Do you have something special you do when you travel that gives you a greater glimpse into the local culture? I do. I go the movies! I really enjoy seeing a movie in other countries and observing their local movie theater customs. In Australia, for instance, people ate ice cream cones in the theater. So I had an ice cream cone, too. It felt really odd to eat a cone in the dark. And I made quite a mess. The first time I was ever asked to reserve a seat in a movie theater was in New Zealand. The movie goers in Portugal stay until the very end of all the movie credits. And as I mentioned here, in Lisbon I went to a theater that didn’t have any food or beverages for sale. No concession stand at all!
I even enjoy sitting through movies in languages I don’t speak or understand. I’ve done that in Japan. In Vienna, I went to a wonderful old movie house. Those are the best. I also enjoy reading about the history of movie houses, why we go to movies at all, and in many cases how movie going culture has changed. Here’s an article I found written by a film historian and critic. It’s a fun, easy read!
Village Movie Theater in Coronado. Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/78742693458651847/
Maybe you don’t go to movies when you travel, but do you do something that’s fun and unusual that puts you in the local scene?
The funniest thing, I think, is buying a ticket for a film in a foreign country and not speaking the language of that country (and when the film is in the native language of the country). The cinema employee might think “what kind of crazy person is that?”
Very true, derek. They usually try to lead me to a movie in English, but I tell them I don’t mind sitting through films in other languages:) Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
only when on vacation in HKT
Interesting, Mike. Do they have films in English in Phuket or are they subtitled or dubbed? Thanks for reading!
most are in english, ( latest movies, low prices, nice venue, low cost) check out jungceylon cinema for more info, all part of our family holiday once a year .
Thanks for posting this info, Mike. I hope people heading to Phuket check it out. I was in Thailand not too long ago, but not in Phuket. Have a great Sunday!
same nice venues in BKK for movies, just don’t for get to stand for the king
Two other good tips, Mike. Thanks!
I go to supermarkets or grocery stores. Very interesting to see what they stock and how people shop in each country
HI Mary, I agree. I spend more time in supermarkets when I travel than I ever do at home. Very fun way to mix with locals. Thanks for reading!
In Thailand, they play their national anthem after the previews before the movie. All including foreigners are required to stand up as a show of respect. The seats are recliners and very posh. Ty also have a bar serving alcohol and food that is not restricted to hot dogs and popcorn. Me and the wife have seen “Arrival” and “The Great Wall” in addition to other Hollywood hits in Bangkok. The movies are in English with Thai subtitles.
In the US, we have the MoviePass card that we use frequently here in the OC and will try to use when traveling domestically.
HI Kalboz, Ah, so that’s what Mike meant when he posted, “Don’t forget to stand for the king”. I’m not a fan of those reclining seats, though. Thanks for the tips, and now I’m sorry I didn’t get to a theater in Thailand. But next time for sure. The MoviePass seems to be popular amongst a few people I know. It doesn’t work with my favorite theater, so I never did get one.
too bad we can’t post images here, I have a short video that is related to the passing of the latest king, would be interesting to see if anyone gets whats going on.
You can post a link to the video.
Please do as Grant suggested and post a link to the video, Mike. I’d like to see it!!
on my phone, no idea how to make a link to it
That’s not something I can help with, Mike. Sorry.
I just realized how long we have been going down to Phuket for yearly vacations, the youngest ( my grand daughter) i this pict is now 22
MIke
http://www.murphyjunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/JCRAP3.jpg
Family rituals are wonderful, I agree. Thanks for reading, Mike!
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