Finland - Land of Tulips & Akvavit.

 In 1906, Finland was the first European country to grant women the right to vote and run for Parliament. Independence and self-sufficiency are valued. Everyone appreciates good manners. The Finnish practice Old European Manners (see post from August 12, 2020). Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim is a national hero and great Military leader. Finland is a liberal society with no class distinctions. Their Baltic temperatures are quite cold and snowy in the winter, and winters are long with short daylight. Temperatures average 65 degrees in the Summer but can get up to 81 degrees in the Summer. Fall can get rapidly cold as well and get windy and rapidly rainy. Layer your clothing accordingly. Religion is 88% Lutheran. 

The population of Finland is 5.5 Million. The Capital is Helsinki, itself with a population of 700,000. Finland is a Parliamentary Republic since 1919, with a single-chamber Parliament called the Eduskunta with 200 members who choose their own Prime Minister. The two main languages spoken are Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is a Uralic language.  English is also spoken, especially in big cities. The GDP per capita is $60,000 USD. Natural Resources include timber (forestry), paper, copper, zinc, and iron ore. Ship building is the most traditional industry, with machinery and metals engineering, electronics, technology pharmaceuticals and chemical production. Both parents work. Family sizes are very small with 1-2 children. Currency is the Finnish Markka, or 'Finmark.' 

Public manners are quiet and reserved. Do not show emotion. Be sincere. Do not talk to strangers on the street and especially do not strike up conversation with strangers in a restaurant. No touching or PDA in public. Remove your hat when inside. Dress Code is 'Casual Chic.' Hand shaking is a firm 2 shakes, then down. Shake hands with everyone, including men, women and children, upon greeting and departing. Maintaining eye contact is important. Business hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm. Be punctual for meetings and meals.  

Continental style dining is a must. Keep your wrists always above the table. Back in the day of Kings, knaves would hide a knife up their sleeve, so if you put your hands below the table or in your lap, you still will not be trusted. The Host will seat the guests. The Host and Hostess sit opposite each other at opposite ends of the table. Do not drink until the Host has first proposed a Toast. "Snaps" are a small shot sized glass of Akvavit, a clear traditional caraway liquor drink. Sip it slowly. Do not eat anything with your fingers. "Skal" and 'Kippis' are the traditional toasts meaning 'Cheers' and 'Good Health.' Sahti is homemade beer. 

Children are also included at the table. Take second helpings when offered. It is rude not to finish all the food on your plate. Coffee is served after dinner. A favorite! Cookies or small cakes may be served as well. If you take a cookie or cake, eat it. In Restaurants, Service Charge is 15% and included in the check, however, if the service is very good, extra cash can be left on the table, or handed to the waiter when leaving.  Compliment and thank your Hostess. A Sauna may follow dinner.  

The Restroom is marked "W.C." Red is for hot water on the left spigot (Kuuma vesi), and blue is for cold water on the right spigot (Kylma vesi). Restrooms are marked "W.C.", and some may have attendants. Ladies Rooms may also be marked "Naiset", Mens Rooms may be marked "Miehet."  Tipping for the restroom is $1-2 USD. Coatchecks (and boots too) are listed as "Nirikka" and the tip should be about $5 USD. Some coatchecks are self-service. Keep a valuable mink coat with you, turned inside out on your lap. For Taxis, round up the fare for tip. Tip the Porter $2 per bag. Tip the maid $4-5 UDS per day. 

Magic words include: Thank you: 'Kiitos' (Key-eat-ohs). Please: 'Pyydan', You're Welcome: 'Ole hive (o -leh-Wyho-yah), Yes: 'Kylla' (Cool-la), No: Ei (a), Hello: 'Hei' (Hay), Goodbye: ' Nakemiin' (Knack-eh-me-een). Good Morning: ''Hyvaa huomenta' (Wyho-vah-Who-o-men-teh).

Breakfast involves hot cereal, eggs, fruit, yogurt, and coffee. Lunch is a 'lite' meal: open faced sandwiches, salad, and milk. Dinner is soup, fish or veal or chicken (rarely meat), potatoes, cheeses and dessert. Milk, water and beer are served with meals. 

'Alkujuoma' is Appetizers, 'Lampima roust' is Main Course - Entree, 'Jalkiruokia' is Dessert. 'Riista' is wild game. 'Voieipapoyta' is Cold Smorgasbord. 'Merimiespihvi' is Beef chances with onion, potatoes and beer. 'Kasakeitto' is Summer vegetable soup. 'Kalakukko' is Fish and pork in a Rye bread crust. 'Rapuja' is Crayfish shaped in a ball. 'Rusipiirakka' is Rye pastry with rice. 'Kiisseli' is Fruit pudding. 'Perunapiirakka' is Rye pastry with mashed potatoes. 'Poronliha' is Reindeer meat. 'Lohi' is salmon. 'Rahkapiirakka' is Cheesecake. 'Kana' is Chicken. 'Leipaa is Bread. 'Keittoja' is Soups. 'Lihaa is Meat. 'Sian' is Pork. 'Lampaan' is Lamb. 

Gift giving includes: Tulips!!! A favorite, but give them only in odd numbers. NO white or yellow flowers (funerals). Wines, Liquors, glass, art and chocolates, books and Cognac are always good gifts. 

Remember: It is bad luck to pass the salt & pepper 'hand to hand.' Always set the salt & pepper down on the table. 

Ecuador - Named For The Equator and with Famous 'Pan de Yuca' naturally Gluten-Free Bread

Ecuador is a mineral rich country and known for the famous Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest and Darwinism. The population of Ecuador is 18.4 Million. The Capital is Quito. A major city and main seaport is Guayaquil with a population of 2 Million people. The GDP in Ecuador per capita is $7,575.00 USD. The Land Area is about the size of the State of Nevada. Ecuador champions the Archipelago de Colon and the famous Galapagos Islands, the "Islands of the Tortoise" which are 600 miles off of Ecuador's Pacific Coast. The altitude is high. Be sure to drink lots of water and eat fruit. The rainy season is from November through May. The temperatures are very hot and humid with rain. Layer your clothing! Hire a travel guide. Do not walk anywhere alone. Be vigilant. "Bandits" are about. 

Although the economic growth in Ecuador is uneven, their Natural Resources are crude petroleum (second largest in South America), gold, copper, rich soil, timber, limestone, and bananas, and the fishing industry. As well, the safe, small Town of Vilcabamba is known as the "Valley of Longevity" as it holds the longest-lived residents in the world and has a large expat community.   

Ecuadorians are proudly 55% 'Mestizos' (this word is used in an Historical context ONLY and signifies Spanish and indigenous roots) mixed with 25% Native American and 10% European. NEVER refer to anyone as 'Mestizos' as it is considered rude. Spanish is the main language in Ecuador. Ancient indigenous traditions survive along with Old European Manners (see Old European Manners post on August 12, 2020). Individuality is prized. Family is first. Ecuador is 95% Roman Catholic. They have an 87% literacy rate. School is mandatory from ages 6-14. Teachers and the elderly are well respected. Ecuadorians are huge supporters of the arts and dance, the Salsa and Merengue to name a few. Sports includes 'Futbol' and 'Pelota nacional', an indigenous ancestral racket sport. There is a Sun Museum in San Antonio, because as we all know, Ecuador borders on the Equator. Great museums with 17th & 18th Century Fine Art is considered the finest examples of Spanish Fine Art. Ask permission before taking photographs of anyone.   

Public manners are that of hospitality. Dress Code is Casual Chic. Don't talk about US politics, Peru, or religion. Instead, talk about family, history, culture. No hand gestures. Don't point. Don't whistle. Do not yawn in public as it is considered rude. Shake hands with everyone when meeting for the first time. Men embrace each other if they are good friends. One may air kiss one's good friends. Ecuadorians show directions with their chins. Being invited to a home is a huge honor. Always use formal names until invited to use first names. Punctuality is not important. Parties include dancing. 

Dining is family and social time. No business is discussed. Stay for conversation after the meal. Breakfast is served early at 6:30am. Hotels may serve until 7:00 - 9:00am.  Breakfast consists of protein rich foods, such as eggs, fruit juices, corn, plantain balls stuffed with cheese ('bologna de verde') and fish. Most stores are closed for lunch, the main meal, from Noon to 3:00pm. It consists of hot soup, starches, proteins, juices and a small dessert. Hot cassava cheesy bread called: 'pan de yuca' is a popular afternoon snack. Women traditionally drink wine.  

Traditional Ecuadorian foods include delicious banana dishes, sweet corn tamales, Beer Humitas, potato and cheese pancakes ('Llapingachos') , hominy dishes (Mondongo'), pastries filled with meats and cheeses ('Empanadas') and Ceviche served with nachos. As mentioned above, Pan de yuca is a naturally Gluten-free bakery snack and is a popular offering among the street vendors. It is made from tapioca starch and salty cheese, it is served hot along with a cold fruit smoothie.  Caldo de bola is banana soup with meat and vegetables. Hornado is slow cooked pork. Arroz con fenestra is rice with spicy beans, BBQ and refried bananas. Arroz con pollo is boiled chicken with rice and spices. White rice is also a staple.  

Dinner starts after 8:00 pm. Drinks and appetizers to start. Dinner may not be served until 11:00 pm. Seating is formal. The Host makes the first Toast. Alcohol is imported and expensive. 20% "service compris" Add a small bit of cash after on the table if the service is good.  It is considered rude to call for a waiter by clapping your hands over your head, but some people still do it. Simply raise your hand extending your index finger. Tip the Porter $2 USD per bag. Tip the Maid $4-5 USD per day. For your security take only an official Yellow Taxi in Ecuador. Bring lots of small bills for tipping. Counterfeiting is a problem. Do not ever exchange money on the street.

Gift giving includes flowers, chocolates, photos from your home region, wines, liquors, desk accessories, books, candy bars for the children, Do not give Lillies or Marigolds as these are funeral flowers. 

Enjoy your meal time in Ecuador as it is a relaxing time for family and friends. 

 

  

"Skal" To Happy Denmark, The Vikings & Lego's

Denmark is the happy home of the Vikings and Hans Christian Anderson, who's fairytales are known all over the world by children. The Danish people value diversity and tolerance. They value family life. Do not refer to them as 'Swede', Norwegian or Dutch. They practice Old European Manners (see post from August 12, 2020). The Language spoken is Danish. The Danish say 'Danke' (thank you) very often, for everything. English is also spoken by almost everyone, as is German, especially on the Southern border. The weather is on average 32 degrees in the winters and 61 degrees in the Summers, so pack a light sweater and rain jacket for the Summer.  

Denmark's population is 6 Million. The Capital is Copenhagen with a population of 1.4 Million. Denmark is twice the size of Massachusetts. It is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Prime Minister, 4 year Parliament and a 4 year Cabinet.  Their GDP per capita is $83,445. Their Natural Resources are Crude Oil, NG, fish, salt, and limestone. Their Agricultural products are meat, pork, dairy, and potatoes. They are known for their shipping too, pharmaceuticals and international trade. The Danish produce furniture, textiles, Lego's and fine china. Their Religion is 95% Lutheran. They are known for high taxes but exceptional schools and health services.

Public manners are quiet and reserved. No touching. Do not place your hand on the shoulder of a Lady to usher her into dinner. No PDA. Don't show emotion or be loud. Never shout. Do not eat while walking down a public street. Keep your hands out of your pockets, unless making change. Do not discuss your personal life. Dress Code is 'Casual Chic', clothing pressed and shoes clean. Dress for rain. Never dress sloppily.  

When introduced, shake hands with everyone present, including children, both when arriving and departing. Eye contact is important. Stand up for all introductions. Always use last names and professional titles until asked to use first names. 

Magic words include Good Morning: 'Godmorgen', Good Afternoon: 'Goddag', Good Evening: 'Godaften', An informal Hi: 'Hej' (pronounced just like the English 'Hi'), Please: 'vaer sa venlig', Thank you: 'Danke' and 'Tak', You're Welcome: 'Velbekomme', Yes: 'Ja' (yah), No: 'Nej' ('nigh'), Excuse me: Undskyld ('soon-skewl'), Goodbye: Farvel ('far-vill'), Pleased to meet you: Gaelder mig ('glay-ah-dar my'). Do not ask "How are you", as this is considered too personal unless you are a good friend.   

Be punctual for all meals. Eat in the Continental style. Breakfast is at 8:00am and is Continental, including cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and marmalade. Lunch is at 2:00 and consists mostly of open faced sandwiches with cheese and meat cold cuts called 'smorrebrod.' Coffee is served after Lunch. Dinner is from 6:00 - 8:00pm. The Guest of Honor is served first. The Host and Hostess sit on opposite ends of the table. Gentlemen escort Ladies to the Dinner table. Dinner can last 3-4 hours, or more as it consists of 7 courses: For example: 1st course is an Appetizer, 2nd course is a warm dish, 3rd course is cheese, 4th course is ice cream, 5th course is fruit, 6th course is cake and 7th course is coffee and a pastry! 'Tak' (pronounced 'talk') is also used for 'Thank You', is used as 'please' and it is used specifically at the end of a request such as passing something at the table. Try everything that is passed to you. Dinner is for enjoyment with family and friends and it is traditional to linger long after the meal is over. Also, thank the Host and Hostess after the meal. 

A few menu tips: Appetizer = 'Forret', Main Course = 'Hovedret',  Vegetable = 'Gronsager', Meat = 'Kodrete', Beef = 'Oksesteg', Pork = 'Svinekod', Chicken = 'Hone' or 'Killing', egg = 'Aeg'. Boiled Cod = 'Kogt Torsk', Smoked fish = 'Roget Fisk', Roast Pork with Red Cabbage = 'Flaeskeskeg med Rodkal', Soup with peas, pork (bacon) sausage, and pickled goose = 'Gule Aerter'. Steak = 'Engelsk Bof', Fried Eel = 'Stegt Al', Rye bread made with black beer, sugar, lemon = 'Ollebrod', Sole fish = 'Rodspaetter', Herring (most often pickled) = 'Sild', Sponge cake with custard, strawberries and whipped cream = 'Lagkage', Fruit = 'Rodgrod'.  

Toasting in Denmark is traditional and a formal process. Never toast your Host first. Never toast those elder or more senior in rank to you. The Guest of Honor toasts the Host at dessert. Tap your glass with a spoon. Raise your glass and say 'Skohl' (Cheers). A shot of "snaps" (Akvavit) is drunk from an ice cold shot glass. Akvavit is a high proof spirit traditionally served with food, such as smoked fish or pickled Herring.

When dining out, summon the waiter with eye contact, as putting your hand up is considered rude. Tipping is not customary, but a 'token' of cash may be left on the table after the meal. Taxi fare includes tip, but it is kind to round up your fare. No need to tip the Maid, or Porter, but it is appreciated to tip your Porter $2 USD per bag and the Maid $4-5 UDS per day. You will receive exceptional service and will be remembered. 

Remember to thank your Host and Hostess after Dinner is over - at 1:00 am!   

 

 

Colombia - A Gem of a Country with Orchids, Emeralds and Cassava

Colombia is named for explorer Christopher Columbus. Of course it is! Individuality is a mindset yet family comes first, then community. Colombians are peace loving, polite and proper. Old European manners are practiced (see August, 12, 2020 post). Colombians are extremely hard working and have a grand entrepreneurial spirit. 

Fathers are traditionally the head of the family. Mothers are traditionally head of the household, although 55% now work. 95% of the population are Roman Catholic. Family is #1. Spanish is spoken, but English is understood. 60% of children complete their primary education. Many are sent to the US for College education. Mestizos (mixed European and Indigenous) are about 58% of Colombia's population.The word "Mestizo" is used for statistical purposes only. Never refer to anyone as a "Mestizo."  

Mountainous Columbia is the size of California and Texas combined. Colombia has a population of 54 Million. The Capital is Bogota with a population of 8 Million. 80% of the citizens live in cities. Colombia is one of the top most economically unequal countries in Latin America and globally.  

Mind the high altitudes and the tropical temperatures averaging around 85 degrees. Daily afternoon showers are common and the rainy seasons are Fall and Spring. Be sure to pack a sunscreen and a light raincoat and skimmer rain shoes. Colombia also has a vast diversity of animal species and a fine Zoo. Watch the narrow and winding roads as well, they can be treacherous, especially with the rains.   

Natural resources are coffee, bananas, cotton, sugarcane, rice, orchids, and a starchy root vegetable called cassava, which looks like a potato. It is a woody shrub and is a staple in the Colombian diet. They are also known for their coal, petroleum, NG, iron and other metals. One of my Nephew's favorite things in Columbia were the delightful tin roof homes with wonderful decor and the diverse biomes from greens to rocky, and the many different kinds of fruits.   

Sports is all "Futbol", soccer to those of us "Gringo's" in the US. Also a national sport is Tejo, (a heavy metal disc) an air bowling, rural game. Bullfighting is also a revered sport. Sports is always a safe conversational topic. 

Public manners are Old European Manners (see August 12, 2020 post). Dress codes are casual chic for men and women and also feminine for women. Long pants at night for gentleman. Clean, neat dress jeans are acceptable for women. Do not wear dirty tennis shoes or sandals. Beware of pick pockets. Visit travel clothing companies for hidden pockets. Be prepared for long lines at the airport, and do not engage with strangers at the airports or in public. Be silently polite if you cannot walk away. Do not wear jewelry, not even fake jewelry. Pick pockets will take their chances that your fake jewelry is real. Do not talk about politics, religion or drugs. Do not mention the Panama Canal. Be mindful of the epic traffic. Don't ever accept food or drink from a stranger. My Nephew's favorite snack was an "arepas" (corn cake) from a roadside tented vendor by a highway and he enjoyed his Colombian Fanta soda too.  

Punctuality and time are not strictly stressed. To be 1/2 hour late is normal and fine. To hand out a business or personal card is appreciated. Shake hands with everyone when entering an event. Families hug and kiss. If you are invited to attend a bullfight, go. Tickets are hard to get and expensive. 

Drink and carry bottled water and be sure to stay hydrated as high altitudes can dehydrate you, and you won't realize it. Carry 2 pink bismuth chewable pills with you, and take them before every meal - just in case. Working Breakfasts are common. Continental Breakfasts are common. Beware, the coffee is strong! Business lunches and dinners are popular. Dinner is at 8:00pm. Meals are 2-3 hours. Eat in the Continental style. Keep your hands above the table always. Never eat your food with your hands. Iguana eggs are a delicacy. "Ajiaco" is potato soup and typical in Bogota. "Sancocho" is a meat and vegetable stew. "Agua con pollo" is a sweet drink made from brown sugar enjoyed in the afternoon. Sample the local Rums if you are of age. Try their local beer. Colombian seafood is wonderful. Do not call the waitstaff over with your index finger. Do not burp. Do not overeat. Do not yawn in public without your mouth covered. Do not eat with your mouth open. Do not eat while walking down the street. Never take anything to eat without offering it to others first. Smiling is important. Colombians are very generous hosts.  

Often, the 10% tip is included, but if not, leave a 10% tip. Ask if you don't know. Tip the Taxi driver 10%. Official Taxi drivers are hired by the Hotel. Tip the maid $5 a day. Tip the Porter $2-3 per bag. Banks are open 9am - 3pm. Most shops are open 9am - 7pm and may close for lunch from 12-2. Currency is the Peso. 1 Peso = 100 Centavos.  Be careful using your credit card. Cash is best. Do not change money on the street as street vendors are known for counterfeiting. Remember, most health services are in the cities, sparse in rural areas.

Colombia unearthed the Patricia Emerald, one of the largest and high-quality emeralds in the world. 

China - An Ancient Society Where "Saving Face" is Sacrosanct

China is a 3200 year old ancient dynastic society with a proud war lording culture. There is still a storytelling tradition in pubs. From the first Xia Dynasty to the famous blue and white porcelains of the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese are industrious inventors and traders, from the old Silk Road to the modern One Belt One Road initiative. From the great floods of the Yellow River, to the times before the common era (BCE), China has its famous myth, from the Bronze Age, of the Mother Goddess Nuwa who created humanity from the Yellow River, then she created dogs and chickens from the leftover mud. They have the rich wheat fields of Henan, Stone Age Villages, Tripple Gate patterns (derived from the Indian Torna). 90% of the Chinese are descended from the Han Dynasty. They revere their 30+ Han generations of ancestors and their Han festival celebrating the renown "Tomb Sweeping Day" honoring the Han dead and comforting the Han living, in knowing where they came from and where they will go after they die. China is a vast land with rich cultural, medicinal and religious development.

China has a population of 1.4 Billion people. The Capital is Beijing (old name Peking) with a population of 21 Million, and where the Forbidden City and parts of the Great Wall exist. Weather is tropical: very warm and humid. Land area is 3.6 million square miles, close to the size of the United States. GDP is $14,874 per person. The natural resources in China include coal, hydrogen and many rare earth minerals. They are known for rice, cotton, feldspar, and their famous cuisine. The official and majority language is Mandarin, but Cantonese is also spoken as are many other dialects. Religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Islamism, Shinto, Hinduism, Confucianism (not a religion but a way of life based on "The Golden Rule"), Muslim and Christian. Care of the elderly is revered. "Saving face" is paramount. Never embarrass someone else either in negotiations or jokingly. Popular sports include Baseball, Soccer and Swimming. The Chinese do not line up, they push in large crowds. 

Chinese fine art and literature are renowned. The Yuan, Han, Tang, Qing, and Ming Dynasties (to name a few) were filled with imperial patronage. "The way and its power" is an understanding of behavior which makes things the way they are. "Truth is infinite, the mind is finite" describes the balance and harmony of earth and spirit.  

Basic public manners are for the most part Old European Manners (see post from August 12, 2020). Manners in China also include showing a quiet reserve and showing little emotion in public. Make little eye contact in public. Staring is not acceptable, and in fact is used by Mothers as punishment when their children are misbehaved. Smiling in public is not done, especially for women. Smiling implies embarrassment, stress, humiliation or disagreement. Mind your posture. No hand gesturing. Keep your hands at your sides. Never force an Asian to say "No." This is a loss of "face."

Be punctual. Very formal austere senior elders may first initiate introductions. Always show the utmost respect and kindness for elders. Offer them a seat. Bow from your shoulders, not your waist. Use last names until invited to call someone by first name. Correct pronunciation is important. If given a business card, accept it with both hands, peruse it for a minute, then nicely place it in your purse or pocket. This deliberate action shows respect. No hands "below waist." Keep your hands out of your pockets. Don't fidget. Don't take photographs unless you have permission.  

When dining, arrive on time. Do not arrive early as this act implies you are hungery. If eating with utensils, eat in the Continental style. Never point with your finger or point your chopsticks an another person. It is considered rude and bad luck. Carry your own chopsticks to impress! Before your trip or meal, practice with your chopsticks at home on popcorn.  Shake hands with everyone upon arrival and departure. Eat slowly as meals may be 12 courses or more. Try all courses as you may discover a new favorite food! Many toasts are also common. Pass with your right hand only. If you clean your plate, it will be re-filled, so leave a bit on your plate. When sitting, keep both feet on the floor. Do not cross your legs or show the soles of your shoes. This is considered dirty thus an insult. Women only may cross their ankles at the table. Don't wink. Service charge should be included on your check. Tipping is NOT part of the culture in China. Tipping wait staff, the maid or driver may cause confusion or embarrassment, thus causing "lose of face." A sincere Thank You (xiexie) will do. 

Gift Giving Protocol is so interesting as it revolves around colors, funerals and superstitions! Gifts are accepted with both hands to show respect, and are not opened by the recipient when given. Do not give fruit baskets as this act implies poverty. Don't give anything in sets of 4 or 40 as the pronunciation of "four" sounds like the word for death. Do not give a green hat as it implies adultery. Do not give knives or scissors, not even with a 'lucky penny', as this implies separation. Do not give a clock (time is ticking thus death is near). Give cash, but in even numbers. Cash is given in a red envelope to children and unmarried young adults for good luck, as red is a celebratory color. Do not give lavish gifts (tacky), or white flowers (funeral). Don't give one dozen flowers, but instead give 11 flowers. Double check on the type of flower and color. Orange Blossoms are considered a symbol of fertility and purity. 

The same applies to clothing. Never wear red to a funeral or serious, solemn or business occasion, as red is the celebratory color of weddings, good luck and happiness. Neon and bright colors are also frowned upon as they are considered disrespectful and disruptive. Black, navy and dark gray clothing shows respect and is best. 

Numbers also have great meaning. As previously mentioned, the number 4 sounds like the word for death, so it is bad luck. Airports have no "Gate #4." Also,  #7=ghosts, #1=guaranteed, #2=easy, #3=life, #6=happiness, #8=prosperity, #9=long life. #13 is bad luck. No Floor #13 or Room #13, or 1313.

Feng Shui dictates how a home or office should be built or decorated. Each angle has a meaning for the "sphere of life" which is health, love and money. The front door should face East, as facing West is bad luck. An elephant statue or elephant vase should have its trunk up and facing the front door as it will hold in the good luck. The foot of the bed should not face the door as it relates to death and being carried out "feet first." A tree outside the front door may block "prosperity" from entering the house.

School children would rather confer with each other than ask their teacher a question or for help ("saving face"). Teachers are authority figures and greatly revered, feared and respected in China. The same goes for Labor Unions. Workers have a hard time asking for raises or other demands. The good of the group is more important than the individual. 

Legend has it, if you hold your chopsticks down in close, you will marry someone close to you. If you hold your chopsticks up at the tip away from you, you will marry someone far away.