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There are some values
that we can learn from the Chinese in Shanghai. I stayed there for
three months two years ago. I walked through some particular shops
each day and noticed the staffs were really serious and discipline
in their work.
On a particular day in a
week, the staffs of a hair salon had to do marching and some singing
of motivation songs before they started their work in the morning.
It was also funny to see them clapping hands, pulling serious faces
and shouting their slogan and preparing to work at a minute after.
I think some
organizations practice this in Malaysia, and I think it is
beneficial to the team – to prepare them to work, to increase the
feeling of self-belonging to the team and to remind them of their
work values to themselves and to the society.
- Lee Teck Wai, Malaysia
If you go to Malaysia, its not the custom to give flowers for a
celebration, its meant to bring bad luck. There are many
superstitions surrounding ghosts and spirits and flowers and water
are often avoided so be careful not to offend the locals !
- Denise Haywood, UK
In India, people tend to shake their heads (not nod, mind you) when
they agree with you or mean 'yes'. Just so you know and not be
unnecessarily perplexed by a gesture that would normally, outside
India, mean 'no'!
- Kimmy Fam, Malaysia
Note all Malaysians and Singaporeans visiting Hong Kong or
Guangdong! Do not say 'Ta Pau' when you order a takeaway. The
Cantonese phrase is understood to mean exactly that in your home
countries through force of long usage but could be offensive to
supertitious Chinese in Hong Kong and southern China, because you'd
be telling them 'to go wrap up a corpse'.
- Steven Ching, Malaysia
If you travel to Indonesia don't forget to say "Terima kasih" for
thank you,it means a lot to Indonesians.
- Luigi Ariawan, Indonesia
English is the "must" language for us, but if you go to Asia learn
some of Chinese language will be more useful.
- Luigi Ariawan, Indonesia
If you travel to a place where shop-owners are very forward and you
feel uncomfortable being dragged into every second shop on the
street, you must remain friendly, but at the same time also
communicate what you are interested in and what not. Don't lead the
local shop owner on to believing that you will buy something next
time you pass by, that will only make the problem worse. Remember to
always be polite as you are in their country.
- Kaare Christensen, Denmark
While travelling you come across the different communities of
different religions and this ensures a meet with diverse cultural
environment. it means that you will be a part of many festivals and
religious ceremonies. But every time you are not well known to the
customs and rituals so you may take the feel of the whole aura by
staying calm and composed as any of tour action might interfere with
the ceremony and that is taken as a mark of disrespect!
- Jitender, India
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If you're going to Italy and need to use a phone card, remember to
tear off a small triangular piece from the card. It won't work on
the phones until you do this.
- Sophie Low, Malaysia
Whether traveling in your own country or overseas find out exactly
where you’re going and what it’s like seasonally. Many areas have
special events and festivals that are specific to a particular
region. Soak in the culture of the area and people this way and you
really get to know the locals as they are.
- Shell Rackley, Australia
For a free and informative tour of backstreets Cairo (and probably
any Egyptian city), grab a random man passing on the street and ask
him where to buy cushion covers or the like. Undoubtedly he will
have a great aunt/third cousin twice removed/niece’s daughter who
owns a cloth shop. No matter what he was doing or where he was
going, he will drop all and lead you there, spending half an hour or
more taking you through the local market and shopping streets with a
running commentary on all the local trades. When you get there, he
will of course offer you "special price, my friend, just for you".
But beware, pretty female travellers... he will most likely try to
buy you for a million camels (more, if you barter), so travel with
at least one male who can claim you are his property!
- Liz Brooke, UK
It would be useful to learn a few common phrases in the local
language. Strangers open up when they hear people speaking in their
local language. This is a simple yet highly effective way to make
new friends as well as to make your way around the country.
- Joyce Nesamani Simson, Malaysia
In Greece, the first day of Lent is called Clean Monday, usually
coming 14 days later than the first day of the Catholic Lent. On
this daya huge outdoor celebration takes place in various tows, with
the most boisterous happening in Athens. Free food is served on the
hill of Philopappou. You can enjoy performances by small folk
orchestras and have lots of fun :)
- Secondlight, Greece
Berlin, a gorgeous city bursting with 'free spirit' following its
freedom and regeneration. Embrace the atmosphere and join thecafe
and club society here. Feel the freedom, vigour and the natural buzz
of the City. Use your credit card as it is convenient and quite
often offers a better rate of exchange. Visa is more widely accepted
than others.
- Richard Wilson, UK
Sabah, the “land below the wind”. For those of you who want to enjoy
some civilized adventure, there are lots of activities for you to
do, such as climbing Mount Kinabalu, horseback riding, learning a
handicraft, white water rafting and island activities such as
snorkelling, open water diving and underwater photography.
- Tsen Chyong Huey, Malaysia
Singaporeans have a very special language (or pidgin dialect)-Singlish.
One of the characteristics is to end sentences with "lah","leh","lor".
So do keep a lookout for them and try to learn some of them.
- Lee Wan Ping, Singapore
When in a restaurant, if
asked by the waitress/waiter about dessert do not answer "No thanks,
I'm stuffed"! It has a very bad connotation Down Under. "No Thanks
You" will suffice.
- Ciongoli, Australia
If you give a pint of blood in Ireland, you get a pint of Guinness
in return!
- Amanda Morrell, Canada
When shopping in downtown Zurich, a person should get 'dressed up.'
Tourists in tattered jeans will look out of place, as the local
women take pride in their appearance, & shopping is an event that
calls for a 'dressed-up' look. Besides that, it makes you feel good
about yourself.
- Vivian Shipper
A traveller does not have to be an observer. If you are on your way
to Ireland, it is imperative for you to talk to the locals. You will
find that your opinions are heard, your company is appreciated, and
your ideas will not be overlooked. Sharing a round of drinks with an
Irish local will put a smile on your face and remind you that life
can be simple and grand. An open heart will always have room for new
friends.
- Hilary, USA |
