Hey guys!!
So, I asked a few of you if you wanted me to post this, and decided that it might be helpful to do so. SO my travel doctor is awesome, and she printed up like, a binder of travel tips and medication and embassy information and probably a ton of stuff we'll never use, but I figured some of the travel tips might be helpful. I mean, I'm sure The World Race is aware of this stuff and our contacts in each country will let us know what's customary, but this is at least interesting 🙂 Also, it's only for Peru, Ecuador, Mozambique, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Guess those are the countries she thought were important haha. Ok here we go 🙂
The worldwide basics: don't drink tap water, peel your fruit, go to private hosptials, girls use the buddy system, drink a lot of water on long flights, etc…. the obvious 🙂
PERU:
-Keep the windows in your car up. Muggers have been known to throw live rats into cars to frighten lone drivers. (haha uh, this is really what it says. just had to share.)
-Conversations with Peruvians and other Latin Americans will take place at a much closer physical distance than westerners may be used to at home. Stepping back from your counterpart may be regarded as unfriendly.
-Peruvians consider sitting with your ankle on your knee impolite. However, crossing your legs at the knee is appropriate.
-When invited to a Peruvian home, bringing wine, liquor, and chocolates is a welcome gesture (on our expansive budget, lol)
ECUADOR:
-Among close friends, women will usually greet one another with a kiss on the cheek, while men will usually embrace.
-Same deal with the physically close conversations.
-When invited to an Ecuadoran home, presenting your host with flowers, pastries, or chocolates is a welcome gesture. Avoid lilies and marigolds, as they are reserved for funerals.
-Yawning or pointing at others in public is considered inappropriate.
MOZAMBIQUE:
-Wealth for Mozambiquans is measured by their family associations, not material possessions. (holla!)
-Use titles when addressing people.
CAMBODIA:
-Shaking hands is an accepted form of greeting from foreigners, but Camobidans will often greet someone with a wai, a small bow with the hands held together at chest level or higher. (The higher the hands, the greater the sign of respect; but do not exceed the nose or touch the body) It is appropriate to slightly bow the head when folding ones hands as a sign of respect for people of higher status or age.)
-Do not touch another person's head (not even a child's) The head is considered the most sacred part of the body among Buddhists.
-To beckon someone, use your hand with the palm facing downwards, Do not point using the forefinger.
-When visiting a temple, women should cover their shoulders and knees. Everyone should wear a shirt.
-Remove your shoes before entering a home or pagoda.
-If invited to a Cambodian home, it is appropriate to bring flowers, typically jasmine.
-When seated, keep feet tucked away and not pointed at any person.
VIETNAM:
-Do not feel uncomfortable if there are long periods of silence between you and your hosts. The Vietnamese consider silence as an appreciated for of communication and a way of enjoying the company of others.
-Many Vietnamese do not understand the western concept of privacy and may walk into a room without knocking.
-Pointing with your fingers and your feet, snapping fingers, and whistling are considered impolite by the Vietnamese.
-When eating a meal, never leave chopsticks standing up vertically in a rice bowl. This is a powerful symbol of death and will not be appreciated.
-When being introduced to an elderly person or other respected person, slightly bow in their direction.
-Shoes should always be removed when visiting a home or a temple.
I'm sure the missionaries will give us a better idea, but I just thought I'd share the info she gave me. Hope you all have a wonderful day 🙂
