Be Culturally Acceptable When You Visit a Foreign Country
When you travel keep in mind that what seems to be harmless choices done in a culturally different country, may get in very big trouble.
40 lashes for Gillian Gibbons after naming the classroom bear Mohammad. He did this in Sudan. He was then pardoned for this blasphemy, but was banished out of the country.
In countries like Thailand who are very conservative and very respectful to their kings and queens, you must always observe “lèse majesté”. Aussie writer Harry Nicolaides did not do this after lashing the monarchy in his book. He ended up 6 months in prison. But as simple as disfiguring money or licking a post stamp, both having pictures of the King, can get you in big trouble too.
One of the best things when you travel is that you get to explore custom different from what you grew up doing and you get to know the locals too. This may even be the prime reason for your travel. Yet be warned that introductions vary in different countries. Mediterranean locals do kisses on the cheek even to strangers, while the Maori of New Zealand still do their customary rubbing of noses called hongi. Then in Russia, never attempt to shake hands along a threshold (cherez porok), or you will be facing a serious argument.
When you travel to Arab countries, do not be surprised when you see two men holding hands. There is no sexual meaning to that because physical contact between Arab men only means kinship.
Goodbyes may be different too.
In South Asian and Arab countries, thanking your host may be misinterpreted as an insult. Unlike the Westerns where hosting is a privilege and hosts thank their guests, it is different to South Asians and Arabs. Experts even say that if you want to travel to these areas, better forget some of your “thank you” and “please”.
So, when you travel to a far away land, remember to practice courtesy. Locals were brought up with different custom. And as a visitor, adapt to the culture of where you plan to travel. So if you want to have a pleasurable experience in a foreign country, understand the local practices and avoid disrespecting their tradition.
