miércoles, 10 de junio de 2009

The blog talks about the culture of United Kingdom and the parallel with the culture of Colombia

Culture Uk


INN AND PUB SIGNS OF BRITAIN

Britain has a unique heritage in its inn signs: a record of its history and the people who made it. Inn signs depict everything, from battles to inventions, from sporting heroes to royalty.

The origin of inn signs goes back to the Romans. The 'Tabernae' would hang vine leaves outside to show that they sold wine - in Britain, as vine leaves are rare (due to the climate!), small evergreen bushes were substituted. One of the first Roman tavern signs was the 'Bush'. Early pubs hung long poles or ale stakes, which might have been used to stir the ale, outside their doors. If both wine and ale were sold, then both bush and pole would be hung outside.

The naming of inns and pubs became common by the 12th century. With pub names came pub signs - as the majority of the population could not read or write. In 1393, King Richard II passed an Act making it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign (his own emblem the 'White Hart' in London) in order to identify them to the official Ale Taster. Ever since then, inn names and signs have reflected, and followed, British life at that time.

Before King Henry VIII and the Reformation, many had a religious theme, for example 'The Crossed Keys' , the emblem of St. Peter. When Henry split with the Catholic church, names were changed from religious themes to 'The King's Head' or 'The Rose & Crown' etc.

The 'Red Lion' is probably the most common name for a pub and originates from the time of J

ames I and VI of Scotland who came to the throne in 1603. James ordered

that the heraldic red lion of Scotland be displayed on all buildings of importance - including pubs!

Many signs have royal links: for instance, most 'White Lion' inns date from the time of Edward IV and the 'White Boar' was the emblem of Richard III.

Pubs are also named after famous people in history, for example, The Duke of Wellington and Shakespeare.






More recently, social and industrial change has been reflected in pub names, for example 'The Railway' . Sport is well represented with names like 'The Cricketers' . Infamous goings-on are also remembered: for example, 'The Smugglers Haunt' and 'The Highwayman'!

The People of Britain today

British people live in the UK. They are people who live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. British people can also either be English, Scottish, Welsh, or Irish (from Northern Ireland only).
The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness, self-discipline and especially for their sense of humour. British people have a strong sense of humour which sometimes can be hard for foreigners to understand.
Britain is a country of mixed cultures. London has the largest non-white population of any European city and over 250 languages are spoken there. Therefore not all British people are White or Christians.

The British Royal Family


Elizabeth I was the last ever King or Queen of England. From 1603, the monarch, although living in England, has been known as the Monarch of the United Kingdom. When Elizabeth I died, King James VI of Scotland became king of England as well as Scotland, thus uniting the kingdoms of England and Scotland for the first time.
Time
British people place considerable value on punctuality. If you agree to meet friends at three o'clock, you can bet that they'll be there just after three. Since Britons are so time conscious, the pace of life may seem very rushed. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Some general tips follow.

You should arrive

* At the exact time specified – for dinner, lunch, or appointments with professors, doctors, and other professionals.
* Any time during the hours specified for teas, receptions, and cocktail parties.
* A few minutes early: for public meetings, plays, concerts, movies, sporting events, classes, church services, and weddings.
If you are invited to someone's house for dinner at half past seven, they will expect you to be there on the dot. An invitation might state "7.30 for 8", in which case you should arrive no later than 7.50. However, if an invitation says "sharp", you must arrive in plenty of time

Culture in Colombia

Geography, climate, and immigration

Most Colombians live in the Andes, high above sea level where climates range from temperate to cool (the highest parts get snow). Another important population center is the Caribbean Coast, with the cities of Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Barranquilla. The treacherousness of the terrain and sheer variety of climates made communication and travel very difficult, and helped foster intense regionalism.
Between the three mountain ranges or cordilleras are two large valleys whose rivers (Magdalena River, Cauca River) link the interior to the coastal ports. These lowlands are thick with rainforests and interspersed rushing tributaries, waterfalls, and steep inclines. The Andes themselves are in parts volcanic, jagged and covered in glaciers. Other parts are more hospitable, such as the tableland of much of Cundinamarca (including Bogotá) and Boyacá (called in Spanish the Altiplano Cundiboyacense), which has a climate similar to the Argentine pampas. Medellín is in the Aburra valley, on the central mountain range, at a lower altitude than chilly Bogotá, which gives it an “eternal spring”-like climate. The Caribbean coast, Colombia’s gateway to the outside world before jet travel, is separated from the Andes by mosquito-filled, marshy wetlands, while the Pacific coast is pock-marked with its own marshes and is one of the wettest places on earth.

The National symbols of Colombia


are the symbols which represent the national identity of the Republic of Colombia as a sovereign state. The national symbols intend to represent the Colombian identity by creating visual, verbal cultural iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, and history.
These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the peoples of the national community.

Pubs of Colombia


beer lovers, this is a good place to enjoy it. The striking thing about this bar is the bar eight positions from which you can see football matches and other sports.

ARE THERE MANY VEGETARIANS IN THE U.K

VEGETARIANISM IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER BEFORE AND IT IS CONTINUING TO GROW AT AN ASTONISHING RATE. IN FACT, DURING THE LAST TEN YEARS THE NUMBER OF VEGETARIANS IN THE UK HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY ABOUT FOUR MILLION VEGETARIANS IN THE UK, REPRESENTING SOME SEVEN PER CENT OF THE POPULATION. AMONGST YOUNGER PEOPLE, THAT FIGURE RISES TO 12 PER CENT. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT A REMARKABLE 41 PER CENT OF PEOPLE IN THE UK ARE NOW INCLUDING FAR LESS MEAT IN THEIR DIET.
IN THE UK ALONE, APPROXIMATELY FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE EACH WEEK ARE CHOOSING TO GIVE MEAT A MISS AND JOIN THE VEGGIE REVOLUTION.
IF SUCH TRENDS WERE TO CONTINUE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT BY THE YEAR 2030 EVERYONE IN THE UK WILL BE A VEGETARIAN.
VEGETARIANISM HAS ALREADY MADE A MAJOR IMPACT IN THE UK AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. GO INTO ALMOST ANY RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD OUTLET, CAFÉ, SUPERMARKET OR LOCAL SHOP; PICK UP ANY NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE, OR WATCH A TV COOKERY PROGRAMME; LISTEN TO CELEBRITIES FROM THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT, POLITICS, SPORT OR LITERATURE; SPEAK TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND CHANCES ARE YOU WILL DISCOVER JUST HOW WIDE RANGING THIS REMARKABLE SUCCESS STORY IS -- THE STILL UNFOLDING TALE OF A DIET WHICH IS FAR BETTER FOR ANIMALS, BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND BETTER FOR HUMAN HEALTH.


"NOTHING WILL BENEFIT HUMAN HEALTH AND INCREASE CHANCES FOR SURVIVAL OF LIFE ON EARTH AS MUCH AS THE EVOLUTION TO A VEGETARIAN DIET."


ALBERT EINSTEIN (1879 - 1955) - PHYSICIST AND THEORIST

COLOMBIAN FOOD


ETHNIC DIVERSITY IS ALSO REFLECTED IN COLOMBIAN CUISINE, IT IS MIXED WITH INGREDIENTS INDIGENOUS AND SPANISH FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA, ARABIC AND SPANISH.
THE MAIN INGREDIENTS ARE IN COLOMBIAN CUISINE: PORK, POTATOES, BEANS, CORN, CHICKEN, RICE AND SOUPS.
SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND TYPICAL DISHES THAT YOU SHOULD TRY ARE:
WOULD YOU LIKE A COFFE.

A cappucino in a ceramic coffee cup

Ajiaco: SOUP MADE WITH CHICKEN AND POTATOES, IS THE SPECIALTY FOOD BOGOTA.

Culona ant: ANT CHIPS, TYPICAL OF SANTANDERS.

Lechona: PIG STUFFED WITH RICE AND MEAT TYPICAL OF TOLIMA.

Paisa Tray: A MIXTURE OF BEANS, EGGS, MEAT, RICE, PLANTAINS, CHORIZO, CHICHARRÓN, POTATOES AND HOMES TYPICAL OF THE REGIONS COUNTRIES.

Sancocho: SOUP OF CHICKEN, BEEF OR FISH.

Tamales: SURROUNDED BY RICE, CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES.

Patacón with everything:


WITH FRIED GREEN BANANAS MIXED WITH DIFFERENT CHOICES OF MEATS AND CHEESES.

Arepa with everything

THE SAME BUT THE BASE OF THE FORMER IS THE AREPA, A DOUGH MADE FROM CORN.


Empanadas:

SMALL WRAPPED RICE, MEAT AND VEGETABLES, USUALLY EATEN WITH A LITTLE PIQUE.

SUPERSTITIONS IN BRITAIN AND COLOMBIA


Superstitions can be defined as irrational beliefs especially with regard. There are superstitions of good luck and unlucky.
Good luck.
. On the first day of the each month is lucky to say “White Rabbits “before uttering your first word.
.A horseshoe over the door brings good luck. But the horseshoe needs to be right way up.
. Catch falling leaves in autumn and you´re have good luck.
Bad Luck.
. Unlucky to spill salt. If you do, you must throw it over your shoulder to counteract the bad luck.
. Is Tuesday 13th an unlucky day.
. Concerns the tame ravens at the tower of London. It is believed if they leave then the crown of England will be lost.
. It is thought very unlucky to have the feathers of a peacock within the home or handle anything made with them.
. Do bats bring bad luck if you see bats flying and hear their cries. In the Middle Ages. It was believed that witches were closely associated with bats.