A Cultural Journey in Etiquette
October 23, 2014
One of the most fascinating things about traveling is being able to immerse yourself in another culture. The customs, culture, gestures and what is considered their social “norms” are so interesting.
This summer I had the opportunity to travel farther afield than I normally go. I spent nearly a month visiting Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo.
In Tokyo, one of the most densely populated urban centers of the world, there is a definite feeling of respect for one another. A limo coach picked us up from the airport to take us to our hotel. And as the bus pulled away, the three attendants who had loaded our baggage bowed to the bus in perfect synchronicity.
Everything seemed quite orderly from the airport, to the streets to the train stations. Pedestrians wait patiently for the light to change before crossing the street and stay to the left on wide sidewalks to allow others to pass.
When traveling, we are exposed to so many new ways of doing things. And these cultural distinctions are often an improvement to some of the everyday things we encounter at home. A new way to look at something we do out of habit or because that’s how we grew up doing it! Wouldn’t it be great if we could pack some of those “new ways” into our suitcase and incorporate them into our lives at home?
Here are a few of the cultural distinctions I noticed during my visit:
- In North America, when we are given change back from a purchase, the clerk typically places the bills in your hand and then drops the coins on top. Or hands you the bills with the coins on top. Either way it leaves you with your wallet in one hand and the bills and change in another.
How do you get the bills and change in your wallet? And thus begins the juggling. Sometimes you end up tossing the loose change to the bottom of your purse so you can deal with the more valuable bills. And I’ve seen gentlemen shove the whole wad of money into their front pocket.
In Tokyo, there are change trays everywhere. Larger than those used in North American restaurants, the change trays sit on the counter by the cashier ready for you to place your money in. When you’re done the clerk picks up the tray and sorts out the money, makes change in the cash register and places your change nicely back in the tray and sliding it back to you. Then you are free to pick up either your change first or your bills and place them into your purse or wallet systematically. Much handier!
- If you’re dining in Japan, your place setting will always include an oshibori. The moist hand towels are used before meals, and they are presented everywhere—at restaurants, coffee shops, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, and in homes. Generally, the towels are heated, but during summer months you are often provided a cold towel. We learned that our server was waiting for us to use the oshibori as a signal that we were ready to order. (I’m glad someone pointed that out to us!)
- While in Tokyo I noticed most coffee shops and in small eateries the norm is tables for one. In North America, singleton spots are usually just at a counter or bar. We make the assumption most people come in pairs. Not so in Tokyo. During daytime hours eating alone was more common than not. And people seemed to appreciate being able to enjoy their food or beverage and simply connect with their thoughts.
There is always something we can learn from the way others live their daily lives.
Have you been travelling lately? Was there one thing about the culture that surprised or delighted you?
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