Strange Customs

By Alexa Boyce
When traveling the world, you will certainly run into customs that differ from your own. This is what makes traveling fun, and indeed why many people travel in the first place. Probably one of the differences that people take notice of first is bathrooms, toilets and bathing rituals.
Bathroom
In Australia, like in the States, a daily shower of water as hot as you can stand it is required to feel clean. However, in nearby Indonesia, a mandi, or bath is performed by using a "dipper" to ladle cold water from a trough while soaping up.
In many Asian countries such as Papua New Guinea, the toilet as it is known in Western countries is nonexistent. Instead, the porcelain bowl is set flush with the floor with footholds on either side. One must squat in order to use it properly.
While this may seem a more hygienic way to use the bathroom as it eliminates contact with a toilet seat, we must keep in mind that toilet paper is also a foreign concept. In India, a jug and the left palm take the place of TP, while in Indonesia, one might grow a long fingernail on the left hand for this purpose. Perhaps that is why bowing is a customary greeting in many Asian countries instead of the handshake.
Body Language & Gestures
Body language is just as varied around the world. Often, something that we take for granted as meaning one thing can mean something completely different elsewhere. For example, in Thailand, as the foot is the lowest part of the body it is held in the lowest esteem. To point a foot at someone is extremely insulting. Likewise, as the head is the highest part of the body, it is never touched directly by others. A pat on the head in Western society might mean a job well done, but in Thailand it is an insult of the worst kind.
As mentioned before, greetings in Asia consist of a bow. In Japan, your hands are at your side; elsewhere they may be in prayer position. The inferior person will bow longer and lower. In Mediterranean countries on the other hand, a kiss on each cheek is customary. In Latin America, one might greet someone of either sex with a hug and a kiss. In Muslim nations, sexes generally do not mix at all unless they are family. Something as common as clasping hands may mean impending death to a Guatemalan.
Some simple gestures that are common here in the States, such as the
"thumbs-up" sign are vulgar to those in Middle Eastern countries, Nigeria, Australia and Afghanistan. A two-finger "V" sign can mean Victory with the palm out, but either means the number two or "shove it" depending on where you are.
Some gestures have widely different meanings in almost everywhere it is used. For example, in Japan crooking a finger in a "come here" gesture is obscene. In Yugoslavia, Vietnam and Malaysia it is used to call animals, and therefore insulting to people. In Indonesia and Australia one would use it only to a prostitute. Even something such as a smile, which seems an instinctive reaction to happiness, can mean sadness or anger. When traveling, it is important to take the time to learn about your host's customs so that you do not seem ignorant or offensive.