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Part of traveling and seeing new places is the thrill and excitement of finding out how people live in other countries. And the more drastic the difference is in culture, the more exciting it is.

Meet Jorie, a Chicago creative who has moved to Norway to live together with her husband, family, and pets, and who has also turned her TikTok channel into a platform to broadcast all of the interesting things she as an American found foreign in Norway.

In her running series of videos, appropriately titled “Things In Norway That Are Foreign To Me”, she points out things like bread cutting machines in grocery stores, leaving baby strollers with babies outside, packing your own groceries, and the like.

This, and other videos on her channel, have drawn in nearly 24,000 followers and almost 800,000 likes.

So, we’ve turned her intriguing points into a curated list that you can vote and comment on below. So, get cracking, and if you’re an international living in another country, why not share your biggest culture shocks in the comment section below!

More info: TikTok

#1

Dogs Are Allowed On Public Transport

Dogs Are Allowed On Public Transport

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Kookamunga
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs should be allowed everywhere. Church, restaurants, theaters, schools, hospitals, nightclubs, prisons, trampolines, TV studios, nuclear substations.....all things better with dogs.

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Bored Panda got in touch with the face behind the channel, Jorie, for an interview on her Things In Norway That Are Foreign To Me video series and all things Norway.

In the beginning, Jorie thought of creating these videos for an American-only audience as a way of informing them about the Norwegian culture. But she quickly understood that Norwegians like to see their culture reflected back at them, so the audience grew rapidly.

"Of course, it’s a small country in population and representation is exciting. I also think they enjoy explaining (as much as I enjoy reading it) why these differences are the way they are," elaborated Jorie.

So as my audience arose, I now try to point things out to Norwegian viewers of things here in Norway that are not common in other countries, especially the Americas, that they might not realize (like how much they add canned corn to, its not something they notice until they realize many other places don't have it as a common pizza topping!)."

#2

Grass On Roofs

Grass On Roofs

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Trond Hermansen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The turf was traditionally used to hold birch bark in place thus creating a leak proof roof.

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#3

Stop Light Buttons That Actually Make Drivers Stop

Stop Light Buttons That Actually Make Drivers Stop

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#4

Double Beds From Single Duvets

Double Beds From Single Duvets

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K Witmer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always had my own blanket when I share a bed w my husband. I need to wrap myself up. My dogs have their own blankets in bed too.

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two double-duvets and I might be with you. I hate single-duvets as there is aways a draughty gap somewhere.

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J. Normal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We loved to share, the warm butt snuggles helped both of us sleep, and waking up that way was great also.

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Chancey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and I like it that way. Huge duvet to cover the entire bed and no gaps anywhere.

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nizumi avatar
Nizumi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I started doing that a couple of years ago when the hot flashes started. I spend half the night tossing blankets off, then on then off then on... Every time I did that, it pulled on my husband's side, disturbing him. Now we each have our own - different weights - and we sleep muuuuuuuuch better!

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Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This concept has been shared for many years but unfortunately it seems to be one of those handy things you don't immediately recall when considering changing up your bed linens. It's really a stroke of genius. Two smaller duvets that overlap in the "cuddle zone" but still allow individualized use and warmth. Imagine how much marital passive anger and irritation would have been avoided.

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Zara VP
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will need to incorporate this. I only sleep with a flat sheet- I like it to be a little chilly at night and my husband loves to sleep with the thickets, warmest and fluffiest blanket. I just cannot.

jessica-bertram1 avatar
Jessica Bertram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my husband and i have a queen bed, and 2 single duvets, in Colorado. quite european. Saves our marriage and ability to sleep together bc he's a tuck-and-roller and always cold. i cook.

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BasedWang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just a personal preference thing. I know families who all use seperate blankets

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Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me and my husband already do this. We like different temperatures, different amounts of blankets, he likes sheets I don't. Makes more sense.

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Lolliegag
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I have done this for years and we are in the USA. Didn't know it was a thing lol

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Martha Higgins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have done that for decades, (in the U.S.) not so unusual, and each person gets to choose the level of warmth he or she prefers. No hogging the covers, either!

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Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously!!!! Though sleeping bags would be even better! Then HE cannot pinch all the covers to put on the floor on his side of the bed.

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Gypsy Lee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband & I do this. You can only wake up shivering so many times, & smothering someone with a pillow is illegal.

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Linda Chaney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just sewed my two together to cover my double and queen beds, not a problem.

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Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it against the law in the US to have your own blanket? If so, I've been an outlaw for 30 years now.

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Nahkaparturi X
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what the hell. Do you actually share a common duvet somewhere ? That's just disgusting !

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JitkaBlitka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, that's not normal everywhere? Single duvet is my nightmare... like I love my husband, but our 14 years marriage would crumble after one night under single duvet.

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Linda Tisue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worse yet are the "romantic hotels" where there are two single beds pushed together, but the hard wood floor make them move apart. Try to spoon and somebody ends up on the floor. Sweden has them too.

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Spinaap
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get the single sheet: anyone moves, other awakes. Anywone farts, share the smell. Someone getting in or out (toilet, work, drink, ...), both awake ...

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Cher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How me and my husband always sleep. He's always cold and I'm always hot so this is perfect for us. He can wrap him self up like a burrito and I can throw my blankets on and off all night

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Sabrina Bowen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I have ways had two comforters on the bed - both queen size. Neither of us are big on sharing and we're both big on cuddling up...

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Lululoohoo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I do this and have for a few years now. No more fighting over the blankets! We have a king bed with 2 twin duvets

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Gini Sarver
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my husband and I improved our marriage ((for real)) by me buying him his own blanket and I using the one we already owned

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Evija Pakalniņa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought this was normal. But yes, I also copied it into my life from my hosting family in Oslo. Can not stand double duvets!

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Sally R
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One large duvet reflects back the heat of two people. You can adjust you own temperature with your own duvet!

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Aubrie Allen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dude and I have had separate blankets for years and it's so much better than sharing one! No one hogs the covers, and it's not as hot.

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Tami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good idea. Hubby likes the down comforter in the winter, but I get overheated.

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Moezzzz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always have my own blanket. I freeze my husband out, so he has a heavy blanket and I have a thinner one

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Eiram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Common practice in US Why are these things strange to this random american... I dont know.

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Zitronella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Germany and only a few people prefer one big duvet. The most of us have two duvets in a bed for two. And if you have a little kid with you in bed it has a own duvet too :-)

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Sandra Givens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I used separate covers and never been to Norway.

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KariLovesHerKat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't stand heat husband can't stand the cold he has a double duvet for himself and I've a lovely cotton sheet

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Sofie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought this was the standard, but then again I'm also from Scandinavia 😅 Me and my partner have a double in the closet if we want to share sometimes, but most often have one single each. It's annoying to share all night since I'm warmer than him, so I want a lighter duvet than him. Plus he often moves like Taz in Looney Toons in his sleep and gets all wrapped up in the duvet leaving none for me.

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Signe Manat Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consider this: two double duvets, one for each. I will never give up my double duvet.

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Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't use duvets, total pita, but my partner and I each have our own blankets because we like to sleep.

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TKA
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned about this when I visited Norway in 1999. I saw my parents had 2 separate duvets. I was by myself so I only had one. I was always intrigued by the idea. 18 years into marriage and I totally get it now. We almost did this 2 years ago when we got new bedding but we didn’t and I regret it. Sometimes I will use our old quilt and fold it just for me and he uses the new one folded just for him. It works well when we do that.

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Kevin Camp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is much more common among older married couples than most know. One is always too warm while the other is cold.

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Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, that just sucks all of the fun out of blanket-hogging!

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Twodogsandapicnictable
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pushing two beds together is actually mind blowing to someone? Theres even such a thing as a fold out couch with a bed inside. Next someones gonna realize that you can lie under the blankets when they're cold.

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Now, it's not all culture shock, as there are also "spot the difference" videos. Sure, some can be a tad bit shocking, like the idea of the government having to agree on a baby's name, but the latter category would involve things like date format differences and, according to Jorie, they are more for the sake of discussion.

And speaking of videos in general, Jorie used to keep a running list of things to discuss in them, but it changed a bit when the audience got involved:

"Now I read heavily through the comments, and just note things as I experience them. Again, there are 2 categories in the series: the ‘culture shock’ which doesn’t have many items left on the list as I’ve been living here a while; and the 'basic-known differences', those I have a few more on the back burner about. I’m also highly sensitive to all the things that will be misinterpreted as 'stupid American' so I try to stay always from those… or at least give a very thorough brainstorm of how to communicate it in a video."

#6

Leaving Babies In Strollers Outside

Leaving Babies In Strollers Outside

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Ozacoter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be so afraid that somebody would take the baby. Its pure paranoia but I cant even leave our dog outside of a store just in case.

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#7

Colorful Houses

Colorful Houses

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(T)reacherou(S)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What colours do they use in usa if not blue and red (not trying to be mean, honestly curious)?

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#8

Recycling Bottles And Cans

Recycling Bottles And Cans

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loopyli
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have this in the US. You take them to the recycling center to exchange

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There are, however, videos that Jorie decided not to post, or there are videos that were posted despite it not really being "new" information at this point. She elaborates:

"Like I just mentioned, I hate the 'stupid American' comments. Of course, I know in Europe the dates are D/M/Y vs M/D/Y, or that the power outlets here were different, but I still want to post these small differences for Norwegians and other Europeans that don’t know how America does it."

"I also get a lot of comments telling me how America works (in a negative cliche light) from people who definitely have never been. Mind you, we are made up of SO many states that are SO different culturally than one another. So videos that bring up politics, I’ll stay away from as I don’t like feeling any personal association with those cliches.

"On the other end, I’ll get comments from people who studied abroad in the states telling me I’m wrong about my comparison (roundabouts are not common in the US, period, end of story!)."

#9

Bread Slicers In Grocery Stores

Bread Slicers In Grocery Stores

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#10

Clean Drinking Water From Faucets

Clean Drinking Water From Faucets

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#11

Packing Your Own Groceries At Checkout

Packing Your Own Groceries At Checkout

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Fat Harry
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The whole of Europe (that I know of) does this. Again, the US is the odd one out.

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#12

Different (Consecutive) Date Format

Different (Consecutive) Date Format

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Nathaniel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why the Americans have it different I do not know, it makes sense day, month then year.

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#13

Smaller Milk Packaging With Shorter Expiration Periods

Smaller Milk Packaging With Shorter Expiration Periods

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Trond Hermansen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Norwegian scientists recently clarified that milk can be perfectly good for way longer than what is printed on the carton.

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Jorie continued:

"My biggest takeaway on it is that these videos are not 'who’s right and wrong', and no, I personally don't think the world revolves around the US, and many try to declare that. It’s just a fun note on how different countries and cultures can be. Although I find my commenters can be a very literal bunch! So I also try to put out as many disclaimers as I can to avoid all these types of comments."

"Sometimes my videos are dramatizations (I added canned corn to everything I ate that week of shooting, I do know Norwegians don't add it to those specific items). And some of my videos are more based on my experience coming from Chicago, not just the general US. But no matter how hard I try, no one reads captions and they will still find a point of contention. I do have a huge experience I plan to talk about in the very near future that I’ve been eager to share on social. So those will maybe become a sub-series to this series very soon. Stay tuned!"

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#14

Smaller Fridges

Smaller Fridges

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Pat Bond
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good size fridge freezer. Won't be too hard on the electrics and no plumbing required.

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#16

Standing Rather Than Sitting Next To A Stranger On Public Transport

Standing Rather Than Sitting Next To A Stranger On Public Transport

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#18

Roundabouts

Roundabouts

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May
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Studies have shown that these are much better for traffic flow than traffic lights - don't know why everyone doesn't use them

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"Norway is a beautiful, safe, and lovely place to be! Posting videos and interacting with so many Norwegians via TikTok has been a great microscope to even more of their culture than I could experience alone. The biggest challenge was trying to explore my new home during Covid times. I hope to keep it up throughout my time living here," concludes Jorie.

Stay tuned for more videos from Jorie, which you can check out on her TikTok channel. But don't leave just yet, as there are more things to see by scrolling below, and why not leave a comment with some of your culture shocks in the comment section!

#19

Flexible Shower Doors

Flexible Shower Doors

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arianna
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The author of this topic seems to live in a world apart! I am impressed! Foldable barriers are normal in Europe!

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#20

Blinds Outside Windows

Blinds Outside Windows

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Cambree
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't mean to sound stupid, but how do you lower the blinds? Do you go outside each time?

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#21

Windows Open In Multiple Directions

Windows Open In Multiple Directions

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Olga Dremina
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean, it is different in the US? I thought, windows are the same everywhere?

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#22

More Laid-Back Airport Security

More Laid-Back Airport Security

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#23

Separating Beer Packs

Separating Beer Packs

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#24

Canned Corn In Almost Any Dish

Canned Corn In Almost Any Dish

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Nathaniel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I add canned corn to so many things, salads, beans on toast, pizzas, stews etc. Not tried it with ice cream yet though.

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#25

Different Electrical Outlets

Different Electrical Outlets

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