"Celebrate in a Destination": Etiquette-How to Tip Notes

I think of the days when good manners were a priority in the U.S.  Old flicks of Andy Griffith, Aunt Bea and Mayberry where everyone is nice.  The shows were in black and white and we used to see parents stick a soap bar in their children's mouths.  The truth was that all parents pretty much did that.  Spankings were okay and the kids learned discipline through the old saying " Spare the rod, spoil the kid."

Those days are long gone.   Child protection limits how we train our children, and communication plays the major role in how we raise our kids.  Manners extend much more than how we were raised and how our children grow up.  Every country has their standards.  

Excuse me, or pardon me sometimes is just not enough.  Over a series of torn magazine parts, and books I make a note of which culture is accepting of what?  Sometimes it's to say or not to say.  Many times, I  offend someone because the American culture is just so different.  I once was taking a group picture and accidentally stepped in front of someone. It wasn't intentional, it's just that I should have been more aware.  That person felt pushed away. 

Here is a place for my notes and hope that if you are reading this, maybe you will get something from this too.

Japan

1.  Being Asian myself leave shoes at the door.  

   However in Japan, make sure our toes are pointed away from the house.  

Germany

1. Be punctual, bring flowers without the wrapper, and acknowledge everyone in the house.

Mongolia

1. It's complicated.  Greet the occupant of the house with your hat on.  Step over the threshold & don't touch the picture of Buddha.

Morocco

1.  Knock on the door with the tips of your fingers and wait a respectful interval. 

Russia

1. Wait until you're inside before shaking hands.  Accept a pair of guest slippers unless you bring your own.  Make sure the soles have never touched the street.