Thai people are very friendly and earned their country the name “Land of the smiles” for good reason. They are also very conservative (although it may not seem like it in parts of Bangkok). It is your responsibility as a traveler to do your best at following local customs and keeping the locals from becoming jaded toward future visitors. Don’t screw it up for the rest of us! Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone seems to associate French culture and customs with food, which isn’t a bad place to start. The French love their food, and mealtime is a leisurely affair to be spent with family and friends. While it seems like many Americans try to eat as quickly as possible, often on the run in the car or in front of the television, the French eat slowly and savor each meal. The culture and customs of French eating trend toward long, leisurely meals with smaller portions of rich foods. The French sit at the table to eat (not in front of the television), and eat late dinners, often with multiple courses. And wine almost always accompanies the meal. Read the rest of this entry »