FAQ · Culture & Etiquette 41

Recent developments include the rehabilitation and reopening of the Ecuadorian railroad as a tourist attraction. Major road improvements are also underway, such as the enhancement of the Pan American route and the development of the Manta – Tena road. Travelers can also utilize the Route Espondilus along the coastline or the Amazon backbone. In Cuenca, the first modern tramway was inaugurated in March 2019 to serve as a large public transport system. Additionally, both the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil have undergone modernization to meet high demand.

Mexico is home to several advanced societies that once thrived in the region known as Mesoamerica. These include the Olmecs, the Maya, and the Zapotecs. The Teotihuacan civilization and the Purépecha were also prominent groups in this area. Human presence in the country dates back to at least 11,500 BC. These ancient societies contributed to the rich cultural history of the region.

Curtis served as the chief of the Latin American Department for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. He conceived the display of replicas of the three ships commanded by Columbus in 1492. Additionally, he formulated a full-scale replica of La Rábida Friary where Columbus stayed before his voyage. He also wrote extensively about the life and family of Cristóbal Colón to emphasize the connection of the Spanish monarchy to the discovery. His efforts included diplomatic tours to convince South American countries to send exhibits to the fair.

Mesoamerican architecture refers to the urban, ceremonial, and public structures built by pre-Columbian civilizations. One notable feature is the intimate connection between architecture, geography, and astronomy, as buildings are often aligned with cardinal directions or specific constellations. Flat-top pyramids serve as a landmark feature within the most developed urban centers. Additionally, iconography is considered an integral part of these structures, with buildings frequently adorned with images of religious and cultural significance. These diverse styles show interrelation due to significant cultural exchanges occurring over thousands of years.

Humans may have arrived in the Americas through interior routes that existed before the Last Glacial Maximum. One theory suggests an older ice-free corridor existed in North America 25,000 years ago. Another theory is the Pacific coastal migration, which proposes people reached the Americas via maritime travel along coastlines. A variant called the marine migration hypothesis postulates that boats were the principal means of travel. Additionally, the kelp highway hypothesis suggests migrants exploited kelp forests along the Pacific Rim from Japan to the Andean Coast of South America.

Turtle Island is a name used by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas to refer to Earth or North America. It is also commonly used among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous activists for Indigenous rights. The name is based on an oral history once common to the Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands. This region today roughly encompasses southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Many contemporary works continue to use or tell the Turtle Island creation story.

The Pacific Northwest is a diverse region dominated by several mountain ranges including the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can see active volcanoes such as Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. The area also features the Columbia Plateau, which contains many canyons and coulees resulting from massive ice-age floods. You can also explore lush forests that include the tallest trees on earth, the coast redwoods. Some coastal areas are even classified as temperate rainforests.

Southern food is shaped by the culinary traditions of Native American, European, and West African cultures. Native American influences include the use of corn for items like grits, cornbread, and hush puppies. Indigenous people also contributed squash, maple syrup, and various wild berries to the regional diet. Additionally, the Apalachee people influenced Spanish colonists in Florida through their use of hunted animals and garden crops. These diverse foodways combined to create a unique culinary landscape across the region.

Grenada celebrates its Independence Day annually to commemorate the granting of independence on 7 February 1974. This independence occurred under the leadership of Eric Gairy, who served as the first prime minister. Following independence, the nation opted to remain within the Commonwealth. This decision meant they retained Queen Elizabeth as their Monarch. Locally, the Monarch is represented by a governor-general.

The Pacific Northwest hosts several large music festivals throughout the region. Notable events include the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. You can also find the Sasquatch! Music Festival in George, Washington, and Seattle's Bumbershoot. Other significant gatherings are Boise's Treefort Music Fest and Portland's MusicfestNW. Additionally, Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival stands as the largest blues-based festival west of the Mississippi River.

Before Europeans arrived, the natives of Latin America practiced various rituals, festivals, and ceremonies. These performances included dance, singing poetry, theatrical skits, mime, acrobatics, and magic shows. Performers were trained and utilized costumes, masks, makeup, and wigs for their roles. To enhance visibility, platforms were erected for the audience to watch the spectacles. Sets were often decorated using branches from trees and other natural objects.

American folk music includes various genres known as traditional, contemporary folk, or roots music. Many traditional songs have been passed down through families or folk groups for generations. These musical origins can often be traced back to Africa, mainland Europe, or the British Isles. In particular, the rhythmic and lyrical styles of African-American music have significantly influenced American music. Instruments like the banjo were also brought to America through the slave trade.

Latin American film is a rich and diverse field with main production centers in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. Mexico saw a significant Golden Era in the 1940s and has produced internationally recognized films like Amores Perros. Argentine cinema re-emerged after military dictatorships to produce acclaimed works such as The Official Story. In Brazil, the Cinema Novo movement introduced critical screenplays and political messages set in tropical landscapes. Modern productions from these regions continue to receive international recognition and prizes.

Mexican literature has roots in the indigenous settlements of Mesoamerica, where poetry was divided into secular and religious categories. Notable pre-Columbian figures include the poet Nezahualcoyotl, while the colonial era featured Baroque writers like Juan Ruiz de Alarcón and Juana Inés de la Cruz. Historical works such as Bernal Díaz del Castillo's account of the Aztec conquest remain widely read today. The late colonial period saw the emergence of the first Latin American novel by José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi. In the modern era, important writers include Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz, novelist Carlos Fuentes, and Juan Rulfo.

Maya art was primarily the art of the royal court and focused on the Maya elite and their world. It was crafted from both perishable and non-perishable materials to link the Maya to their ancestors. This art tradition is unique in the ancient Americas for bearing narrative text and representing a wide variety of subjects. The Maya showed a strong preference for green and blue-green colors, placing high value on jade. While much woodwork has disappeared, stone sculpture remains a widespread and developed tradition in many city sites.

Traditional dress in the Americas is the result of a long cultural mix involving Africa, Asia, and Europe. This mix was driven by triangular trade and later globalized trade that included importing fabrics from the Orient. For example, the traditional Guadeloupean costume shows Asian influences through Indian madras cloth and Spanish influences through the use of headscarves. It also incorporates French influences such as the lace petticoat from Brittany. These clothing styles have mutated over centuries to reflect changing social conditions and the evolution of society.

There is no single Caribbean cuisine because the region is not homogeneous. Instead, culinary styles are based on historical European colonization and groupings. One type is based on Western European influences like the British, French, and Dutch, while another is Spanish-based. These styles incorporate Indigenous and West African influences as a base. Diversity is often higher in former British and French territories due to changing colonial ownership and migrations from India, China, and Portugal. Despite these differences, commonalities exist in the use of rice, beans, seafood, plantains, and root vegetables.

In the United States, the minimum legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages has mainly been 21 years of age since shortly after 1984. There are two exceptions to this rule, as the legal age is 18 in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The legal drinking age varies by state, and many states have no age requirements for supervised drinking with parents or legal guardians. Additionally, fourteen states specifically permit minors to drink alcohol if it is given to them by their parents or someone entrusted by their parents. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have laws against possession of alcohol by minors but do not prohibit its consumption.

The Americas produce about 55% of the world's coffee. Several countries in the region are among the ten largest producers on the planet. These major producers include Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, and Guatemala. This strong agricultural production contributes to the continent's significant role in the global coffee market.

The safety of street food has become a major concern for public health due to increasing globalization and tourism. Despite concerns about contamination, studies show that the incidence of such issues is low and comparable to restaurants. Governments and scientists are working to raise public awareness regarding these food activities. Various methods like mystery shopping programs and training are used to enhance safety. Regulatory governing and technical testing programs also help manage the sector.

Jamaica offers specific free-trade zones located in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town. These zones allow for duty-free importation and the ability to earn tax-free profits. Additionally, businesses in these areas can enjoy the free repatriation of export earnings. These zones are part of a broader economic landscape that includes both state enterprises and private sector businesses. This structure supports the country's diverse economy, which relies heavily on services and tourism.

The name Dominica is an abbreviation of the Latin dies Dominica, which means day of the Lord or Sunday. This name was given by Christopher Columbus when he was sailing for Spain. He first sighted the landmass in November 1493. Because he saw the island on a Sunday, he chose this specific name. The name reflects the day of the week during his second voyage to the Americas.

In North America, bargaining is typically confined to specific types of transactions. It is usually reserved for expensive or one-of-a-kind items such as automobiles, antiques, jewelry, art, and real estate. You may also find opportunities to haggle in informal sales settings like flea markets and garage sales. Outside of these specific categories and settings, bargaining is not the standard practice. This differs from other regions where haggling may be the norm for even small commercial transactions.

Expeditions camping in close proximity to Native American nations during the winter months observed various lifestyles and social codes. These travelers noted that the Native American way of life often seemed harsh and unforgiving by European standards. They learned firsthand about customs such as men taking multiple wives if they could provide for them. The observers also documented different social practices regarding women and the bartering of family members for supplies. These encounters provided direct insight into the customs of tribes like the Minnetaree, Mandan, and Sioux.

The cost of goods in Alaska has long been higher than in the contiguous 48 states. Rural Alaska suffers from severely high prices for food and consumer goods compared to the rest of the country due to limited transportation infrastructure. Because of the northern climate and a short growing season, relatively little farming occurs in the state. While some agricultural areas exist, the cost of living remains one of the highest in the country. Federal government employees like USPS workers and active-duty military members often receive a Cost of Living Allowance to help manage these expenses.

U.S. visa policy does not apply to American Samoa because it maintains control of its own borders. Visitors may need to obtain a visitor permit from the American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs. U.S. nationals can use a valid passport, travel document, or a birth certificate with a valid identification card. Alternatively, an online electronic authorization can be requested with an itinerary and a fee. Cruise ship passengers are exempt from the visitor permit requirement.

The three largest population centers in the Americas are Mexico City, New York City, and São Paulo. Mexico City serves as the anchor to the largest metropolitan area in the Americas. New York City acts as the anchor to the largest urban area in the Americas. São Paulo is recognized as the largest city proper in the Americas. All three of these major cities maintain Alpha classification and large scale influence.

The Aztec family pattern was bilateral, meaning relatives on both the father's and mother's sides were counted equally. Inheritance was passed to both sons and daughters, allowing women to own property and maintain economic freedom. While society had separate gender roles, these roles were often viewed as complementary rather than hierarchical. Men typically worked outside the home as farmers, traders, or warriors, while women managed the domestic sphere. However, women could also work as merchants, doctors, priests, or midwives.

During the fall, people had to be busy because foodstuffs had to be stored and clothing made ready for the winter. In the winter months, coastal fishing groups moved inland to hunt and trap fresh food and furs. These early groups were spread over a wide geographical area, which led to regional variations in lifestyles. Small bands utilized hunting and gathering during the spring and summer months. They then broke into smaller direct family groups for the fall and winter.

Traditional Southern cooking includes a rich culinary heritage with many historical recipes. In the Appalachian region, you might find cornbread, which remains a staple, or ashcakes cooked on hearth coals. Classic breakfasts in this area often consist of buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy. You may also encounter historical influences such as recipes from Gullah people or dishes featuring benne seeds. These regional foods reflect a long history of diverse culinary traditions across the South.

The Alaska Railroad links shipping lanes on the North Pacific with Interior Alaska through a region known as The Railbelt. This railroad is well known for its summertime tour passenger service and offers one of the last flag stop routes in the country. Additionally, the White Pass and Yukon Route runs through northern Southeast Alaska from Skagway into Canada. This specific line is mainly used by tourists who often arrive by cruise liner. It is important to note that these two railroads are not connected to each other or any other railroad.

The Staten Island Ferry departs from a location known as The Battery. This departure point is represented on the cover of the Breakfast in America album by a plate of breakfast. The album art also features a view of Lower Manhattan through an aeroplane window. Other landmarks like the Financial District are depicted using common kitchen items. This imagery was designed by Mike Doud and Mick Haggerty.

Santo Domingo features a rapid transit system that is the most extensive metro in the insular Caribbean and Central American region. The city also utilizes government-controlled bus services through the OTTT and OMSA, which cover large routes in metropolitan areas. Additionally, private bus companies like Metro Servicios Turísticos and Caribe Tours operate daily routes. Private business groups such as FENATRANO and CONATRA also control bus transportation services. The metro system consists of two lines designed to relieve traffic congestion along major avenues and corridors.

In New Zealand, it is an offence to drink alcohol in taxis unless the vehicle is a licensed premises. This rule is part of the Summary Offences Act 1981. You should be aware of these regulations when traveling. Always check local laws to ensure you are following the correct guidelines.

Alaska has few road connections compared to the rest of the United States. The road system covers a relatively small area and links central population centers with the Alaska Highway. The state capital, Juneau, is not accessible by road and requires a ferry or flight to reach. Additionally, the western part of the state and much of Southwest Alaska have no road system connecting them to the rest of the state. In these coastal areas, access is primarily provided by air taxi or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry.

Butane and propane are highly flammable petroleum products commonly used as fuels for disposable lighters and gas barbecue grills. Because propane is chemically related to gasoline, it tends to explode if it is ignited in an enclosed container while mixed with oxygen. Using these hydrocarbon gases as automotive refrigerants raises serious safety concerns. The EPA has classified certain flammable blends of hydrocarbons as unacceptable substitutes for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioners. For safety reasons, approved refrigerants contain no more than 4% total flammable hydrocarbons.

In New Zealand, public drinking is generally legal, though local authorities can create liquor-free zones in certain areas. Many towns have these zones, which often cover the Central Business District. Consuming alcohol while driving a motor vehicle is legal provided the driver does not exceed the blood alcohol limit and is not in a liquor-free zone. Passengers are also permitted to consume alcohol as long as they are not in a liquor-free zone. Additionally, it is an offence to drink alcohol in taxis, aeroplanes, or public transport unless the vehicle is a licensed premises.

Samoa underwent a significant transition when it switched from right-hand traffic to left-hand traffic in 2009. This major change coincided with more restrictive enforcement of seat-belt laws. The government also implemented more restrictive enforcement of speeding laws during this period. To manage the transition, the days surrounding the switch were declared public holidays to reduce traffic. Police also set up dozens of checkpoints to warn drivers to drive slowly.

You may notice certain special-purpose vehicles that are built differently than standard cars. Some postal service trucks, garbage trucks, and parking-enforcement vehicles have the driver's seat on the right side. This design allows for safer and easier access to the curb for the operators. A common example of this is the Grumman LLV used by the US Postal Service and Canada Post. These vehicles are designed specifically to assist with their unique tasks on the road.

In jurisdictions with right-hand traffic, vehicles are typically configured as left-hand drive with the steering wheel on the left side. This configuration allows the driver to be closer to the center of the road to better see other vehicles and avoid danger. Historically, many American cars were right-hand drive before the standardization of the left-hand drive model. The driver's side is often referred to as the offside, while the passenger side is called the nearside. These configurations are fundamental to maintaining proper traffic flow on the road.

The direction of travel in a roundabout depends on whether the country uses left-hand traffic or right-hand traffic. In areas with left-hand traffic, vehicles keep to the left and roundabouts circulate in a clockwise direction. Conversely, in areas with right-hand traffic, vehicles keep to the right and roundabouts circulate counterclockwise. These differences are often influenced by political administration or a desire for uniformity with neighboring states. Understanding these patterns is essential for navigating different territories across the Americas.