My Vicarious Jigsaw

The Burial of the Sardine: A Playful Goodbye to Carnival

Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Faith and Discovery

Why Clocks Make Unlucky Gifts in China

Why You Shouldn’t Bring Wine to a French Dinner Party

Ordering Steak in Florence? Don't Ask for Well-Done

TOPIC 31 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever taken a long journey or adventure? What was it like?

2. If you could walk a pilgrimage, where would you go and why?

3. How do you prepare for a physically challenging trip?

4. Do you prefer to travel alone or with others? Why?

5. What do you think makes a journey meaningful?

6. Have you ever met interesting people while traveling? Tell me about them.

7. How does traveling to different places help people grow?

8. If you could visit any historical or spiritual site, where would you go?

9. What are the advantages of walking rather than using modern transportation?

10. What’s the longest distance you’ve ever walked in a day? How did you feel afterward?

TOPIC 32 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever attended a unique festival or celebration? What was it like?

2. In your culture, are there any traditions that mark the transition from one season or period to another?

3. How do people in your country celebrate the end of a holiday or festival?

4. What is a time in your life when you had to give up something enjoyable for a greater purpose?

5. If you could create your own symbolic festival, what would it celebrate, and how would people take part?

6. What role do humor and satire play in your culture’s celebrations or traditions?

7. Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional festivals, or should societies focus on creating new celebrations? Why?

8. How do you personally mark the beginning of a new phase in your life? Do you have any personal rituals?

9. If you could visit any country to experience a cultural festival, where would you go and why?

10. Do you prefer lively, theatrical celebrations or more quiet, reflective traditions? Why?

TOPIC 33 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever been caught off guard by a cultural tradition?

2. Can you think of any dining etiquette rules in your culture that visitors might not know?

3. Have you ever stepped on someone's expertise by accident? What happened?

4. What is something you take great care in preparing for guests?

5. Can you think of a time when an unexpected action threw off a planned event?

6. Have you ever been put in an awkward position when attending a social event?

7. What kinds of gifts do people usually stick to in your culture when visiting someone’s home?

8. Have you ever received a thoughtful gift that made a lasting impression on you?

9. When attending a gathering, do you usually check in with the host about what to bring?

10. Do you think strict dining etiquette enhances or restricts a dining experience? Why?

TOPIC 34 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever had to keep in mind an important cultural tradition while giving a gift?

2. Can you think of any taboos in your culture regarding gift-giving?

3. Have you ever received a gift that you interpreted as having a special meaning?

4. What is something you always stick to when selecting gifts for others?

5. Can you think of an object that symbolizes something important in your culture?

6. Have you ever had to find a way to avoid causing offense in a social situation?

7. Can you describe a situation where someone brought bad luck, according to superstition?

8. Have you ever had to get around a cultural rule or tradition? How did you do it?

9. What are some polite ways to refuse a gift if you don’t want to accept it?

10. If you were in China and received a clock as a gift, would you follow the tradition of giving money in return? Why or why not?

TOPIC 35 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever had to keep in mind an important cultural tradition while traveling?

2. Can you describe a dish in your country that people go along with as part of tradition?

3. Have you ever tried a food that blended well with another ingredient?

4. Can you think of a time when you opted for a more affordable option instead of something expensive?

5. What is something that you like to savor and enjoy slowly?

6. Have you ever found that something masked the true flavor of another ingredient?

7. Have you ever found a way to make a dish more enjoyable? What was it?

8. What is a dish in your country that is meant to be simple but still delicious?

9. Can you think of a situation where something was a waste of money? What happened?

10. If you had the chance to try bistecca alla fiorentina, would you follow the local tradition or ask for a different cooking level? Why?

Genghis Khan and the Great Wall: A Battle of Strategy

The Golden Rule of Tinto de Verano: Skip the Expensive Wine

Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Memory

The French Revolution: A Fight for Liberty and Change

Ganesha: The Beloved Remover of Obstacles

TOPIC 36 QUESTIONS

1. What is your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?

2. Have you ever had to keep in mind an important cultural tradition?

3. Can you describe a drink or dish in your country that people go along with as part of tradition?

4. Have you ever tried a food or drink that blended well with another ingredient?

5. Can you think of a time when you opted for a more affordable option instead of something expensive?

6. What is something that you like to savor and enjoy slowly?

7. Can you describe a time when something masked the true quality of another thing?

8. Have you ever discovered a way to make something more enjoyable? What was it?

9. What is a dish or drink in your country that is meant to be simple but still delicious?

10. Can you think of a situation where something was a waste of money? What happened?

TOPIC 37 QUESTIONS

1. Can you think of a time when you had to reshape your plans due to an unexpected challenge?

2. What is a symbol of resistance in your culture or history? Why is it important?

3. Have you ever had to keep someone or something out of a place? How did you do it?

4. Can you describe a situation where you had to find a way around a problem?

5. Have you ever had to exploit weak points to achieve a goal? Was it ethical?

6. Why do you think forging alliances is important in life? Can you give an example?

7. Can you share a moment when hard work paid off for you?

8. Have you ever experienced a time when something fell short of your expectations? How did you react?

9. What is something unique that sets you apart from others?

10. Can you think of a decision that led to a major change in your life?

TOPIC 38 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever been part of a group that was called together for an important event? What happened?

2. Can you think of a time when someone broke away from a group? Why did they do it?

3. What is something exciting you would like to kick off in your life?

4. If you could do away with one rule or tradition, what would it be and why?

5. How do you think history would be different if certain leaders had not been put to death?

6. Can you describe a time when someone brought an end to something that affected you?

7. Have you ever seen an old trend give way to a new one? What was it?

8. What are some situations where people or groups try to seize control of something? Do you think it’s always good or bad?

9. What is something important to you that you want to carry on in the future?

10. If you could start a revolution for something you believe in, what would it be about?

TOPIC 39 QUESTIONS

1. How does Día de los Muertos differ from other celebrations of the dead around the world?

2. What do you think about the idea of celebrating death rather than mourning it?

3. How would you describe the role of food in this tradition?

4. What would you include in your own ofrenda if you were to create one?

5. How do you think music and dance influence the atmosphere of Día de los Muertos?

6. Can you think of any similar traditions in your culture?

7. What role do colors and decorations play in this celebration?

8. How do you feel about the use of skull imagery in this festival?

9. What do you think this celebration teaches us about family and remembrance?

10. If you could participate in Día de los Muertos, what part of the celebration would you enjoy most?

TOPIC 40 QUESTIONS

1. What do you find most interesting about Ganesha’s story?

2. Why do you think Ganesha is associated with wisdom and prosperity?

3. Have you ever seen a Ganesha idol or participated in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations?

4. How do different cultures symbolize good fortune and success?

5. Why do people seek blessings before starting something new?

6. How do traditions like Ganesh Chaturthi influence society?

7. Can you think of similar deities or figures in other cultures?

8. How do myths help people deal with challenges in life?

9. What symbols or practices from your culture help people stay positive?

10. If you could have a symbol of wisdom in your home, what would it be and why?

The Hanging Houses of Cuenca: Spain’s Cliffside Marvel

Pixiu: The Legendary Guardian of Wealth

Aokigahara: Japan’s Mysterious Sea of Trees

La Alhambra: Spain’s Moorish Jewel

Chupacabra: The Blood-Draining Beast of Latin American Folklore

TOPIC 41 QUESTIONS

1. What do you find most fascinating about the legend of Pixiu?

2. Why do you think people believe in symbols of luck and wealth?

3. Have you ever owned or seen a Pixiu charm? If so, where?

4. What are some other creatures in mythology that bring prosperity?

5. Do you think feng shui influences people’s financial success? Why or why not?

6. How do cultural traditions affect people’s daily lives and decisions?

7. Can you think of any similar lucky charms or symbols in your culture?

8. If you could have an object that brings luck, what would it be and why?

9. What are some modern ways people try to attract wealth and success?

10. How do legends and myths help shape a society’s beliefs?

TOPIC 42 QUESTIONS

1. What do you find most interesting about the Hanging Houses of Cuenca?

2. How do you think these houses have managed to survive for so many centuries?

3. Why do you think people are drawn to buildings with unique designs?

4. Have you ever visited a place with a dramatic landscape? How did it make you feel?

5. How do historical sites help us understand the past?

6. What challenges do you think architects faced when building homes on a cliffside?

7. How do you think modern technology would change the construction of similar houses today?

8. What are some other famous buildings that seem to defy gravity?

9. If you could live in a unique home like this, would you? Why or why not?

10. How can historical sites be preserved while still allowing visitors to experience them?

TOPIC 43 QUESTIONS

1. What do you find most interesting about La Alhambra?

2. How do different architectural styles influence the beauty of a place?

3. Why do you think La Alhambra has remained such an important cultural site?

4. What role do historical landmarks play in a country’s identity?

5. Have you ever visited a palace or historical site? What was your experience like?

6. How do different cultures influence the architecture of a place?

7. Why do you think water features like fountains are important in Islamic architecture?

8. How does La Alhambra compare to other famous landmarks you know?

9. What would you most like to see if you visited La Alhambra?

10. How can historical sites be preserved while still allowing visitors to enjoy them?

TOPIC 44 QUESTIONS

1. What do you know about Aokigahara before reading this article?

2. Why do you think Aokigahara has such a mysterious reputation?

3. How do legends and folklore shape people’s perceptions of certain places?

4. Would you ever visit Aokigahara? Why or why not?

5. What are some other places in the world that are surrounded by myths and mystery?

6. How does nature influence storytelling and legends in different cultures?

7. What role does silence play in making a place feel eerie or peaceful?

8. How do different countries deal with places associated with tragic histories?

9. Do you think media influences how people view Aokigahara? Explain your thoughts.

10. If you could visit any mysterious location in the world, where would you go and why?

TOPIC 45 QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever heard of the Chupacabra before? What do you think about this legend?

2. Why do you think stories of mysterious creatures exist in different cultures?

3. Do you believe the Chupacabra could be real, or is it just a myth? Why?

4. How do urban legends and folklore shape a country’s culture?

5. What are some famous myths or creatures from your own country?

6. Why do you think people are fascinated by unexplained mysteries?

7. How do you think the internet has influenced the spread of modern legends?

8. What do you think scientists should do to investigate creatures like the Chupacabra?

9. How does fear play a role in the belief of supernatural creatures?

10. If you could prove or disprove the existence of one mythological creature, which one would it be and why?