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Apparently November is “Travel Faux Pas” month here at Vagablogging. A few weeks back I wrote about Rolf’s tongue-in-cheek Yahoo! Travel article on “the worst tourists in the world.” In that same post I offered a link to Budget Travel Online’s “10 most common faux pas among travelers.” Today I’m back with more faux pas, as I’ve uncovered the mother-load this time: Wikipedia’s extensive collection of “ways that one might breach social expectations in various countries.”
For instance, did you know that closing one’s eyes while eating in Bangladesh is said to invite demonic possessions of the hosts? Me either. (Unless you’re from Bangladesh, of course.)
It’s a good idea to review the faux pas listed for your home nation to get an idea of what exactly the community of authors considers improper or rude. The lack in strength of one’s handshake, for instance, is said to produce an uncomfortable situation in the list of United States faux pas — and I wouldn’t consider this to be a universally accepted cultural blunder.
Regardless, the list is a fun read. I’ll leave you with a few of my favorites:
United States: In most business settings, physical contact should be limited to a handshake at the beginning and end of the meeting. Any unsolicited contact may be responded to with litigation against both the offending party and any business.
Canada: Calling a Canadian “American” may offend. Canadians will generally accept the faux-pas with good humour, but are notoriously thin-skinned about the subject — similar to New Zealanders who are referred to as “Australian”.
Puerto Rico: In Puerto Rico, pointing is sometimes done with pursed lips. Do not mistake this for a sexual overture.
Ecuador: Beachwear should only be worn at the beach and not in town.
Brazil: Flashing the American “O-K” gesture is considered inappropriate because in Brazil that gesture refers to the anus.
Netherlands: On birthdays people are expected to bring little cakes to work for their co-workers.
Have a look at the full list, and remember: it’s Wikipedia, so add to the list if you wish!
[via lots of blogs!]
November 16th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
While researching my trip to Latvia I came across this faux pas about flowers:-
Flowers are particularly close to the hearts of many Latvians. If you plan to give flowers make sure you give an odd number. Bunches with even numbers are reserved for funerals, cemeteries and other sad occasions.
November 21st, 2006 at 9:14 am
No nononono … Australians are offen mistaken for New Zealanders
A subtle but important difference, writes the smiling woman.
I’m a New Zealander with two brothers married to Aussies so I can’t do the whole outaged kiwi thing without laughter.
And when we meet those Aussies out on the road, it is with the pure delight of meeting someone akin to a cousin.
Actually, I had to laugh. I’m living in Belgium at the moment and met an Australian in a cafe. I said, ‘Is that a NZ accent?’
He said ‘No, I say ‘apple’ not ‘epple’ and then we fell into conversation and talked for as long as time allowed.
November 21st, 2006 at 9:17 am
My Belgian actually struck terror into my polite little Kiwi heart … there are many ways that one can be judged a peasant here in Belgian.
One shouldn’t wave one’s knife while talking at the dinner table.
One shouldn’t drink wine while one has food in one’s mouth.
(I’m working with him … I think he will enjoy peasanthood)
Also, there is mystery surrounding how many kisses are delivered while shaking the hand and greeting the Belgians and Dutch.
You have to remain alert. I could be one kiss on the cheek but it’s more likely to be 3, then again it may be just 2.
Good luck.