Representing America Abroad Part 4



In the Middle East, this is what you would expect if you were invited to someone's house for dinner.

Food and Drink

Drinking and eating habits are different when traveling abroad, but if your table manners are good, you won't be criticized because they are typically American. By this I mean that you won't be considered ill-mannered if you switch your fork to your right hand after cutting your meat with it in your left, but every foreigner in the room will know your from the United States. 

Cocktails are not a part of life abroad as they are in the United States. Thanks to the movies everyone knows that Americans are suppose to drink whiskey and cocktails from morning to night, they are served in bars in all big cities. You must beware abroad because they might not taste like any cocktail you have ever had before and they will more than likely be served lukewarm. Thankfully, I did not have to go through an experience like this. It is far better to follow the customs of most foreign countries and take, instead, the delicious native wines that they offer with your meals. Of course there are local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in each country, and it is interesting to try them at least once. Wines in France, beer in Germany, aperitifs in Italy are all examples. You may or may not enjoy the beverages each country offers but they are a part of the culture and economy and should be sampled by all tourists. 



Going to take someone's picture?  Ask first for permission.

Taking Pictures

Have the decency to ask permission to take a picture with a native of a country. They may appear unusual or picturesque to you, but a poor farmer may be ashamed of the very costume that to you seems charming. In countries where the natives still wear a national costume ( more common in Africa, Middle and Far East) the people are accustomed to being photographed by tourists, but it is still polite to ask their permission unless you are just taking a picture of a large crowd.


Men greeting with a kiss to the cheek is not uncommon in many parts of the world.

European and South American Manners

The manners of Europeans and South Americans are more "flowery" than those of Americans. Men bow more deeply and women always shake hands when introduced and hand kissing is still practiced. If you see that a handsome gentleman is about to lean over and kiss your hand, don't giggle or pull away. Accept the gesture for what it is, a compliment to your femininity, and act as natural as you can. European gentlemen not only tip their hats to ladies; the remove them and bow with a flourish. Ladies are always seated on the gentleman's right, except in a theater when this would place her on the aisle.


A simple smile and a bow does the trick when presented or presenting a gift.

Flowers and Presents

Europeans and Latins have a great love for giving presents, not only for a Birthday or Christmas but almost every chance they meet. Such gifts are usually foods or flowers, especially those baked in their own ovens or grown in their gardens. In accepting these, we must learn how to bow and smile and show our pleasure in accepting the gift and as soon as possible show our friendliness by a simple appropriate gift to interpret our courteous intentions when your speech is lacking. If it happens that you can't speak a word of the language then give a smile and a genuine handshake with confident assurance and your gesture will be received with a cordial welcome. Such gifts are the most heart-warming of all. 

Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 7 September 2011, 10:09 AM
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: representing america abroad food drink pictures manners flowers presents
 
Trackbacks
Trackback specific URL for this post
  • Trackbacks are closed for this post.
Comments
  • No comments exist for this post.
Leave a comment

Comments are closed.