Posts Tagged ‘customs’
Top Japanese Customs to Learn Before Your Trip to Japan
Written by MichaelZ on November 28, 2009 – 6:18 pm -Do you want to go on an electronics shopping spree while eating all the sushi you’ve always dreamed of? If so, a trip to Japan is in order. Before you pack your bags, though, make sure you take some time to learn the basic Japanese customs first, so you can fit in and have a more enjoyable trip.
One of the simplest yet most important customs in Japan is to bow when in front of someone or when you are talking to someone. Bows vary depending on the situation and the person in front of you. However, just keep in mind that the more superior the person in front of you is, the deeper and longer the bow should be. Bows also tend to be long and deep when apologizing.
Also, when talking to someone, make sure you use his or her last name, along with the suffix -san or -sama (if you want to be more respectful), since first names are only reserved for close friends and family members. It is also important to greet others sincerely, if not, energetically, such as saying good morning (ohayo gozaimasu), good day (konnichiwa), good evening (konbanwa) or good night (oyasuminasai). Remember to say goodbye (sayounara or jyaa ne) before parting ways with someone, as well.
Another of the most popular Japanese customs is removing your shoes at the entrance of a house, as well as most Japanese business establishments and hotels. This custom is practiced in many countries but is particularly important in Japan. Usually, a rack is provided where you can put your shoes. If there is none, simply place your shoes beside the others in an orderly fashion with the toe facing the door, making them easier to put on before you leave.
Sampling Japanese cuisine is one of the highlights of a trip to Japan and while Japanese food is delicious in itself, it is best enjoyed with chopsticks. Indeed, using chopsticks is one of the things you should learn how to do before your trip. It shouldn’t be that difficult. Just find someone to teach you how then keep on practicing. Once you know how, be polite by not leaving your chopsticks in your rice bowl or clattering them together.
After mastering the use of chopsticks, you can now move on to table manners, which are also important Japanese customs. If you are offered an oshibori or wet towel before eating, use this to wipe your hands only, not your mouth, face or neck, then set it aside. Make sure you say ‘itadakimasu’, as well, which is the Japanese equivalent of ‘Bon appetit’. Make sure you clear your plate and don’t be afraid to slurp while eating your noodles since this is acceptable in Japanese culture.
On the other hand, tipping is not acceptable and is even considered insulting so just pay the price without leaving any extra. This doesn’t just apply to restaurants, but also to hotels, cabs and most business establishments and services. When paying, put your cash on the tray provided instead of handing it over to the waitress or the cashier.
Japanese customs apply to bathing, too. When bathing, the Japanese usually use the same tub with the same water, bathing in order from the oldest to the youngest. Technically, they do not use the water to bathe, though. Rather, they wash and rinse beside the tub then just soak in it afterwards. The same is true with public baths like onsens or thermal springs. Therefore, if you happen to relax in an onsen during your trip to Japan, make sure you wash and rinse first, then be careful not to dirty the water in any way.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car hire Denmark, or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
Tags: customs, holiday, japan, japanese customs, Travel, vacation, vacation travelPosted in Air Travel | Comments Off
Sir, Madam - anything to declare?
Written by MichaelZ on October 21, 2009 – 3:07 am -Maybe you are planning a romantic weekend, or possibly, you are going on a long business trip. Perhaps you are flying off on your Honeymoon or maybe you’ve rented a gorgeous chalet in the snow? Wherever you are jet-setting off to – make sure that you pack your adult toys well to avoid any embarrassing (and possibly very public) situations.
So, how do you go about packing adult toys? Firstly, remove the batteries. Even if you feel that your vibrator is difficult to turn on, a little shift in the contents of your luggage could easily knock the control to the ON position. You really don’t want to explain vibrating luggage to security personnel or customs officers. Dildos are less of a problem in this respect as they are usually made of silicone / jelly / rubber and have no metal or mechanical parts.
Place your dildos or vibrators in clear plastic baggies. Airport personnel routinely go through luggage so if you’re chosen at random for a luggage inspection, you’ll be glad your toys are zip-locked away. Customs staff always wear plastic gloves, but you really don’t want their gloves, which have been touching everyone else’s personal items, to touch your intimate toys too. Do the employees and yourself a favour by putting each item in a clear plastic zip baggie to keep everything hygienic.
Always be sure to place your vibrators in your checked luggage. This just removes you from the situation a little bit. If you bring a vibrator in your carry-on luggage, well, you are just asking for an embarrassing situation to occur.
Bear in mind also that vibrators are not permitted in certain countries – especially if they are shaped like a phallus. If you take one in your checked-in luggage – you may have to go through the red channel and declare it – and it may be confiscated. One such country where ‘obscene items’ are illegal is Thailand. There, you might get away with importing a traditional slimline vibrator and pass it off as a ‘massager’ for your bad back – however, if your vibe is penis-shaped, expect that it will be confiscated!
In the USA, Texan customs officers will not be sympathetic if you arrive with a suitcase full of vibes – to own more than three such ‘marital aids’ is currently illegal in that state. So do a quick Google check of what the laws are in the state or country you are travelling to.
Finally, don’t travel with your favourite or with your top of the range expensive toy. It is best that you take along an inexpensive alternative or buy something completely new especially for the trip. At sites like LoveTheRabbit.com you’ll find many pink rabbit vibrator articles, information, raves and reviews and links to stores that stock them.
That way, if your luggage is lost, or your toy is confiscated or if your vibe breaks in transit – you will not have lost your favourite ‘friend’ or your most expensive toy. Bon voyage!
Tags: adult toy, Airline, airport, customs, flight, flying, holidays, Luggage, marital aids, security, sex toy, Travel, travelling, vacationPosted in Air Travel | Comments Off