Anuj Sachdeva is an actor and a model
Vacations, for me, are about adding an extra day or two to explore the country I am shooting in. After wrapping up the shoot, I travel around the place. But, I mostly explore on my own. It feels like you are travelling on your own but you’re not — because you are also working. It is different and exciting. I discovered new cultures and fabulous places this way. I recently travelled to Krakow in Poland. It was really beautiful.
Recently, I also visited Grossglockner in the mountains of Austria. I went there at the right time, as it was very beautiful, covered with snow. I visited the chapel of Heiligenblut, which was one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen. This chapel contains a relic of the Blood of Christ. I also walked around the cemetery behind the church and noticed that each grave had a different carving relating to the person who had died, like the jobs that they had. The weather was fabulous and I stayed in a charming guest house run by a German couple. They gave me the attic. I was really scared because in most horror movies, spooky events start in the attic. I couldn’t sleep for quite a while.
I really enjoy meeting new people and learn about different cultures. I also learn a lot in the process. In fact, when I was travelling to Ljubljana, I googled and figured out how to pronounce it correctly.
I also love exploring local cuisines. Most places in Austria have a lot of meat in their cuisine. I am not a very keen non-vegetarian, but in countries like these, I make it a point to try out such delicacies. I tried out the goulash, a beef stew served with thick slices of bread, which is very popular in Austria. I also realised a strange thing: Most places in Austria have stuffed animals on the walls. It is a bit disconcerting to see a deer’s head just above you and wonder if some of that meat has gone into the stew. That was awkward.
At the end of the day, I would say that to know yourself, travel alone. You have to speak to other people. It is only our mindset that deters us from interacting with strangers. Interestingly, I found that most people were very open to speaking to tourists and very helpful too.
From a stiletto ban in Greece to stamping on currency, there are many guidelines across the world that will leave you in total disbelief. They could be exaggeration or misinterpretation of laws. Take a look at some weird laws and be amused. 
Some of the purported dumb laws seem to be far from reality. Or, they could have been totally misunderstood. For example a law might ask a dog-owner to pay damages to his neighbours because his dog keeps barking at night and disturbs them. But when considered out of contexr, it might be like: " dogs can't bark in the night".Greece has banned stilettoes or high-heeled footwear at its ancient monuments to protect them from 'shoe bite' (read damage). With never-ending footfalls to the country, the norm is aimed at preserving tourist sites like Athens' Odeon of Herod Atticus.At Forest Park in Atlanta, one can't wear saggy pants, skirts or shorts, which are more than three inches below hips. If you feel it's untrue, check out, but be ready to pay $1000 fine.Are you addicted to chewing gum? It's better you call off your Singapore trip. Singapore has strict ban on chewing gum in public places. If you are planning to sneak in some gums to chew in hotel room, be warned, smuggling gum into the country is also an office.Many Indian men would hate Eureka, Nevada in USA. Here, it is illegal for men with moustaches to kiss women.Have you heard of this? In Vermont, it is mandatory for women to get written permission from their husbands to wear false teeth.It England, it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp with the photo of the British monarch upside down.If a legislator dies in UK Parliament, he should get state funeral. But there is a British legislation that prohibits people dying while in the Houses of Parliament.In Bahrain, a male doctor can examine a woman’s genitals but it is illegal for him to look directly at them during the examination. However, he can examine by seeing their reflection in a mirror.Rome has an ordinance against eating and drinking in areas of historic and cultural significance. The fine is stated to be $650.Spitting is considered anti-social in the UK. There has been an attempt by local councils across Britain to get the authority to make spitting a criminal offence.In Thailand, you can't step on currency as their monarch is supreme. The king is on all currencies and hence it is considered disrespect to him of one stamps on a currency.Piggy banks don't work in Canada. Penny overuse is totally unacceptable here. There is a restriction on how many pennies can be paid at shops.Electric games are banned in internet cafes in Greece since 2003. Before including electric games, there was a ban on video games as it was considered best to combat illegal gambling.Unlike in India, where dogs, cats or any animal is generously fed anytime, anywhere, in Venice it is unlawful to feed pigeons.
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