Author: scatty

Uganda is one of the friendliest and most hospitable countries in the world. Idi Amin is dead and gone, the nation has enjoyed 15 years of peace and a million tourists visit every year. However, a lot of visitors, especially those from outside of Africa, will find some of the customs unfamiliar. It’s possible to insult your hosts without meaning to. Here are five things you should avoid doing when you visit Uganda.

1. Don’t Dress Sloppily

Africans like to dress well. Even though Ugandans often wear second-hand clothing, it’s always properly mended, clean and pressed. It’s considered insulting to wear clothes that don’t meet those criteria.

Women should not wear miniskirts and short shorts. Men are expected to dress modestly as well. Both men and women will be appreciated if they avoid wearing shorts entirely. Dressing well is both respectful and respected.

2. Don’t Be A Know-It-All

When you engage in conversation with a Ugandan, listen. Don’t criticize, and be slow to offer advice. You will learn something. Ugandans resent it when foreigners repeat what they’ve “learned” from their own media, and these statements often don’t reflect the true state of the country.

Tell your own story: where you’re from, what you do. Ugandans are genuinely interested in a two-way conversation. Above all, don’t talk as if you know what’s best for their country.

3. Don’t Take Photos of People without Permission

In particular, avoid what are called exploitative poverty tourism pictures. We see this “poverty porn” in fundraising ads on TV. A lot of Ugandans are poor, but they’re not helpless victims waiting for you to rescue them. They’re smart, resourceful and entrepreneurial.

“Slum tours” have become something of a fad in parts of Africa. It’s incredibly disrespectful to snap photographs that depict people as poor and desperate. Don’t do it. They don’t think of themselves that way.

4. Avoid Public Displays of Affection

Hugging and kissing on the street, even with your spouse, is frowned upon. Sometimes men hold hands, but that’s a sign of friendship, not of romantic attraction. Public conversation about private intimacy is considered in poor taste.

That is changing to some extent. Nowadays you will sometimes see people greeting one another with hugs, particularly in Kampala. However, the bulk of Ugandan society has a conservative attitude toward these things. In fact, any kind of public emotion, particularly anger, is disapproved.

5. Avoid Discussing Ugandan Politics

Uganda is a democracy, but the customs of public political engagement are different from what you may be used to. Not everyone voted for the current president or supports him. When you ask Ugandans what they think about the government, you put them on the spot. In any case, they’re probably not going to tell a non-African what they really think. They’ll be happy to tell you about their families, their work and their own lives, but they’d rather not talk politics with outsiders.

Are you ready to laze about the beaches of the Costa del Sol, explore Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, or check out the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza? You’ll enjoy yourself in Spain if you avoid doing these five things.

Eating When You Want To

What time do you normally eat? Well, that’s too early for Spain. Lunch usually happens from 2 PM to 4 PM and that’s the main meal of the day, and the only time you can order such stomach-filling specialties as paella. Dinner begins at 9 PM or 10 PM and is usually a light share of tapas among family and friends.

You’ll do better at breakfast from 7 AM to 9 AM, which is usually grab-and-go if the Spaniards eat anything at all. You might as well fill up during the mid-morning snack from 10:30 AM to noon, or the afternoon snack, which happens from 5:30 PM to 7 PM.

Being On Time

Spaniard like to enjoy life. They don’t see the point in running around and trying to get a million things done every day. If you’re going to be someplace anyway, what is the point of rushing to get there? It’s not uncommon for events like tours to start 10 or 15 minutes later than advertised. Being late doesn’t show disrespect or carelessness. It’s just the way things are.

Calling Everybody Spanish

In the US, everybody is American. In France, everyone is French. In Spain, the person you’re talking to can be Basque, Castilian, Valencian, or a member of any of the 17 autonomous regions and 2 autonomous cities. Each of these areas has a strong sense of identity, its own culture, and often, its own language. Knowing who is from where shows respect. For example, those in Barcelona are called Catalans.

Avoid comparing one region with another and talking about regionalism in general. Instead, focus on what makes each area unique.

Speaking English to Everyone

Everyone speaks English in Europe, right? Maybe not in Spain where only about 27 percent of the population knows some English. And most of them live in the large cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga, or tourist resorts like Marbella or Ibiza. In fact, about 60 percent cannot speak, read, or write English at all.

Fortunately, Spanish is the easiest foreign language for English speakers to learn. You probably already know a few of the words, such as hola, gracias, and bueno. Speaking to the locals in their own language is always appreciated and makes them more likely to try to communicate with you.

Shopping in the Afternoon

After a morning of sightseeing, you’re eager to do some shopping in the afternoon. Don’t. Shops in Spain typically shut down from 2 PM to 5 PM. The custom originated from the Spanish siesta, when the locals took refuge from the hottest part of the day by sleeping.

Nowadays, very few are sleeping at those times. Instead, most are relaxing and taking their long lunches, which is why most restaurants and cafes are open in the afternoon. Large department stores and supermarkets may be open in the afternoon but government offices usually close for the day by 2 PM.

The Philippines was once an American colony. But that doesn’t mean that what works in the USA will work in the Pearl of the Orient. So if you want to enjoy the hospitality, food, and weather of the Filipinos, avoid doing the following five things.

Being Confrontational

Filipinos value friendliness, being pleasant, and social harmony. They don’t like confrontation, especially with strangers, and prefer to pretend that things are okay even when they’re not. If you get angry or start shouting, they’re likely to just leave you alone rather than deal with you.

And you’ll probably never know how you offended them in the first place because they prefer being indirect. You probably won’t get a direct “no” to any of your request. But if they start hemming and hawing or saying things like “We’ll see,” that’s as close as you may get to a negative response.

Criticizing the Country, Its People, and Religion

How would you like it if a tourist comes to your city and starts saying bad things about your country? Filipinos would feel the same way. If you criticize the Philippines, you’re like to draw significant ire and be perceived as making comments about things you know nothing about.  

As with most countries, religion is also a sensitive subject. Many Filipinos take pride in being the only Catholic majority country in Southeast Asia and are devout in their religious practice. You’ll receive tolerance for your own religion, and people will also expect you to be tolerant and respectful of theirs, too.

Showing Off Your Valuables

Smartphones, GoPro cameras, laptops, and wallets are all fair game for the pickpockets and snatchers that inhabit Manila and other large areas. So keep them out of sight and you won’t be a target. Avoid using valuable tech, except in well-protected spaces, and don’t walk while you’re talking on your phone. A thief on a motorcycle can easily swing by and grab what you’re holding.

If you’re coming in by plane, avoid putting anything valuable in your checked-in language. Baggage theft is common at Manila Airport. In fact, before leaving the airport, check your bags. You can then deal with any missing items right then and there.

Arriving on Time

There’s real time and Filipino time, particularly when it comes to parties or other social gathering. The latter means that it’s perfectly acceptable for events to start 15 minutes to an hour late. This most likely came during the Spanish colonial period when being late signified someone’s importance in society. It’s best to avoid sticking to hard and fast timetables, especially when meeting people.

Disrespecting Elders

Filipinos recognize and revere the value that elders bring to society because of their experience and wisdom. In fact, honorifics are built into the language to show respect. Treat older people with deference and they’ll consider you a cultured individual who honors Filipino ways.

Do not use first names to address someone older. What is seen as a sign of familiarity and bonding in America is considered rude in the Philippines. Among the titles you can use with older folk, other than their names, are tita (aunt), tito (uncle), lola (grandmother), lolo (grandfather), ate (older sister) and kuya (older brother).

The Chinese can’t wait to share their thousands of years of history, food, art, and customs with foreign visitors like you. But only if you avoid doing these five things on your visit.

Touching Someone

What do you do when you first meet someone? Shake their hand. And, maybe, when you say goodbye, give them a hug or a kiss. But don’t try that in China. Touching strangers is a big no-no, even though most Chinese are fine with walking arm-in-arm with friends and family members. A verbal greeting or farewell, accompanied by a nod or wave of the hand is all you need to establish contact.

Using Chopsticks Incorrectly

Forget about forks, spoons, and knives. The far simpler chopsticks are used to eat most everything. If you don’t know anything about using these highly refined tools, learn from a knowledgeable friend or relative, or by watching tons of YouTube videos on the subject.

One common mistake: holding them too close to the tapered end, which makes morsels harder to pick up. Holding them further toward the top gives you a greater range of motion. And just as you would never stick a knife and fork into a steak so they stand straight up, you should never stick your chopsticks in rice so they’re sticking up.

Accepting Anything Immediately

Yes to the peanuts, no to the shrimp, and how about another glass of wine? It makes sense to immediately accept things you want and say no to things you don’t. Not in China, though. If you take a bit of candy or that gift right away, you’ll be seen as greedy, desperate, or uncouth. Better to refuse at least twice because that’s proper etiquette.

And if you’re the giver, don’t take “no” for an answer. Your guest is only being polite. Ask a few times until he or she says yes.

Drinking the Tap Water

Tap water in China is fine for washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or taking a shower. But don’t try drinking it because it’s not safe. It may have all kinds of bacteria, sediments, and heavy metals. Bottled water is available everywhere. In a pinch, you can always use the kettle in your hotel room to boil the tap water before you drink it.

Getting Angry in Public

Shouting at someone for poor customer service may be what’s done in Brooklyn but it won’t do in Beijing. Unlike in America where you’re number one and have to stand up for yourself, the Chinese value group harmony above individual needs. You should never embarrass anyone, make them uncomfortable, or have them lose face. Getting angry in public only reinforces stereotypes of Westerners being loud, unruly, uncivil, and obnoxious.

If you have a problem, go ahead and scream and shout within the walls of your hotel room where nobody can hear you. And then see if you can talk to the object of your disdain privately, quietly, and politely.

The guidebooks are clear on what to do in tourist Italy: visit the Colosseum in Rome, ride a gondola in Venice, and eat a pizza in Naples. But if you want to get to know the real Italy, try these five strategies.

Take a side street.

Know why all the famous sites of Italy are so crowded? Because that’s where all the tourists go. Then they descend on all the nearby shops and restaurants to pay outrageous prices for trinkets and grub that no self-respecting Italian would ever touch.

But take a side street and you’ll discover places that the locals visit where the food is cheaper and the surroundings more authentic. The cup of espresso that cost €15 on St. Mark’s Square in Venice tastes so much better at €1.50 in some no-name cafe. And you get to drink it standing up like a real Venetian.

Go slow.

If it’s Monday, it must be Milan. Or maybe it’s Matera? How will you really know if you’re hell-bent on seeing the entire country in seven days? More importantly, if you’re just running from site to site for photo ops to post on Instagram, how will you tell the difference among locations?

It’s better to slow down and focus on one location. You’ll start noticing the details and get a better feel of what real life is like for the locals who live there. Who knows, they may even call you by name and invite you in for some wine once they see that you’re a constant presence.

Get on a train.

Know how Italians go from Rome to Milan? They get on a train. If you follow their example, you’ll be rubbing elbows with the natives and seeing the beautiful countryside pass by you. Taking the train is comfortable, inexpensive, and fast. That trip between Rome and Milan? On the high-speed La Frecce, it takes under three hours.

Learn the language.

It’s lovely to say and even more beautiful to sing: the Italian language. And it’s what they speak in the boot-shaped peninsula. Knowing the local dialect will give you insights into how the people of Italy think, feel, and see the world. Plus it shows the person you’re speaking to that you care about his or her culture and country.

There’s no shortage of ways to learn: online courses, smartphone apps, desktop programs, and even live language classes. And your Italian adventure visit begins, not when you set foot in the country, but when you learn how to say buon giorno.

Eat a gelato.

Gelato fills the stomach when you’re hungry and cools the body when it’s hot. This Italian version of ice cream differs by area. In Florence, the mix calls for more eggs. In Southern Italy, there’s more sugar. And flavors vary by area: try pinolata (pine nuts) in Florence, torrone (nougat candy with honey and nuts) in the Amalfi Coast, and gelso (mulberry) in Puglia.

For the most authentic flavors, look for gelato that is house-made (fatto in casa) and has subdued colors. Varieties made from true bananas, for example, are always gray and never bright yellow.