.     5     Now most homes have central heating and don’t use fires to keep warm.

9 . When you go to a foreign country, you often enter a new culture. The differences between cultures may make you feel stressed and you often find it difficult to adjust to the new surroundings, which is usually called “culture shock”.

The psychological and physical symptoms of culture shock may appear depending on the individuals. Some often feel anxious while adjusting to a new culture—even more so when the cultural distances are wide.     1     They remain to homesick and feel so sad about being separated from their friends back home that they long to return, especially within the first year.

    2    People adjusting to a new culture often feel lonely because the language barrier makes it hard to create new relationships. Furthermore, having trouble with the native language often makes them unwilling to interact with other people.

    3     You may do some research on the cultural aspects of the new country such as the history, customs, and religious beliefs, rather than on what to see and where to go, so you may get prepared for a culture that is different from yours. Studying the language is also a great way to help bridge the gap between the cultures.     4    

A local club provides the perfect environment to get to know people who have a similar focus, so join one so that you can meet some locals and develop new friendships.     5     There are other travelers who have the same experiences in a foreign country. Talk with them, sharing feelings, tips and insight.

10 . Looking for something entertaining to do? Check out some wonderful festivals around the world.

Koningsdag or King’s Day is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is celebrated on 27 April (26 April if the 27^th is a Sunday), the date marking the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Orange is the national color, and the streets become a sea of feather boas (羽毛围巾) and body paint as crowds gather in the plazas and on the boats in the rivers. Amsterdam is the center of this outdoor party, with many live music events, but nearly every town is alive with orange on this day.

Thai National Elephant Day is a national holiday in Thailand. Thai National Elephant Day has been celebrated on March 13^th of every year since 1998. Because the elephant is the national animal of Thailand, it is highly respected and treasured. During the festivals elephant are honored during a ceremony (典礼) in which they are fed with bananas, other fruit, and sugarcane.

On the last Tuesday of January the entire town of Lerwick, Shetland is in flames. At the festival, you’ll find yourself sitting, dancing, or stumbling around the largest bonfire you’ve ever seen in your life. The festival lasts only one day but takes the entire year to plan. Be prepared for an evening of singing, dancing, and fast paced activities, and don’t worry about making it to work next day — it’s a national holiday!

Holi, the Festival of Color, is a Hindu celebration full of joy and one of India’s most important holidays. On the last full moon day of the lunar month, usually late February or early March, the air is full of bright-colored powder. The festival is celebrated differently throughout the country, with bonfires and music, but the cheerful spirit is common throughout Hindu communities around the world.