Confusing culture

A few days after I started working in a foreign institution, a colleague passed by my office, smiled and winked at me. Boy, was I surprised. Why was he winking at me? Is he trying to convey a romantic interest in me?

In turn, I smiled and raised my brow to signify my hello. Later on a fellow local warned me. In the culture of my foreign colleague, the actions that I did meant that I was trying to pick him up. And the winking that he did? It was just a way to say hello.

Cultural differences.

And then just tonight, a girl I met told me that in her beloved country Bulgaria, to say yes, you turn you head from left to right and to say no, you nod your head. Talk about confusion. No wonder she lost some clients when she went to the States. When asked if she offers the products they were looking for, the answer was always a no!

In Portugal, you greet people by kissing them on the cheeks three times. Normally for the French, you just kiss the cheeks twice. And of course, for us Pinoy, it varies but in general, one kiss on the cheek is enough.

I am pretty sure that I can list down some more when I think about cultural differences. For example, instead of ketchup, use vinegar as a dip for French fries.

Still, I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Variety makes life more interesting. Now, if only I could teach some people that it is in our culture to take a daily bath!