One year in Spain turns into almost eight years in Spain really fast. Oh, wait, that’s not the norm? That was just me? Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool. As I find myself reflecting on how much time has passed—years filled…
If you’re one of many gentiles who inadvertently categorize Hanukkah as the Jewish Christmas, you’re not alone. Hanukkah gets tossed in as an alternative holiday in America, with traditions that seem, on the surface, to closely mirror those surrounding Christmas….
Presents and time off from school or work can often become our main focus when holidays roll around. Though I was raised Jewish, the Christmas celebrations always took center stage in my family this time of year. Long-lasting traditions in…
Oaxaca is probably best known for its popular Día de Muertos celebration each year, but visiting Oaxaca during Noche de Rábanos, or the Night of the Radishes, is something you won’t experience anywhere else in the world. The radish is…
Before you pull up a seat at the holiday table, study the rules of etiquette so you can avoid a faux pas (yes, that’s French for lack of tact, or rude foreigner, depending on who you ask). While taking cues from your host or hostess is never a bad idea, it’ll also impress them if you come equipped not just with a symbolic gift but with the kind of consideration for their cultural values that money can’t buy.
Before you get out there and start mingling merrily, it pays to know a little cultural etiquette. Our international guide to party protocol will help you raise a glass in the most common languages and understand how to rub elbows without committing a faux pas.
When you’re popping into a holiday party, it’s considerate to bring a gift for the host or hostess. Many people choose flowers since they’re a beautiful and gracious way to extend thanks, but different flowers can have different meanings across cultures. In South Africa for instance, it’s customary to give flowers during the holidays, but in Egypt, they are only appropriate as gifts when attending a funeral.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 12 weeks already and my tenure here as Rosetta Stone’s most compulsively foul-mouthed blogger is coming to an end. This has truly been one of the best experiences of my professional life (not counting the time when I got drunk with David Cross at South by Southwest, or the time we were on this huge traveling festival in Australia with Metallica and my tour manager and I tracked down Ghost without their disguises, or those three days where my band was stuck in Kitaning, PA because our van dropped its transmission and all we had was three beers, a loaf of Wonder Bread, and some sleeping bags to our names, and we had to sleep in a field that wild dogs liked to party in . . . ah . . . good times, indeed). But I’m getting off topic here already. Forgive me.
Thoughtfulness and a little cultural sensitivity translate well in any language.We may have different names for Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but the reason for our joy across the world remains the same. During the holiday season, we unite in…
My endless fascination with language often leads me to find inspiration in unexpected places. I’ve made discoveries through food, family connections, traveling and, of course, TV and movies. The power of film lies in its universality, its ability to tell…
We’re fascinated by the fearlessness of solo travelers, so we’re talking to people about what it’s really like behind the social feeds. If you’re a solo traveler with a story to share, send us a message on social to be…
An interview with Chef Sean Sherman, founder of the company The Sioux Chef.When Americans think Thanksgiving, they usually turn to familiar narratives from their school days about pilgrims and Native Americans. But these kinds of origin stories turn out not…