Culture Shock!

I have been reading a book with this title, one of a series covering various large cities and countries around the world. Now I'm not necessarily suggesting you all go out to read one, but I have found it highly interesting.

Since we are hoping to visit East Asia and the Czech Republic in October, I decided it might be a good idea for me to learn a little bit more about the Asian culture. Well, to learn anything about Asian culture. My knowledge before the last month or so has been limited to my experiences with Chinese and Japanese restaurants, chop sticks, and fortune cookies.

Here are a few things I've learned so far:

- Never wear all white (this is their funeral color)
- Point with all fingers, not just one finger
- Never arrive at a restaurant before the host (you have to leave and return if necessary)
- Take toilet paper everywhere (unless you're feeling footloose and fancy free!)
- Don't touch handrails, etc. and then your face (unless you want a hand print on it) It is extremely dusty there.
- Offer tea to all guests, without exception (and persist if necessary)
- Don't stick your chop sticks in your bowl, rather lay them flat on top of the bowl (This reminds them of incense they burn to departed friends and relatives.)
- Hand things and grab things with two hands (this shows respect to the other person)

Today Jason ordered the one for the Czech Republic so we can learn more about that culture as well. Hopefully this will help eliminate some faux pas when we visit!