While exploring a foreign country, one can't help but notice the variety of signs posted all over, attempting to direct travellers on the do's and don'ts of their chosen destination.
Sometimes, those signs don't exactly translate as intended, or maybe they do. Either way, these blunt statements greatly contrast with the politically correct way of the west, refreshingly hilarious in their willingness to tell it like it is and not give a damn what you think.
Here are 10 signs that will make you laugh, or gasp, in disbelief at the no nonsense attitude of their creators.
1. Nude Jazzercise
This little gem came from a shop window in Iceland. Walking along the street, it's hard to ignore this PG 13 image that will leave you with more questions than answers.
2. Glacial Lagoon
Upon reading this sign posted at a glacial lagoon in Iceland, you will quickly come to the conclusion, if you get close to the water, you'll probably die.
However, after telling you the risks, they did their part and you're basically left with the sense that it's really up to you if you want to be THAT tourist.
3. The Dude
For any of you Big Lebowski fans out there, Reykjavik has the bar for you. Perfectly themed around the movie, you'll be enjoying White Russians while feeling like The Dude himself.
Quite an exciting discovery in the midst of so many unfamiliar sights.
4. Do Not Anything
Throughout Japan, the clarity of their signs are deceiving. Here, we are being told to "Please Do Not Anything" now, this is either very clear and I violated a few rules by even taking this picture, or, you are left with so many questions you just have to walk away.
Either way, an effective sign if their intention was for you to leave.
5. Sparrow
I never thought I would come across a sign so excited to be offering skewered sparrow. It's slightly shocking as flocks of sparrow fly overhead, while carcasses of the same bird are grilled in front of you.
I guess on the bright side, you get some lean protein for only about $5 CAD... we took a hard pass but I've always been curious about the taste.
6. The Vomit-Meter
When it comes to throwing up on a plane, it's always reassuring knowing that a bag is waiting for you in your seat pocket should the need arise.
However, it's pretty awesome when an airline not only tries to entertain you, but encourages a measurement of your vomit, stripping away any shame if you just have to pull an Elsa and "Let it go".
7. Pissed off Monkeys
Everyone has images of cute, hot spring loving monkeys of Japan. So it may come as a shock when a posted sign, describing these critters as aggressive packs of little biters that will attack if you try to take a picture, gets in the way of your perfect shot.
Needless to say the picture of a rabid drooling monkey is enough to deter you from making this mistake, without the blatant warning attached.
8. The Most Expensive Tissue Paper Craft Around
Venice is known to be expensive, and it comes as no surprise once you experience the effort it takes to get there.
However, you may be stopped dead in your tracks upon seeing the tissue paper craft your child made you in third grade being displayed in a storefront window. My apologies if you own this.... jacket?... but kudos to you if you don't mind paying that kind of money for such forward fashion.
9. Stop Attaching Doors
This sign, seen in a Japanese restaurant, is the most thorough guide on how to not screw with automatic doors.
There is no wiggle room here if you thought putting your head on the door was a loophole.
10. Put Your Head In a Bag
This one was a head scratcher for a while after discovering it in a hotel room in Japan. At first, we thought maybe this was a way people could smoke indoors, just hot box yourself with nicotine. We had seen many designated smoking areas throughout Japan that consisted of a completely enclosed space that seemed like the same concept.
Then, realizing this to be a stupid assumption, we read the instructions, quickly realizing this was a way to prevent smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.
It sounds like a good idea, but I'm still not sure of the logistics here, constantly having been told as a child not to put a bag over my head for fear of suffocation.
Sights like these have often created some great memories while traveling and are able to show the personality of the locals who live there. A refreshing discovery coming from a country where everything has to be completely censored and meek so no one is ever offended. Being able to say what they need to say without fear is something I admire.
Have you ever come across hilarious signs on your travels? Share your story in our comments and take a gander at our other posts for more travel tips and tales.