When in Rome, do as the Romans do...how far can you go?

Hi manong, I must say I always try to ahdere to that prinicple but so far haven't been to any countries which expect a visitor to eat sheeps eyeballs or eat with my feet up. But certainly it is polite to respect the culture when in another country and for women to cover up to a certain degree when necessary, so as not to offend the locals. Eating local food is one of the benefits of travel, and I know when it is unacceptable to reach the camera out. The two countries I've visited which have offered the most difference in culture are Tunisia and Turkey. I live in a culture different to my native one and I follow it as closely as I can but still prefer eat my lamb chops with a knife and fork rather than with my hands, but they indulge me in that one. But I respect their traditions and culture. I also think that others who visit here should also pay some respect to the culture here, and not import larger lout behaviour of inappropriate dress in public places. They shouldn't complain when all the Greeks smoke as it is their country and if they move here or have holiday homes they should not build swimming pools near to the sea (my pet peeve).

Hi There. First, I want to commend you for the discussion you started. It makes sense to me. I can go and stretch as far as I can but never in the extreme and never just to please anybody but with sincerity as I do it. There must be respect for other's cultures and traditions but I won't do it if it will degrade myself and is in flagrant disregard of morals and accepted principles. Some would say, "If you can't live with the system, get out of the system." But as for me, if I can do something to make better the system, I will stand firm to influence the system and that will initiate change. It may be impossible but in one way or another, my footprints will sooner or later create a mark that others may follow. If I you able to establish your principle by standing firm to it, people will learn to accept it and will no longer disturb you and insist upon you their beliefs and ideals, although it will take some time. But it depends upon you how persistent you are and not easily swayed by their rejection or making you feel alienated and does not belong to the group.

I think, I'll be willing to try something out for the heck of cultural experience so long as it's not against my personal and spiritual beliefs. I'd definitely observe practices that are the norm in places I visit, if only for the purpose of avoiding offending the locals.

Hi, Manong. I believe in adhering to a different countries laws and cultures, and whereas I believe people should be free to dress as they please, if this isn't accepted in a foreign country, it's not my place to oppose it, as I don't live there. I wouldn't do things which went against my own moral standards,I wouldn't go to see a bullfight if I was in Spain, as I think it's barbaric, but again, it isn't my country, they aren't intending to change it anytime soon, so if I want to visit there, I just have to avoid it. I think some people from my own country, the UK, can be quite arrogant when they go abroad, actually saying things like "Why don't these people speak English", and "Oh my God, why can't we have some 'normal' (British) food?". Some people want it all their own way, and expect different cultures to change for them! Having respect is the important thing, and if we don't like something when we're visiting a foreign land, we should just decide not to participate in it.

If you're in a situation where you don't want to do a certain task, remove yourself from it. Do what you want, when you want... as long as you're not doing any criminal acts, you should be ok. If I went to Asia and everyone was eating Grub Worms and expected me to do likewise, I would consider my wants and likes prior to engaging in this audacious activity. If I've determined my wants and likes disagree with my givin situation, I'd remove myself from it. I'd give the same advice to others. Disregard other's thoughts on your actions & inactions. In the end, they won't matter.

Personally, wherever I may go, I choose to follow the way of life prescribed for Muslims.