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The podcast features four friends from different countries discussing culture shock in the United States. They compare customs, share travel tips, and humorous moments. Each friend represents Qatar, the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Colombia. They talk about differences in family dynamics, social interactions, traditions, and food culture in their respective countries. Overall, they emphasize the importance of respecting local customs while traveling. The conversation touches on various topics, including Qatar's weather survival tactics, UAE's ambition and innovation, Kazakhstan's vast landscape, and Colombia's festive culture. They highlight the uniqueness of each country's traditions and lifestyle. The friends also discuss the social norms and behaviors in the U.S., such as individualism, politeness, and efficiency. The episode concludes with a reminder to embrace diversity, try local foods, and be open to new experiences while traveling. Welcome, everyone, to Culture Shock and Travel Tales, the podcast where four friends from around the world compare cultures, share travel tips, and talk about our funniest wild-on-Earth moments in the United States. Assalamualaikum. I am Ali, reporting from the shimmering desert of Qatar, land of skycrabers, camels, and way too much air-conditioning. Marhabas Saar. And I am Hassan from the UAE, where brunch lasts six hours, and modest tripping means you designer abaya matches your sports car. Salaam. I am Alina from Kazakhstan, the land of diverse nature, horses, and eagles soaring above fields. And I am Lina from Colombia, coffee, salsa dancing, and a place where Colombian time means you'll be late. Today we'll talk about our countries, and we'll start our podcast by answering what shocked us the most when we arrived in the United States. For me, what shocked me the most when I came to the U.S. was how independent everyone is. In Qatar, family is the center of life. People live close to each other and see their relatives almost every day. But in the U.S.A., people often live alone, and children move out when they turn 18. I was also surprised by how casual people are here. For example, students call teachers by their first name, which would be unusual in Qatar. I understand what Ali is saying, because we have many similarities between the UAE and Qatar. I have my question for you, Mr. Ali. What is the best time to visit Qatar? So if you want to visit Qatar, I recommend going during the winter, from November to March. When the weather is nice, you should visit the Museum of Islamic Art, Suq Waqf, and Qatari culture, and respect local traditions, especially during Ramadan. Try Qatari food, go on a desert safari, and enjoy the country hospitality. Qatari people are very friendly and proud of their culture. I agree with you. It's so hot. How do you survive there? According to Qatar weather news, Qatar is one of the hottest countries in the world. However, we have two seasons, hot and surface of the sun. We survive by never leaving the air-conditioned, and drinking karak tea, a sweet, spicy milk tea that's basically liquid herbalist. I can't imagine drinking a tea in the desert. That is so weird. Do not miss the Suq Waqf in Doha. It is a maze of shops selling everything, from falcons to person. But be careful. If a shopkeeper offers you a coffee, you will be chatting for an hour. That's universal. In Kazakhstan, share time also turns into life advice time. Oh, and camels have beauty. Contest in Qatar. Judges look at the size of their lips, poster, and hair. Imagine explaining that to an American custom officer. In addition, it seems weird, the camel beauty convention for other people and other cultures. But we've been doing that for a thousand years. In Kazakhstan, we also have horses riding. It's really popular that guys are riding on the horses, and they fight with each other while they are riding. Now, let's head over to the UAE, where the impossible becomes possible. Where skyscrapers grow faster than your Instagram followers. One more fact. According to Gulf News, July 9, 2025, the UAE ranked third globally with about 37 skyscrapers. And malls have ski slopes in sight? Exactly. If you want to impress locals, don't just talk money. Talk innovation. Dubai always loves the biggest, the tallest, the first. So it's like America, but with more gold? Pretty much. But here is a funny tip. Don't try to cross the street anywhere you want. Joy-walking fines can hit you harder than the desert sun. Jay-walking also happens in Colombia, but it seems so normal. Tell us more about the food. Of course. So, we're obsessed with maleh, karakteh, and dates. Oh, and hospitality as well. If you visit an Emirati home, they will keep feeding you until you physically cannot say no. True. Refusing food is like committing a small social crime. What is maleh? Maleh is a traditional Emirati dish made from salted and dried fish. Moreover, did you know in Dubai, you can order some gold-covered coffee? It's like, would you like milk, sugar, or financial crisis with that? In Qatar as well, we have a similar idea. Some fancy restaurants, they do that with meat, and it costs more than the regular meat. For example, if the dish costs $100 with the golden paper, it will cost $300. And all of this just to show off. So, it's kind of gold papers on the side. I just know that. That's so fancy. What surprised me the most about the United States is how friendly and open people are, even to strangers. In Kazakhstan, people are usually more reserved, but here, everyone smiles and starts small talks. I agree. In Colombia, everyone is super warm, even a stranger's kiss on the cheek. We are also very close to our families and elderly relatives. According to Worldometer, Kazakhstan is the world's 9th largest country, but only 20 million people live there. Lots of bears, lots of horses. That's a lot of space. What's it like to live in such a big country and such a small population? It feels relieving. Endless steppes, open skies, and wild horses everywhere. That sounds powerful. It is, but visitors should know we are very hospitable for our guests. Refreshing tea or food is considered rude. My grandma wants to chase the guests down the street with a plate of dumplings yelling, yet you are too skinny. Sounds like my auntie. Alina, which places would you recommend to visit? You should visit the mountains in Almaty for breathing views and fresh air. Don't miss the Baiterek Tower in Astana and the Burabay National Park, the beautiful places, mountains, and lakes. Honestly, I have never been to Almaty. The life provides there. Yes. Alina, what shocked you the most when you arrived to the United States? Well, first, driving in Colombia is like a wish-me-lot because no one abides to the traffic laws and you can find people still walking, motorcycles, bicycles, and sometimes even horses sharing the road. In the United States, although driving at high speed was shocking, I like that most of the people obey the law. How is the traffic in the capital city? In Bogota, the traffic is so bad that you can see guys selling empanadas of water between lanes. Another shocking thing is that there is no lunch break. In Colombia, lunch is the most important meal of the day, after which we like to go for a walk or shopping. It can easily take up to two hours. In the U.S., people eat a sandwich over the keyboard and schedule meetings at 1 p.m. I don't believe it. For sure. What places would you recommend to visit in Colombia? All right, talking about what to visit in Colombia, we are well-known for beautiful places, coffee, and singers. First, I would recommend you to visit Cartagena, which is an antique, beautiful city built by Spain in 1533 to defend themselves from the pirates. In 1984, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That sounds great. So I have a question for you. Where should I go if I want to learn how to dance salsa? Colombia is well-known for the music. You can always find a party during the year. According to the Ibiza and Colombia.co website, Colombia is famous for its Barranquilla Carnival, which is similar to the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and it's held in March. Paso City also has a similar carnival called the Festival of Blacks and Whites in January. Have fun. If you like salsa music, you can go to a salsa fair in Cali in December. Colombia has 18 public holidays to enjoy all of these festivities. One day I will be there. I promise you. You know what's interesting? All our countries are super social and collectivist society. In the United States, people value privacy so much. In Kazakhstan, if you don't talk to your neighbors, they assume that something is wrong. In the United States, that's just normal. And food culture. In our country, meals are family time. In the U.S., it's not that special. But to be fair, Americans are amazing at being polite and efficient. Try getting a line to move that fast in Doha. That's true. Every culture has its magic. Qatar has tradition. UAE has ambition. Kazakhstan has soul. And Colombia has reason. Well, that's all wrap up on today's episode of Culture Shock and Travel Tales. If you are planning to travel, remember, respect the local customs, try the food, and always accept the tea. And do not forget to try karak tea and real tea with 3 spoons of sugar. Honestly, in my opinion, the lifestyle here in USA push any person to improve himself. In my case, I can run right now more than 10 miles. I wasn't able to do that back home. Officially, I can race with cars here. All right. Thank you all for listening. Don't forget to subscribe and join us next week when we talk about unspoken rules around the world. Until then, stay curious, stay kind, and keep traveling.