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My boyfriend and I speak almost exclusively in French. While his English is decent enough to have a conversation and understand 90% of what he hears, we default to French because that’s the language we got to know each other…
Would you find it particularly cute if your boyfriend called you his flea? Or how about if your wife sent you a cute text calling you, the love of her life, her cabbage? How about if your partner addressed a…
You don’t have to travel the world to use another language (although if you can, you should). To prove it, we’re teaming up with locals to explore American neighborhoods where cultures and languages thrive—and we started in Seattle. We met…
Erika is learning Japanese and joined us on a Japanese tour of Seattle. We asked her about her journey. Read on for her story, her language routine, and the correct way to say sake. Q: How has choosing to learn…
Ecotourism has gained visibility in the past decade as many popular destinations like Venice and Australia are suffering the devastating impacts of climate change. From flooding to the destruction of habitat, the effects of global warming have accelerated and threaten…
Rebecca is learning Japanese and joined us on a Japanese tour of Seattle. Read on to find out why she started, where it has taken her, and why learning another language gives her courage. Q: How has choosing to learn…
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.
