My Vicarious Jigsaw
I see the world as a vast jigsaw puzzle, with each piece representing a different culture, tradition, or way of life. Through my students, I’ve had the privilege of collecting these pieces—stories, insights, and perspectives that shape a richer, more complete picture of our world. As memory fades, I’ve decided to preserve and share these pieces here. Join me in exploring the world through English, using language as it’s meant to be used: for connection, understanding, and discovery.
Strength: Stone Lifting & Wood Chopping Traditions
Holi: A Burst of Color, Music, and Tradition
La Tomatina: Spain’s Ultimate Tomato Fight
Nikkei Cuisine: The Perfect Blend of Japan and Peru
Sky Burials of the Toraja: A Journey to the Afterlife
TOPIC 16 QUESTIONS
What do you think makes Holi such a unique and joyful festival?
Would you like to take part in Holi? Why or why not?
How do you think playing with colors helps people bond with each other?
What role do myths and legends play in shaping cultural traditions?
Can you think of any festivals in your country that bring people together in a similar way?
How do you think Holi’s message of forgiveness and renewal is important in daily life?
What challenges might people face when celebrating Holi in different parts of the world?
If you could introduce Holi to your community, how would you adapt it?
What other ways can people celebrate the arrival of spring besides festivals?
How do you think festivals like Holi help people break social barriers?
TOPIC 17 QUESTIONS
What do you think makes traditional sports like Harri-jasotzaileak and Aizkolaritza so appealing?
Have you ever seen or participated in a sport that requires both strength and technique? What was it like?
How do you think these Basque sports compare to modern strength competitions?
Why do you think rural sports remain popular in certain cultures?
What are some traditional sports or competitions in your country, and how do they reflect local history?
Do you think traditional sports should be preserved, or should they evolve with time? Why?
How important do you think technique is compared to raw strength in sports like these?
If you had to train for either Harri-jasotzaileak or Aizkolaritza, which would you choose and why?
What qualities do you think an athlete needs to excel in endurance-based competitions?
How do you think physical challenges like stone lifting or wood chopping build a sense of community?
TOPIC 18 QUESTIONS
How do you feel about trying new foods that mix different cultural influences?
Can you think of any other examples where different cultures have blended to create something new?
If you had to explain Nikkei cuisine to someone who had never heard of it, how would you describe it?
What are some of your favorite dishes from Japanese or Peruvian cuisine? Would you like to try a mix of both?
Why do you think some food trends catch on globally while others fade away?
Have you ever tried a dish that seemed strange at first but turned out to be delicious? What was it?
How do you think food can help bring people from different backgrounds together?
If you were to create your own fusion cuisine, which two countries’ foods would you mix and why?
What role does food play in your culture?
Are there any dishes that represent an interesting mix of influences?
TOPIC 19 QUESTIONS
Have you ever worked with family or friends? How was the experience?
Do you think it’s a good idea to mix business and personal relationships? Why or why not?
What are some challenges of giving feedback to someone close to you?
How would you handle a situation where a family member is not doing their job well?
Have you ever experienced favoritism in the workplace? How did it affect you?
What are the advantages of hiring family and friends? Can they outweigh the disadvantages?
How do you think cultural differences influence family businesses in different countries?
What qualities do you think are important in a professional work environment?
If you owned a business, would you hire family and friends? Why or why not?
How would you separate work and personal life if you had to work with a close friend?
TOPIC 20 QUESTIONS
What makes the Erong tradition unique compared to other burial practices?
Why do you think the Toraja people place such importance on funeral ceremonies?
How does the idea of death being a gradual process change the way people grieve?
Do you know of any burial traditions in your culture that are different from common practices?
What do you think about the idea of keeping a deceased family member at home for a long time?
How do funeral customs reflect a society’s beliefs about life and death?
Would you feel comfortable visiting a site with hanging coffins? Why or why not?
How do you think traditions like Erong can be preserved in modern times?
What are some similarities between the Toraja funeral practices and other cultures' traditions?
Why do you think people from different cultures are fascinated by unique funeral customs?
Iaido: Mastering the Art of the Sword Draw
Paris’s Catacombs: A City of Bones Beneath the Streets
Francisco Franco & the Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided
Jouhatsu: Vanishing Without a Trace in Japan
The Kingdom of Aragon: From Power to Decline
TOPIC 21 QUESTIONS
What do you find most fascinating about the Paris Catacombs?
Why do you think people are drawn to mysterious or eerie places?
How do you feel about turning historical sites into tourist attractions?
Would you ever visit the Catacombs? Why or why not?
How do you think the atmosphere of the Catacombs compares to other historical landmarks?
What are some other famous underground sites or tunnels you know about?
Why do you think people in the past believed in creating elaborate burial sites?
If you could explore a hidden or unknown place, where would it be?
How do you think exploring history through places like the Catacombs can change our perspective on the past?
What safety measures do you think should be in place for visitors exploring sites like this?
TOPIC 22 QUESTIONS
How does Iaido differ from other martial arts?
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of practicing Iaido?
Why do you think discipline and mindfulness are important in martial arts?
Have you ever practiced a martial art or another disciplined activity? What was your experience like?
How do you think ancient traditions like Iaido remain relevant in modern times?
In what ways can the philosophy of Iaido be applied to everyday life?
What role do rituals and traditions play in different cultures’ martial arts?
Would you prefer a martial art that involves sparring or one like Iaido that focuses on form? Why?
What other Japanese traditions or practices interest you?
How do you think training in a martial art like Iaido could help improve focus and patience?
TOPIC 23 QUESTIONS
What do you think are the main reasons people choose to disappear?
How does jouhatsu reflect social pressures in Japan?
Can you think of other cultures where people go into hiding for similar reasons?
What are the ethical concerns surrounding companies that help people disappear?
If you were in a difficult situation, would you consider starting anew in another place? Why or why not?
How does shame influence people’s decisions in different societies?
Do you think jouhatsu is an act of survival or an escape from responsibility? Why?
What are some modern alternatives to disappearing when facing overwhelming problems?
How do you think reconnecting with family after years of disappearance would feel?
If you could disappear for a month without consequences, where would you go and why?
TOPIC 24 QUESTIONS
Can you describe a time when someone took over a situation?
Have you ever had to push back against something unfair? What happened?
What is a positive change you would like to bring about in your life?
What rules do you think governments should crack down on to improve society?
Is there something you like to hold on to, either physically or emotionally? Why?
Have you ever had to hand over responsibility to someone else? How did it feel?
What is a habit or tradition you would like to move away from? Why?
Can you think of a situation where one event set the stage for something important in your life?
How do you think leaders should handle disagreements with the people they govern?
If you could make a law, what would it be and why?
TOPIC 25 QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard of any real-life ghost stories or paranormal cases in your country?
Do you believe in the supernatural, or do you think everything has a scientific explanation?
If you were a police officer investigating a haunted house, what would you do?
Why do you think some people are more likely to believe in ghosts than others?
Have you ever had a strange or unexplained experience? What happened?
What do you think makes a ghost story more believable or scarier?
If you could visit a famous haunted location, where would you go and why?
What role do movies and books play in shaping people’s beliefs about the supernatural?
How do different cultures view ghosts and paranormal activity? Are there any traditions related to spirits in your culture?
If you had the chance to communicate with a spirit, would you do it? Why or why not?
The Banned Festival: Spain’s Controversial Goat Tradition
Thyrus the Dragon: Terni’s Legendary Protector
Garuda: Thailand’s Sacred Emblem of Power and Protection
The Art of Cheek Kissing: A Cultural Greeting Across Borders
The Art of Bowing in Japan: More Than Just a Greeting
TOPIC 26 QUESTIONS
What are some reasons why a woman might choose permanent contraception?
How does female sterilization compare to male sterilization (vasectomy)?
Can you think of any cultural beliefs or taboos about sterilization in your country?
How would you explain the function of the fallopian tubes to someone unfamiliar with human anatomy?
What are some possible emotional or psychological effects of undergoing sterilization?
Why might someone need to undergo an oophorectomy instead of tubal ligation?
What lifestyle changes might be necessary after a woman stops producing estrogen?
How do you think access to sterilization procedures varies across different countries?
What are some alternative long-term birth control methods besides sterilization?
How can society support individuals who undergo sterilization for medical reasons?
TOPIC 27 QUESTIONS
How do you feel about traditions that involve animals?
Do you think cultural heritage should always be preserved, or should some traditions change over time?
Have you ever seen a festival that was controversial? What was it about?
How can societies balance tradition and ethical concerns?
Are there any traditions in your culture that have changed due to modern values?
What are some alternatives to animal-related festivals that still honor cultural heritage?
Do you think international pressure should influence local traditions? Why or why not?
How do you think younger generations view traditional customs compared to older generations?
Can you think of a festival that has adapted over time while keeping its cultural significance?
What role do governments and activists play in shaping cultural traditions?
TOPIC 28 QUESTIONS
How do you usually greet people in your culture?
Have you ever experienced confusion when greeting someone from a different culture? What happened?
Why do you think cheek kissing is more common in some cultures than others?
What are some situations where cheek kissing might not be appropriate?
How do you feel about physical forms of greeting like cheek kissing or hugs?
In what ways do greetings reflect the values of a society?
Have you noticed different greeting customs in different regions of your country?
How would you explain the concept of cheek kissing to someone unfamiliar with it?
Do you think traditional greeting customs will change in the future? Why or why not?
If you visited a country where cheek kissing was common, would you feel comfortable participating? Why or why not?
TOPIC 29 QUESTIONS
What does the Garuda symbolize in Thai culture, and how is it used today?
How does the Garuda compare to other mythological creatures in different cultures?
Have you seen Garuda symbols in Thailand or other countries? Where?
Why do you think mythological creatures are important in national identities?
How do symbols like the Garuda influence people's beliefs and traditions?
In your culture, are there any animals or figures that represent strength or protection?
How do you think religious traditions shape a country’s national symbols?
What role does mythology play in modern society?
How has the representation of the Garuda changed over time?
If you could create a national symbol for your country, what would it be and why?
TOPIC 30 QUESTIONS
How does bowing compare to greeting customs in your culture?
What do you think is the most respectful way to greet someone?
Have you ever experienced bowing as part of a cultural exchange or travel experience?
How does body language affect communication in different cultures?
Why do you think bowing is important in traditional Japanese arts and sports?
Can you think of situations where showing respect is especially important?
How do different professions use gestures to communicate?
Have you ever felt unsure about how to greet someone from another culture?
What other gestures or customs around the world show respect?
If you had to introduce a new greeting in your country, what would it be and why?
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