Who among us hasn’t puzzled over what souvenir to bring home? If you don’t want to buy a trinket that will gather dust on a distant shelf, but are looking for something that will truly surprise and challenge If guests have questions, pay attention to local production and crafts. Today we have compiled for you a small list of unusual souvenirs from some countries, and, of course, in every corner of the world there will be something to add to it.
Tar syrup, Finland
A thick black liquid with a strange smell may seem like anything to you – a lubricant for mechanisms or resin for impregnating wood, but certainly not a sweet syrup for desserts. However, this sauce tastes good, especially when paired with ice cream or pancakes. If the aroma does not whet your appetite at all, you can buy resin soap instead of syrup.
Tincture with snake, Vietnam
Almost every country has its own herbal or berry tincture, but in Vietnam they went further – alcohol is poured into the bottle along with the reptile. The snake, curled into neat rings at the bottom, looks a bit like an exhibit at a medical exhibition, and according to local beliefs, such a drink has an analgesic effect. They also say that despite its repulsive appearance, it is a powerful aphrodisiac.
Caramel with scorpion, USA
As it turns out, insects are enjoyed not only in Asia. In the American state of Arizona, there are so many scorpions that souvenirs are made from them – beautiful multi-colored lollipops, with a small but dangerous animal frozen as if in resin. One can only guess whether a drop of poison on the tip of the sting has frozen with it.
Coffee Luwak, Indonesia
Small, monkey-like animals that live in the jungles of Indonesia feed on coffee berries, choosing the juiciest and ripe ones. They say that after passing through their digestive tract, coffee beans are fermented in a special way, and the drink from them acquires a particularly pleasant tart taste and aroma. Luwak coffee is sold ready-roasted, but exotic lovers can buy a bag of dry “bars” to pick out the beans themselves.
kangaroo bottle opener, Australia
The kangaroo is a symbol of Australia, and its image is most often found on souvenirs. However, you can not limit yourself to symbolism and buy a thing with a real animal, or rather a part of it. Just as a rabbit’s foot brings good luck, a kangaroo’s foot with an attached corkscrew helps open wine and attract the attention of guests, and for beer they produce a more brutal version – with furry testicles.
Possum wool scarf, New Zealand
The opossum’s fur is one of two frost-resistant ones in the world; only these animals and polar bears can boast of an anti-freeze coat that does not tan even in the most severe frost. This wool is very soft and delicate, and products made from it are 35% warmer than similar items made from cashmere. The yarn is produced on eco-farms in New Zealand, where opossums live long, happy lives. An unusual souvenir can be very useful!
