THAILAND

AMRA:Thailand is a very popular country to visit and travel around. Some travelers
visit Thailand many times a year.
LEJLA:1. Greetings
Thais Wai instead of shaking hands like Westerners. Thus you would Wai when meeting a
person after an absence, or for the first time for that day. You should Wai older people or
with to show respect
AMRA 2. Smile
I think you must have ever heard Thailand is the land of smile. It is true! We always smile
with many reasons. We will assume that you are very friendly when we see your smile. Keep
smiling when you would like to talk with Thai people or ask some help.
LEJLA 3. Show respect for Thailands main religion.
Our main religion is Buddhism. Dress politely when entering a temple or religious shrine
(shorts or tank tops should not be worn in the temple, and shoes should be removed before
entering.) For Wat Pra keaw (Emerald Buddha) guards will forbid you from entering if you are
dressed inappropriately. It is considered very improper for women to touch a monk. If a
woman wants to give something to a monk, it must first be given to a man, or put on a piece
of cloth.
AMRA 4. Show respect for the king.
As you know Thai people love our kingdom. I think might be the same as almost any country
in the world. The monarchy is revered by all Thais and people will simply will not tolerate any
lack respect towards any members of the royal family, past or present.
LEJLA 5. Do not touch anyone on the head.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body-the temple of the body as it were. As
such, touching someones head is entirely unacceptable. I realize that in the west a friendly
pat on the head, especially the head of someone a bit younger; will be regarded as a friendly
and supportive gesture or even touch on the shoulder. In Thailand any gesture towards the
head will cause Thais to recoil and will be greeted with shock possibly annoyance.
AMRA 6. Do not touch Thai lady, if you do not know well.
Touching is the friendly way in the west, especially hug to show appreciation. I have gotten
used to a friendly hug now that I have been living in Vancouver for almost 2 years. In
contrast, in Thailand you cannot hug to show your appreciation. A firm Thank you very
much is enough. In Thailand it is very serious for some lady who is touched by a man. She
will think that you are very rude. However, ladies can touch each other.
LEJLA 7. Do not talk with some senior people like they are your friend.
Im very comfortable to talk with anyone in Vancouver because it seems everybody can be
friend and I can say anything. I have a lot of senior friends here. In Thailand we are still strict
that a junior has to show respect to anyone who is their senior.
AMRA 8. Do not point your feet at anyone or anything.
It is impolite for Thai people to use feet to do anything. When I was kid my father hit me so
hard when I tried to use my right foot turn off the electric fan. Anyway my feet are very useful
since I came to Vancouver.
LEJLA 9. Do not step over anyone.
The best way is walk around them instead of step over any part of another person. If you do
walk in front of someone, it is considered polite to slightly bow your head below their head
and say Kor toht (excuse me)
AMRA 10 . Be patient.
Thai people like to avoid conflict situation or we dont like to shout or shows of annoyance in
any situation. There may be times when you face frustrations, do remain calm and resolve
quietly. Thai people believe conflicts will work themselves out better without anger. We like to
do smile or even laugh to defuse the situation.
LEJLA: RIO DE JANEIRO

1.It is overlooked by a very famous man
Overlooking Rio de Janeiro from all angles is Christ the Redeemer in English, a
statue of Jesus Christ that stands 130ft tall. Located on top of a mountain called
Corcovado, it is one of the worlds most famous statues. There are three ways to
get to the statue:
Walk: Only for energetic people. But be warned that the path isn't well marked so
make sure to have a guide/local with you.
Taxi: For the lazy people! Obviously, the most expensive way.
Funicular (tram): This is how most people get to the statue. The journey takes
between 30-40 minutes.
AMRA 2. There are mountains actually in the city centre
Rio's landscape is extremely unique as dotted throughout the city centre are a host of
mountains. The most famous of these are the Two Brothers overlooking Leblon and
Ipanema, the Sugar Loaf which looms over Guanabara Bay, and Corcavado which is
home to Christ the Redeemer. Both the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer are the
famous lookouts, but in our opinion, the Sugar Loaf is the better of the two as it isn't
as crowded and the view is better.
LEJLA 3. You will find some very famous beaches here
Rio is where you will find two of the worlds most famous beaches. The most
noteworthy of the two is Copacabana, which is one of the most famous beaches in
the world. And while no trip is complete without checking it out, you may prefer the
other of the two beaches which is Ipanema, as here it isnt as hectic and the
waters are cleaner. And when you're in Ipanema make sure to called into Garota de
Ipanemaon the corner of Vinicius de Morais and Prudente de Morais as it is where
the famous song is''The Girl from Ipanema''was written.
AMRA 4. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle...
There are two great places to get away from the craziness of Rio de Janeiro:
Botanic Gardens: Covering over 130 hectares, they are extremely peaceful and
home to over 6,000 types of plants and trees.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas: A stroll around this lake which borders many
neighbourhoods is a great way to relax for a couple of hours.
LEJLA
5. Make sure to do some exploring
Make sure to check out some of Rio's different neighbourhoods:
Botafogo: This neighbourhood near the Sugar Loaf is a great place to visit to
admire the yachts on Guanabara Bay.
Downtown Rio: Here you'll find a mix of old and new architecture and some of the
city's museums.
Santa Teresa: This is an extremely historical neighbourhood with colourful houses.
It's also where you can find the famous tram which goes there from Downtown Rio.
It's also where you can find ''Escadaria Selarona'', the famous steps which recently
featured in the video ''Beautiful'' by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.
AMRA 6. It is not as dangerous as you might think it is
Rio has a reputation for being a dangerous city, and there is a reason for this. You
might feel a little bit more nervous walking the streets here than in other cities. But it
wouldn't have got the Olympic Games if it was that dangerous and it is definitely a lot
safer than it has been in recent years, particularly in touristy areas like Copacabana
and Ipanema.
AMRA 7. It has its very own rainforest
Located right in the middle of Rio de Janeiro is Tijuca Forest which is the largest
urban rainforest in the world. Here you can go on hiking trails, admire waterfalls and
much more.


LEJLA 10.You have to catch a football game in the ''Maracana''
The Maracana is Brazil's most famous football stadium. Four teams play here
regularly - Botafogo,Flamengo, Vasco da Gama and Fluminense . Games are
played almost all year round so if you're in town when there's a game on make sure
to go to it.
BARSELONA:

AMRA 1. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia
Barcelona is the capital of a state known as Catalonia. It has its very own flag and a
language called Catalunyan which you see on the street signs. One of the most
important buildings here, is Parliament de Catalunya in Parc de la Ciutadella. This is
the building where the regional parliament sits.
LEJLA 2. The best way to get around is by using the metro
While you'll do lots of walking in Barcelona, you will need to use the city's metro at
some stage. There are stations all over the city and the lines are distinguishable by
both number and colour. A single ticket on Barcelona's metro will cost you around
1.50 but rather than buying individual tickets for each journey, buy yourself a T-10
which costs around 8 and will give you ten journeys.
AMRA3. One person is responsible for many of the main attractions
Many of Barcelona's most famous attractions are building designed by the same
person - Antoni Gaudi. The best known include Casa Batlo on Passige de Gracia and
La Predrera which is just across the road from it, while the main lamppost in Placa
Reial was also designed by him. Ironically though, Gaudi never got to finish his most
famous work - La Sagrada Familia. Work began on it in 1882, and the following year
Gaudi was commissioned to finish it. Sadly though, he passed away before it was
complete. And when will it be finished? That is the most asked question in the whole
of Barcelona.
LEJLA 4. There are lots of other attractions also
Along with the works of Antoni Gaudi there is lots more to see in Barcelona. These
include the Picasso Museum which documents the work of the famous artist, the
city's cathedral which dates back to the 13th century, and Museu d'Historia de
Catalunya which tells the history of the state. Another thing you can't miss is Font
Magica de Montjuic which takes place at the fountain here at Plaza Carles Buigas,
near Plaza de Espana in Montjuic. The show goes on for two hours so you should try
to catch at least some of it when you're there.
AMRA 5. You should try to visit its two best-known parks
Barcelona has two parks which are perfect for visiting when you want to get away
from it all. The first of these is Parc de la Ciutadella which can be found about ten
minutes east of La Rambla. It is here you will find paths for walking and the famous
fountain known as the Cascada. The other is Gaudi's Parc Guell which is just north of
the city centre. This huge park is full of beautifully landscaped gardens, and Gaudi's
trademark curves, like on the park's famous tiled bench, Banc de Trencadis. It is in
this park that you will also find the much photographed mosaic dragon.
LEJA 6. You have to try tapas
All over Barcelona you will see restaurants advertising 'tapas' which is a Spanish
delicacy where the food is served in small portions. If you're on a tight budget, a great
place to go for tapas is Can Paixano down in Carrer de la Reina Cristiana in the La
Barceloneta area of the city. The quality of tapas might not be as good as in other
places, but that's not why people come here. They come here for bottles of ros cava
which will cost you only 4, once you buy a portion of tapas.
AMRA 7. Here you'll find one of Europe's most famous streets
Barcelona is where you will find one of Europe's most famous streets known as La
Rambla. Broken up into five different sections, attractions along it include the famous
Teatre del Liceu which dates back to 1847, and the colourful Mercat de St Josep de
La Boqueria. Another thing you will find along La Rambla are lots and lots of street
performers. Throughout the day you can see human statues and street performers of
all kinds on this famous street.
LEJLA8. Locals are very passionate about a particular football team
Locals are extremely passionate about their football club FC Barcelona, known locally
as simply Barca. The home of Barcelona Football Club is Camp Nou, or in English the
Nou Camp. When it's full it seats over 95,000 people. Football greats who have
played here in the past include Holland's Johann Cruyff, Brazil's Romario, and
arguably the most famous player the world has ever seen, Argentina's Diego
Maradonna.

AMRA 9. This is a city located on the water
If you are in Barcelona and the weather is as good as it is today, don't forget that the
beach is only 15 minutes walk from La Rambla. Thousands flock here every day
during the summer months. The city also has its own port and you'll find a famous
shopping centre on the water known as Maremagnum.
LEJLA 10. Try to explore its neighbourhoods
Barcelona has lots of intriguing neighbourhoods. The Barri Gotic is the city's old town
and is full of narrow lanes to explore. North of the city you'll find Gracia which is
where to go to get away from the tourists, while Eixample is a huge neighbourhood
known for its architecture and busy boulevards. Passeig El Born which is the heart
and soul of the El Born district. It's found just east of La Rambla and is famously one
of the best areas for nightlife in Barcelona. So if you go there, make sure it's after
dark. Another neighbourhood worth visiting after dark is Port Olimpic where you'll find
lots of bars and restaurants.
NEW YORK:

AMRA 1. New York City is divided into five boroughs
New York is divided into five boroughs - Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx,
and the best-known of all, Manhattan. This is where you will find most of the city's top
attractions, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, the
Chrysler Building and more. And ferries to the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island
depart from Lower Manhattan. And for the best views of Manhattan go to the Top of
the Rock at the Rockefeller Centre.
LEJLA 2. Try and visit a borough other than Manhattan:
Attractions mentioned in the other boroughs are:
1. The Bronx:The Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Museum
2. Queens: Lots of ethnic neighbourhoods like the Greek Astoria
3. Staten Island: The Staten Island Museum
4. Brooklyn: The Brooklyn Promenade in Brooklyn Heights (2 or 3 train to Clark St.),
Coney Island and Brighton Beach

AMRA 3. It's very easy to navigate
New York is extremely easy to navigate. Manhattan is divided into numbered streets
from north to south and avenues from east to west making it very easy to get around.
Buses are handy for getting around Manhattan, as can the subway, which is also the
best mode of transport to the other boroughs. And at some stage you'll definitely use
a yellow taxi. When hailing one, try and get one on an avenue that's going in the
same direction you are. You'll end up saving yourself time and money. And always
remember to tip the taxi driver at least 15%.
LEJLA 4. There is lots to do for free:New York is known for being expensive but there's
lots to do for free. This includes:
-Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
- Visit buildings such as Grand Central Station and St Patrick's Cathedral
-Ride the Staten Island Ferry

AMRA 5. It's home to some of the world's most famous museums
In New York you'll find The Met which is one of the world's most famous art
museums, and the Guggenheim Museum which is also extremely well-known. Aside
from art, New York is also home to the American Museum of Natural History which is
also extremely famous.
LEJLA 6. It's home to the world's most famous city centre Park
Located right in the middle of Manhattan, Central Park is the world's most famous city
centre park. To explore it you should put by at least half a day. Highlights include:
1. Sheep's Meadow: Great for chilling out in
2. The Lake: Take out a rowing boat
3. The Bow Bridge: Famous due to many museums
4. The Rambles: Heavily wooded making it different from the rest of the park
5. The Bethesda Fountain: The best-known fountain in the park
6. Strawberry Fields: The tribute to John Lennon

AMRA 7. If you're a non-US citizen you can get 11% off goods in Macy's
If you're a non-US citizen and you plan on buying anything in Macy's, before you do
go to the Visitor Centre near the Broadway entrance with your passport. Once you do
you'll be given the Macy's discount card which knocks 11% off most goods.
LEJLA 8. There are lots of specialties to try
When it comes to food in New York it comes down to three:
1.Pizza: There are pizzerias all over New York, one of the best being John's of
Bleecker Street in the West Village

2.Pretzels: Available at hot dog stands all over the city

3.Pastrami: The best known places to go for pastrami are Katz's in the Lower East
Side and Carnegie Deliin Midtown Manhattan, although they are quite expensive.
Instead try Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop on Fifth Avenue between 22nd and 23rd
streets for equally good food at almost half the price.
AMRA 9. Even though it's a big city, it's full of small villages
New York is home to three villages:
1. West Village: South of 13th street and west of 6th avenue, it's a residential area with
famous landmarks from Friends and Sex and the City.
2. Greenwich Village: The coolest of the villages. Full of cool bars and cafes and shops.
Explore the area around Bleecker and Macdougal Streets.
3. East Village: The most alternative of the three villages. The heart of the East Village
is St Mark's Place.




LEJLA 10. There is lots to do after dark
There are lots of options in New York once the sun sets. If you like theatre, you've got
Broadway. If you want to party, there are bars galore, and one of the coolest places
to go out is in Greenwich Village. Bars mentioned in the video are:
1. The Red Lion: Great for live music.
2. 1849: A wild-west themed bar.
3. Slane: Greenwich Village's number one Irish bar.
And if you're looking for something a little bit different, check out a gig in the Comedy
Club on Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village.