1. High Tea at the Ritz (London)
It's quite simple: everyone has dined at the Ritz, from Charlie Chaplin to Johnny Depp, and from Evelyn Waugh to Hugh Grant. Now it’s your turn. Take a seat in the prestigious Palm Court overlooking the Royal Gardens and notice how heads turn to assess your celebrity or your style. The London elite has frequented this institution since 1906, when César Ritz first opened the establishment. Tea is served with scones and Cornish clotted cream, fresh pastries, and an assortment of finger sandwiches. But what you eat matters far less than offering yourself, in all your glory, to the paparazzi’s lenses, should any be present.
 |
2. La Tomatina in Buñol (Spain)
Not all traditions are synonymous with protocol and respect for elders. Witness this energetic celebration of the tomato harvest, one of the world's greatest food wastes. Locals and visitors alike crowd the streets of a small town in the province of Valencia to pelt each other with ripe tomatoes. According to this tradition, in place since 1952, women must wear white and men go shirtless to throw over 100 tons of fruit. The event has grown to such a scale that some shopkeepers now cover their storefronts with tarps to protect them from the mess.
3. The Singapore Sling in Singapore
Few cocktails evoke colonial opulence quite like this drink when enjoyed in Singapore at the famous Raffles Hotel, specifically at the Long Bar—a festive hub for expats for decades. Created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 20th century, this cocktail is a blend of gin, cherry brandy, and Bénédictine in roughly equal parts, sometimes diluted with club soda. Today, the Long Bar serves its own version at a price that encourages you to savor every sip while admiring the lush surroundings of the hotel, one of the most history-rich establishments in Southeast Asia.
4. Narghile in Cairo (Egypt)
Taking a puff from one of Cairo’s many narghile (hookah) cafes involves no particular ceremony, but it is the ideal way to end a meal or enjoy a glass of tea. The narghile filters tobacco smoke through water, and aficionados claim the smoke is purer because the heat is indirect—though it can sometimes be difficult to draw through the tangled hoses. While plain tobacco is popular, it is often flavored with molasses or non-traditional aromas like coffee, mint, pineapple, or even bubble gum. Some establishments offer their own signature blends.
5. Prayer in Jerusalem
Regardless of your religion, watching those who pray in silence before the Wailing Wall, near the Holy of Holies, is a profound sight. The gates of heaven are said to open through the power of prayer, so there is no need to shout. Accessible to non-believers, this is one of the most sacred sites for Jewish people. Some rabbis suggest that true believers should pray there for 40 consecutive days to prove their faith. According to Kabbalists, the Wall is the place where all Jewish prayers gather to ascend to heaven.
6. Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (Japan)
Be prepared for a large number of rituals and small bows to precede your first cup of tea, as this ceremony can last up to four hours. While everything—from the position of the cups to the order of drinking—follows Zen precision, it serves as a reminder to live slowly and appreciate every gesture. The matcha (green tea) can be accompanied by various items, from *tenshin* (snacks) to *kaiseki* (a multi-course meal). The most beautiful ceremonies are found in the tea houses of old Kyoto, often accompanied by music or dance demonstrations.
7. Buzkashi in Central Asia
If some of the traditions mentioned above seem too quiet for you, opt for *buzkashi*. At first glance, it looks like a form of polo played by Afghans, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, and Uzbeks. On closer inspection, the "ball" is actually a decapitated goat carcass, fought over by two shouting groups of men. As the official sport of Kyrgyzstan, buzkashi requires horses highly trained in maneuvering while their riders attempt to seize the carcass.
8. Feeding Hungry Ghosts in China and Beyond
Chinese belief holds that the gates of hell open during the seventh lunar month, allowing ghosts to return to earth. These are not bloodthirsty zombies; they are generally easy-going spirits in search of food and entertainment. Families prepare feasts and performances where a seat is reserved for deceased ancestors. "Hell money"—pieces of paper purchased before the seventh month—is also burned so the deceased can spend it in the afterlife. Some even burn paper replicas of phones or cars, as nothing is too good for their beloved departed.
9. Sauna in Finland
Do not be surprised if a Finn invites you to spend time with them in your birthday suit: the sauna is at the heart of Finnish life. Politics, business, and social drinks all have a place in these steamy rooms. The best saunas are heated by wood fires and overlook a lake where you can plunge in naked. For a truly successful session, Finns gently whip themselves with a *vihta* (a bundle of birch twigs).
10. Kava Ceremony in the Pacific Islands
In the South Pacific, several societies have developed a ritual around a drink made from a plant that is part miracle cure, part narcotic, and part toxic substance. When prepared correctly, kava induces a mild state of euphoria. Traditionally, the ceremony of placing a kava bowl in the center of a circle served to welcome visitors or initiate peace negotiations between islanders. Today, it more often serves as the kickoff for jam sessions featuring traditional songs and reggae. While only men used to participate, many communities now allow women to join.
