People always complain about tourists in D.C., wearing dumb clothes, standing on the left, clogging up the Hard Rock Cafe (actually, we’re fine with that). But it’s difficult to be in a new place and abide by the local customs.

Back in the olden days, we heard that burping is polite in Korea, which sounds pretty awesome if you are an elementary schooler eating as much pizza and Coke as you can at Chuck E. Cheese. And in some countries, pointing with the pointer finger is offensive. Maybe back in Wherevertouristscomefromville it’s polite to stand and read a map in front of train doors, so maybe we’re too harsh. So just go with it, enjoy local culture, and duck when culturally appropriate.

Quote of the Week

Sunday night

A young-ish woman is telling a new date or coworker of her trip to Morocco: “And then, my friend Michelle thinks this is hilarious although at the time I didn’t think so… I was walking down the street and a guy threw a cat at my face. AT. MY. FACE!”

After the jump, bank stumpers, pointy menus, and ways to make your college look good.

Don’t stop sending us your overheards! Keep your ears open and clean them as necessary. overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.

Photo by Flickr user The Skipping Hippy.