ON UNDERSTANDING OTHER CULTURES

The world is full of diverse societies and cultures. With the free flow of information in the internet learning about other cultures has become very easy if one wills. And I think the learning is required for every inquisitive mind at their own pace so that one is never dumbfounded by a silly question and others' witty remarks.

If you read some questions about Sri Lanka from potential visitors posted on a Sri Lankan Tourism Website and the actual responses by the witty website officials, you will understand what I am taking about. (Via CSF)

My picks:

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Sri Lanka? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Sri Lanka who can dispense Rattle snake serum.( USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from. All Sri Lankan snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

Q: Do you have perfume in Sri Lanka? (France)
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Sri Lanka? (Italy)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (Germany)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

Don't blame it all on the West. The other regions have weird ideas about the West too.