Window on the World Inc. is a firm that helps “employees to become worldwise”. They offer an online reference guide to cultural behaviors. Their purpose for this guide is to assist people conducting business around the world. However, I think it is important for everyone to read in order to improve understanding of other cultures.

Some are quite funny and others just make you wonder. I think this advice, when presented in this “matter of fact” way, can seem very silly but very appropriate. Here are a just a few excerpts (of the very many from the reference guide) along with my unedited, culturally-biased, instinctive reactions:

- Do not touch anyone’s head in India. The head is considered sensitive. That just wouldn’t fly with me. As an American, I need constant head touching.

- In Italy, burping is considered extremely vulgar. As this wasn’t listed for any other country, please feel free to belch freely anywhere else.

- Russians stand close when talking. Makes me think of the “close talker” episode of Seinfeld.

- Never hug, kiss or touch a Finn. Are they all diseased?

- Punctuality is not particularly important in Greece, but foreigners are expected to be on time for business meetings, even though his/her Greek counterpart may be late. Try some Spanokopita while you wait. Good stuff.

- In Canada, sneeze or blow your nose as quietly as possible using a handkerchief or tissue. If possible, leave the room. Do not yawn or scratch in public. Toothpicks, nail clippers, and combs are never used in public. Yeah, you pig.

- In Italy, friends may greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. Finns, you know the saying, “when in Rome…”

- Holding the middle finger up by itself is considered insulting and vulgar in North America. So it’s ok to flick off people on other continents?

- A man or younger person should always walk to the left side of a lady in Germany. I guess that way the woman is always right.

- In Austria, guests are expected to eat everything on their plate. Mother’s persistence regarding this matter was correct after all.

- Americans often share things in casual conversation, even with strangers, that may seem shockingly private. I guess that’s one reason why there are so many online diaries and blogs.

- In Japan, an empty plate signals a desire for more food. Leave a little food on your plate when you are finished eating. Um, have you been to Austria or met my mother?

- In the US, the only proper answers to the greetings “How do you do?” “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” are “Fine,” “Great,” or “Very well, thank you.” This is not a request for information about your well-being; it is simply a pleasantry. “See you later” is just an expression. People say this even if they never plan to see you again. And to think some people find Americans superficial, whatever gave them that idea?

- Entertain anyone who has entertained you, but don’t try to impress British guests with an extravagant dinner. The Brits prefer understatement. Think “Red Lobster” rather than “TGI Fridays”.

- In Switzerland. sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in someone’s home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate. Japan, I hope you’re paying attention.

- Don’t chew gum in public in Luxembourg. Yeah, no matter how bubblicious it may be.

- The French do not like to discuss business during dinner. Dinner is more of a social occasion and a time to enjoy good food, wine and discussion. It’ll be difficult, but I’ll try to manage.

Anyway, these cultural differences things I find utterly fascinating. Many of these seem like common sense. Not common sense in that everyone should feel the same, but common sense in that it should be possible to pick up on these behaviors and identify them as cultural differences. I think the best advice for people traveling is to just be more sensitive to others and less sensitive about yourself. Reminds me of that saying, Life is too short to be taken seriously.