I was at a bar in Berlin with one of my Turkish friends and we were speaking German–as it is our common language. I brought up the theme of prostitution, because we were solicited earlier on our way into the bar.

So I ask my friend with my best German, but with my undeniable Chicago accent, “What is prostitution like in Turkey?”

His answer was, “Well, I mean, it is *completely* legal in Turkey. They are everywhere. Simply everywhere. And in fact, I use one almost every day.”

I was totally appalled, but managed to keep cultural differences in mind. I then told him that “It is mostly illegal in the US and is oftentimes underground…” Yadayadayada.

He gets this confused look on his face and mentions, that he thinks we might be talking about two different things.

“What did you think I said?” I ask.

“I thought you said ‘Plastik Tuete’.”

Which translates to “plastic bags”… :-)