And when seeing something that is unusual or unknown, try not judge them for doing it, but to try it yourself. Advertisement. Earlier this year, the British Express reported a man sent an angry message to a car dealer who seemingly did him wrong. Its not just a single day or a weekend. We compiled a list of weird laws around the world you may not believe exist. Flirting with the "eyes or hands" is illegal in San Antonio, Texas. Below you will find a list of selected legal reference materials relating to Colombia, including statutory collections, case reporters, current regulations, and secondary source resources, when available in the Law Library's collection. Just about everywhere you go, there are laws against speeding or shoplifting, laws regulating the purchase and consumption of alcohol and zoning laws that dictate what kind of building you can construct where. To figure out the difference between a real answer and an I want to help you so badly but I dont know answer can be challenging at the beginning. Stretching for over 300km, it is home to the largest bicycle route in South America, and definitely one of the longest in the world. A welcome change for most, you can find all three Colombian Starbucks locations in Colombia within just a few street of each other. The city of Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish has made it illegal for anyone to use obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language during a phone call. Yes, you read that right. The law wasn't for safety, but rather that men wouldn't dare walk around town in a Speedo, so if he wears a Speedo in the water, it surely would be cleaner than something he may have been wearing all day long. Most often its meant to be cute or nice, especially once they add ito or ita at the end and they are even used as terms of endearment. But when you're traveling, you certainly don't want to wind up behind bars! The ban went into place to prevent "traffic accidents" and "public disorder.". If any person calls a woman a name that suggests she isn't chaste, whether she is married or single, that person can be found guilty of slander. We know, we know you've been dying to don your suit of armor for a visit to Parliament during your next trip to London. You may also face a fine, depending on the contents of your barrel. Great article! 3. 21 air conditioning is everywhere. Thankfully this particular law is no longer enforced, and after the governmental body entrusted in targeting antiquated laws is finished, it might not even be documented anymore. Keep your dirty laundry to yourself in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, where it is illegal to dry your clothes anywhere that projects over a street, wall, fence or window facing a street. Another law, also no longer enforced but which may explain the sad state and bad taste of Colombias most well established beers, governs the sale of alcohol. Just let the sleeping bears lie. They just dont seem to prioritize time very much. LOL!! Keep your eyes on your gas gauge and fill 'er up when you get low. And then, you'll be fined. I had to convince one of my daughters and one of my friends that my wife was not offending me when she calls me Gordo or Gordito hahahaha. ( IC 14-22-9-1 ). Photo taken on the dia de la pereza in Itagi. So I definitely agree its something that people should know before they go ! Most Recent Stupid Laws It is illegal to ask about a job It is illegal to die in town It's illegal to idle your car in your own driveway 1,000 Hours of training is required to braid hair. 40 Interesting Facts About Crazy Laws - fastnfact.com The cuddly little bear all stuffed with fluff also gasp! If you are going to another country you may find things that you are not use too and that is exactly what this article is about. Street sellers are everywhere in Colombia selling a wealth of weird and wonderful objects, just for less than a dollar, you can rent a pre-1999 mobile to make calls, known locally as buying minutes. 1. After vandals used chewing gum to mess with the Mass Rapid Transit system and the Housing and Development Board spent $150,000 a year to clean gum liter, Singapore banned all gum substances in 1992. In San Francisco, car owners are forbidden by law to polish their vehicles with used underwear. 13. Here are some of the most random and unique laws in Colorado, in no particular order: 1. If saving gas is your goal, don't take a road trip through . Lawmakers in 1907 Buenos Aires took it a step further by completely stripping the Argentinean capital of the simple joy of flying kites. Official gazettes are primary sources of law published by national governments to disseminate new legislation, regulations, and decisions of governmental bodies. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. Rather than be a weird law that is no longer used, it's a weird law that isn't enforced but that continues to be relevant. 15 Bizarre California Laws That Are Still In Effect Today Not even indecent emojis are allowed. 10 Things Not to Do in Peru - TripSavvy Colombians tend to drink coffee all day long. I was always afraid of speaking a foreign language, because I was to afraid of making mistakes. Let's say a man and a woman walk into a hotel in North Carolina, request to share a room, and claim they are married. Since the building is considered a royal family palace, if anyone dies inside it, they must be buried with full honors. This sign of disrespect is punishable by imprisonment in Sri Lanka. Of course thats not the only reason because many just couldnt afford braces as a teen and are now catching up on the dental work. People place paper lanterns and candles, which placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks in cities and pueblos throughout Colombia. Colombian Estate Planning Laws Before Investing Or Living in Colombia A true travel insurance claim story Here's a tip: Never pat a monkey, even if it's on a leash: they can be vicious. Stupid Laws - The Greatest Collection of Stupid Laws in the World! In this article I look at my top 12 things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or funny. Tweet this. The future of Medellin Guru needs the help of readers to remain ad free. #10: Flirting. But, if you run out of gas, you could face a big fine. Top paramilitary chief assassinated in northern Colombia: police. They celebrate youth, plantain, theres even the celebration for laziness, dia de la pereza. And its soft in texture and pretty neutral in taste. Laws in Thailand: How to Stay Out of Jail - World Nomads To keep beaches clean and beachgoers healthy, Portugal has banned peeing in the ocean. 14 Weird Facts about Colombia - ESLstarter - ESLstarter Articles and Yes, Rich Holman, politeness is essential for foreigner anywhere and know the polite words people will be appreciative and more helpful. One of Mexico's most beautiful pueblos also has one of the country's weirdest laws: no kissing in the street. If your fake mustache makes people laugh, save it for anywhere but church, as it is illegal in Alabama. This section creates an offence in England and Wales "for any . Despite what may take place in South Beach's world-renowned drag clubs, it is actually illegal for a man to wear a strapless gown in Florida. Here are 5 of California's most strange, unpopular laws In order for me to make this Colombia's best travel guide, I have to mention Minca, which is located in the highlands of the country. No. The majority of the diversity of Colombias wildlife lives in the dense Amazon rain forest, contributing to its mega diverse status. California Penal Code section 185, enacted in 1872, makes it illegal for anyone "to wear false whiskers (whether complete or partial) for the purpose of (e)vading or escaping discovery, recognition, or identification in the commission of any public offense.". In my corner of America, clothing comfort consists of flip flops, cargo shorts, oversized hoodies and yoga/sweat pants to practically every event or outing. Lucky you! This has to do with the fact that the cemetery is full, so the mayor issued an ordinance in 2008. Under the Salmon Act of 1986, Parliament deemed it illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances across the U.K. 1. The law extends to goldfish as well. Hunting any animals other than raccoons on Sunday. Perhaps there were too many reported cases of intoxicated bee keepers allowing their bees to escape? The voluntary tip in restaurants in Colombia is currently about 10 percent. And one has to get used to if he/she comes from a more direct culture, to not be perceived as rude. And its usually not meant to be offensive. Pack a breathalyzer in France. Keep up to date with latest news and job offers: Gap year and career break travel insurance, tailored to you. They love to dress them up with a Colombia shirt or another cute little outfit. Please dont take it in a negative way, different doesnt mean bad at all . This goes for Ottawa, Toronto and even in the middle of the forest unless you have a permit. I think one very important thing that was left out is that all conversations whether it be social or business, are always prefaced by such lines as, como estas, que mas, bien o no, como le va, etc. But what about laws that don't make any sense? Apparently, any other time of year is okay for a water gun fight, but if you go for New Year's, shop owners won't sell you the plastic toy. Ireland's Defamation Act of 2009 made it illegal to insult religion, either verbally or in writing. If youve been wondering why, much to your chagrin, that Aguila (alcohol content 4%) you were nursing appeared to improve your spatial awareness and make people less interesting, look no further than to this law. We refer to mono or mona to blondes. It's illegal to hold salmon under suspicious circumstances And on the Medellin Guru website we previous looked at the top 5 coffee shops in El Poblado and the top 8 coffee shops in Laureles. As you might know, Colombians love to party! Same with your height or your body size, its possible that you get called gordito (fat) if youre bigger or flaco (skinny) because youre skinny, and so on. Sometimes its automatically on the bill without asking. Fans of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team have a tradition of throwing octopuses onto the ice for good luck. Odd Laws in the San Diego Area Homeowners in the San Diego region may be charged with a $250 fine if they don't remove their Christmas lights by February 2. He was threatened with three weeks in jail for his choice of words. Enacted in 1948 while U.S. soldiers occupied Japan, the ban was placed to stop liberal Americans from corrupting the good citizens of Japan. Colorado has its fair share of weird rules, some state-wide, some local to a city. Colombia's strangest laws targeted for elimination On more than one occasion when I was in a hurry and addressing somebody like an Internet repair guy I would start the conversation with, when will it be ready and he would reply, Como estas. Did you know? Strange laws from Latin America - reed does not wear pants. Hi Rich! The artwork has to be approved as art, so hanging a picture sketched on a Post-It won't do. These things Colombians do you will need to get used to, but thats one of the nice things about foreign countries. Note the above photo is Colombians celebrating Christmas, something that Colombians do on a completely different level. In Colombia, that just brings the specialness of each day to light! They help you as much as they can and would never dare saying No directly to someone. I was out wandering with a friend on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan Island, when we ran into a local walking his pet monkey. The point of this silly law is that you are not to interrupt the service. A number of books and websites purport to list dumb laws. Fares across the country are usually higher on Sundays, holidays and during non-business hours. For a complete list of the Law Library's gazettes, please visit the Foreign Legal Gazette Collection. 1. And the fines vary by location at their discretion. Weirdest laws passed in every state - USA Today Arizona. Here are some funny, dumb state laws from Nebraska to Wyoming. I have run into getting bad directions from Colombians many times so I never ask anymore. 5 strange California laws. But don't even think about trying to enjoy this childhood pastime anywhere else. Flush Before 10:00 Pm Flush Before 10 in Switzerland Source The curfew on flushing toilets after 10:00 PM is quite a strict regulation of Switzerland.Everybody, better finish their business before the clock strikes ten. As any of my hispanic friends will assert, its a brown thing. He mentioned to me recently he enjoyed Christmas in Texas much more than Cali. However, in 1966, Victoria, Australia, proved 20 th -century people could be just as miserable as their ancestors by passing anti-kite legislation. Spending 60 nuevos soles to travel with a company like Cruz del Sur or Ormeo is a far better deal than . Colombia is a different country with different habits and some things Colombians do may seem to be weird by foreigners. Though it is one of the strange laws in America, its enactment has been beneficial. The logic of the law is that they're using the song for business while making a profit, so they must pay for the rights. Forgot to enjoy the food, the kindness of the people, the music, the beautiful places, the paisa culture, the beautiful landscapes, the fauna and the flora or rather lost the coming to COLOMBIA and my beautiful land. Fun stuff ! In an effort to encourage people to keep their chickens under control, there is a statute in Quitman, Georgia, that says you can be fined if your chicken should get loose. If you are a fluent English speaker who craves a casual, laid-back lifestyle among a welcoming host nation, then why not teach English in Colombia? The committee will not stop there, however, and also plans to create a document that will provide clear guidelines for new laws to ensure that the creation of such obnoxious decrees will be kept to a minimum in the future, according to Justice Minister Ruth Stella Correa. I could write way more about the beautiful things about Colombia, like you already mentioned, the food, the friendly people, the landscapes and so on. Keep in mind, that this is just the way they talk to each other no matter if youre a foreigner or a local. You can find many people selling tinto from thermoses on the street. Under Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code, "swearing disgraces the honour or the modesty of a person.". jajajajajaja hopefully find another that can come to enjoy and not criticize . Students of Trinity College have the right to demand a glass of wine during an exam. 40 Unusual Laws in History - History Collection Here are 13 of those weird laws in Colorado that will leave you shaking your head. 6. Today this has dramatically changed with new links and transportation in Colombia, which has made it easy, cheap and accessible for everyone to move around the country. Billboard advertising is not allowed in the state of Hawaii. With regards to kinship through adoption, this provision only applies to an adopted parent or child. Sometimes, these laws border on the seriously ridiculous, and other times they point to important cultural values that might be different than your own. Fact is, that you always need a plan B or even plan C when having a meeting with a Colombian. Then you can get down to business. I think you nailed the true meaning of mono. I have been trying to figure this out for three years now living in Cali. more efficent: Santos. Airport taxis across Colombia are regulated, safe and an easy to spot bright yellow color. Also, theres a really high tolerance for dogs everywhere. In an effort to keep the streets of Barcelona free of beachgoers in bikinis and men going shirtless, lawmakers in the Spanish town on the Mediterranean banned anyone from being topless or in a swimsuit in public anywhere but the beach or a pool. Becoming more widely spotted, the pink river dolphin, or Amazon River dolphin, is an inhabitant in Colombia. But if you are married, it's just one glass of wine for you. Camouflage is only allowed to be worn by the country's military personnel. The following resources include primary and secondary legal reference materials, as well as government and non-government websites that provide access to free online legal information about Colombia. By weird, I dont mean something negative but unusual / different. Thats why it surprised me even more that they nickname people by their appearance. It is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor. Please dont take offense. 45 Interesting Facts About Peru - The Fact File As a rule, bus travel in Peru is safest if you go with the best bus companies. Hot chocolate with cheese is also a thing that Colombians like to drink. In the town of Sarpourenx, you cannot die within the city limits unless you already have your burial plot purchased in the local cemetery. Disingenuous , petty, and very jealous. About drug law reform in Colombia | Transnational Institute However, these weird or outlandish laws are actually on the books, whether they're enforced or not.. Thanks a lot for highlighting them. When people first began sighting Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, in the 1800s, British Columbia made it illegal to kill him/her/it. If you do not walk your dog at least three times per day in Turin, Italy, be prepared to face a fine up to 500 euros. With thousands of pigeons descending upon Saint Mark's Square and Venice, lured by the the tourists readily handing out food in exchange for Instagram-worthy photos, Venice lawmakers officially made it illegal to feed the pesky fowl in 2008. 1) A super-polite Con (mucho) gusto, even though youve rejected their sales pitch and declined to buy something. After Swiss and German travelers decided to make naked hiking a thing in Switzerland a decade ago (really! It's not the only wackadoodle law that still exists in the States. We use the word weird often to mean different. Employment Law in Colombia: a Guide - Biz Latin Hub . Cool Laws - Colombia - Emerald of South America - Weebly 2. The Ultimate Guide to Beln for Expats Living in Beln in Medelln, Pros and Cons of El Poblado: A Popular Neighborhood for Expats in Medelln, How to Obtain a Colombia Resident Visa 2023 Update, How to Obtain a Colombia Investment Visa 2023 Update. No one has ever captured proof of this hairy, giant creature, but if you should find it and kill it, you could be fined up to $250,000 if you do not have a proper hunting license. (We have to admit, that's a pretty good rule.). While women across the nations protested, the law is in effect and you can no longer buy lace garments. These publications may also contain other information including the text of international agreements, court decisions, official announcements, and government notices. Ive spent many months and weeks in Cali since the 90s. Just know your audience. For someone who loves ocean surfing, you will be impressed to learn that Peru is one of the best surfing locations in the world. See Minca as a great location for anyone interested in nature and exploring nature reserves, parks, and other protected areas. (I recognized it from wikpedia My favorite is PANDEBONO (Cheese Bread! In Colombia, its not unusual seeing Colombians of all ages wearing braces. Before you get any crazy ideas and have too much Scottish whisky you should know you could get a ticket for drunk cow riding. 1. If an owner does not walk their dog once a day (at minimum), they could be fined $625. Colombians are really friendly and welcoming people. Tibetan Buddist monks are not allowed to reincarnate after they die unless they have been granted permission from the government. The Air Fouling Legislation" of 2011 made it illegal for people in Malawi to "foul the air.". If you are tried and convicted of horse theft, the penalty in Florida is still written as death by hanging. SI,SI,SI,SI,SI WOULD YOU PLEASE RING UP THE CHOCOLATE???!!! See also:10 Reasons Why Colombia Should Be On Your Radar. 40 Weird Laws in The World in 2023 That Will Shock You! - Holidify As a response to a hidden camera crisis in subways, the South Korean government banned the silencing of phone cameras when taking pictures. Angela, Hi Angela, thank you for the explanation! The bottom line is that the things Colombians do that foreigners may find weird or just funny or unusual are from our point of view. The worst part is that the law is actually strictly enforced. It really depends on the context, but in general I would say they dont use it to offend anybody, but to make it also easier for you to know that they are calling you. The law . Weird Laws: Dumb, Stupid & Funny Laws in the US - Reader's Digest We're all for intellectual property protection, but this seems a bit extreme. Minca. Bien (grrrr) Whenever you get into a cab, it's normal for the taxi driver to be listening to the radio, as a way to make the ride more pleasant for everyone. Many Europeans are freezing inside buses or hotels in the US, whereas many people visiting Europe in the summer find the heat unbearable . If you're a guy, you'll also need to go sitting down so that you don't make noise. 14 Weird Laws In Virginia That Are Sure To Baffle You And the Medellin Guru site previous covered not being on time in an article about Medelln dating tips and advice for foreign men. if there is no driver. It is also illegal to make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up . Completely oblivious to others outside their family or group. You'd think this law was passed a hundred years ago and is now obsolete, but in reality, it was passed in 2009 and is occasionally enforced. - International tourist arrivals: 10.3 million. Why this law exists is anyone's guess. Honestly its usually better to rely on Google Maps then ask for directions in Colombia. We're again not quite sure how they would prove this one, but it's better safe to just use the restrooms like a civilized person. Living in a foreign country is always interesting. 4. They are smarter than Costa Ricans but not by much. In the event of a locust invasion in India, a male 14 and older must do everything possible to prevent and stop the destruction of the locusts. You usually see this behavior in movies. According to newspaper El Pais, Article 4, law 62 of the year 1887: The importation of Chinese [laborers] for whatever work in Colombian territory is hereby prohibited, without regard for prior company policy is one of the laws set to be removed. By nature and upbringing Im courteous and social. Having retired and moved to Cali three years ago, I can agree that the cultural differences are many. Don't even think about dying inside the Houses of Parliament, or you'll actually, we don't really know what the consequences for this crime would be. Find out more, Copyright ESLstarter 2007-2023. Also, in Colombia, your average Colombian usually makes a distinction between tinto and cafe (coffee). Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia? 25 Things The World Finds Strange About America (That Even - TheTravel I dont have so much luck when Im asking for directions. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. No "Bat Signals" (or any other beacon) allowed in the sky. 18 Bizarre Things That Could Only Happen In Venezuela But this doesnt mean all Colombians are late. And Christmas is almost a month-long celebration in Colombia. 13 / 50. Where Im coming from, people would be really upset to be called Gringo, Gordito or however. Read about these strange and wacky laws and more in Weird British Columbia Laws: * From 1947 to 1986, it was illegal to sell stoves on a Wednesday in Vancouver * Kelowna once permitted nude bathing in any public waters, but only between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am * In Port Coquitlam, it is against the law to own more than four pet rats or to allow your Ive been following your website for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Read on to know more. 15 Interesting, Weird Laws in Germany - ViaTravelers Hey there! Usually the abuelos grandfathers and abuelas grandmothers will dance, drink and sing on parties together with their grandsons and granddaughters. The good folks over at Olivet Nazarene University put together an infographic of some of the most outrageous, confusing and downright weird legislation instilled around our . But in Colombia, coffee shops dont rely only on a morning rush. If you ask (especially a stranger) a question, like: where is the nearest supermarket or where can I get a hamburger. Heck my wife calls me gordito almost every day. (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), (International Committee of the Red Cross), Constitutional Courts As Mediators: Armed Conflict, Civil-military Relations, and the Rule of Law in Latin America, Colombian Constitutional Law: Leading Cases, Manuel Jos Cepeda Espinosa and David Landau, Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress): Colombia, An Introduction to Colombian Governmental Institutions and Primary Legal Sources, Treaties, States Parties, and Commentaries: Colombia, Guide to Law Online: Nations of the World. Kaparot is a traditional Jewish religious ritual that takes place around the time of the High Holidays. People dont usually give a seat up on packed buses (unless its very obvious ie. Here are two of my favourite strange Irish laws from Trinity College Dublin: It is illegal for a student to walk through Trinity College without their sword. Australians aren't the only ones who are apparently opposed to flying a kite. 0:0. Oh noo!! So, you follow their directions and find out there is nothing there. Here are 14 strange laws to keep in mind next time you book a trip. Below is a compilation of eight strange laws from the Bayou State. In the country that supplies a large proportion of the worlds coffee, there is a surprising lack of Starbucks. At coffee shops in Colombia, 3 pm and 7 pm tend to be busier than the early morning. The Salmon Act 1986 is a weird English law that deals primarily with the licensing and regulation of salmon dealing in Scotland and in England and Wales.