Etiquette and Cultural Norms in Japan

A person is identified by their manners and behaviour and you are also a representative of your own country and bound to leave an impression. The key to avoiding any unpleasantaries when you visit a country is to know something about their culture. When you travel to Japan, you are a guest and the Japanese do not expect visitors to know every aspect of their culture, but understanding the basics helps avoid uncomfortable situations. The Japanese are extremely well mannered, disciplined and cultured. Etiquette and behaviour in Tokyo is a very important aspect, of this country as a whole. The Japanese in general are very reserved. Showing extreme emotions is out of place. They are nothing if not polite. At all times, try your very best to be utterly polite. In Tokyo, people are always well groomed and remarkably well dressed. Point to be noted when you pack your wardrobe for Japan.

Sights and Sounds of Tokyo

For decades Tokyo was visited mainly by business people connected with Japan's booming electronics and car manufacturing industries. Today, more and more people are coming to this huge, exciting megalopolis in order to enjoy its vast array of attractions and to experience a little of the culture that Japan offers visitors from overseas. Tokyo's infinite charms include temples, palaces and gorgeous, intricate gardens as well as a nightlife second to none. As for shopping, Tokyo is world famous for its boundless variety of shops and stores. Visitors in spring can enjoy the special bonus of seeing the fabulous cherry blossoms that attract vast crowds to the city parks. But a trip to Tokyo, at any time, is guaranteed to be a profoundly interesting and enjoyable experience.Tokyo is the point of entry for most visitors and business travellers to Japan. It is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Extraordinary, vibrant, fashionable, modern, a true metropolis, which still manages to reveal glimpses of its traditional past. Tokyo should be at the top of any Asian tourism agenda. It presents the mystique of traditional Japanese culture since the 17^th century, when the city was born. Its designation as the capital of Japan is fitting. Not only is it the biggest and most populous city in the nation, but it also represents the finest in Japanese heritage.

Thrilling Tokyo

Tokyo. One of the 47 prefectures of Japan, though it is called a metropolis rather than a prefecture, is located on the eastern side of Honshu, on the Kanto plain facing the Tokyo bay. It is the largest city and the country’s capital. It is the most populated urban area in the world with over 12 million people living there, not including adjacent areas. It is the seat of the Japanese Government and the Imperial Palace, the home of the Japanese Imperial family. The city is considered an Alpha + world city and ranked 3rd among global cities along with London and New York. The city was earlier called Edo meaning estuary, and was a small fishing village. In 1868, the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning east capital. Tokyo is laced with soaring sky scrappers, cosmopolitan industries, shopping arcades, extravagant bars and lounges and amid its modern flourish, the city also espouses its time honoured tradition in the form of shrines, ryokans ( guesthouses ) and museums. Tokyo has suffered a number of tragedies, including major devastation during World War II. After the war, Tokyo was completely re built. It has also suffered many earthquakes because of its location being near the boundary of 3 plates. But they are relatively quiet since 1923. Popular Hollywood movies like The Fast and the Furious, Kill Bill, Lost in Translation have been filmed in Tokyo. The energy of Tokyo borders on mania and obsession with newness that seems to make all ideas obsolete quickly. But though they are tech savvy with electronics, upgrade their mobiles with each advancement, fashions change with the blink of an eye, they are also traditional which may not be evident initially. Deep at their core, culture, religion, beliefs and respect are important to them. As the modern moves ahead, the city remains true to its origins.

Culinary Traditions of Mauritius

Mauritius is not only a feast for the eyes but the palate as well. The fantastic mix of cultures creates an amazing blend of culinary traditions. Mauritian food originates from 3 continents, so do try different cuisines everyday. The Mauritian local cuisine is a mix of Creole, Chinese, European, African and Indian. While you are there, you must try the Creole curry which is quite spicy. The curry can be made with fish, beef or chicken and eaten with rice. Also must haves are the Dholl puri, farata, gateaux piments and samosas. You can either have the Mauritian versions of the foods or you can have the individual specialities of the Muslims, Europeans, Indians or Chinese. Most basic and common ingredients of Mauritian recipes are tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions and chillies. Spices too form an exclusive part of their recipes. If you are a lover of seafood, since it is an island, you will surely be delighted at the variety. Favourites among travellers and locals include dishes made with shrimps, crabs, crayfish, prawns and oysters. Camarons in hot prawn, venison, octopus, gateaux piments, chilli cakes are some of the Mauritian delicacies.

Shopping in Mauritius

Shopping in Mauritius is like going into a journey of civilization and cultures. Traditional Mauritian arts, crafts and the best branded luxury goods can be found in a number of shopping arcades and centres in all towns and beach resorts. Duty Free shops too offer attractive prices. Basically it ranges from shopping in a relaxed atmosphere of a shopping centre to hawkers and street markets. One can find amazing exotic buys which are truly made in Mauritius like perfume oils, rattan bags, local spices, pickles, flavoured teas and freshly ground coffee. The local craftsmen make beautiful ship models which are really unique, original and something you would love to take home as a souvenir truly representing Mauritius. One can even visit and buy Diamonds from their Diamond factory. Be careful when you are shopping with hawkers on the beaches, markets and streets of Mauritius. Their markets are colourful and give a taste of the traditional way of life in Mauritius.

Art in Mauritius

Mauritius is a world of culture and traditions, a mosaic of ethnic groups due to which it has inherited great cultural traditions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Mauritian identity is not a uniform or static concept. It is dynamic and constantly changing and evolving through interaction with other cultures and ideas. Art and entertainment is under the Ministry of Art and Culture to foster a balanced and harmonious Mauritian society through consolidation of existing pluralism, promotion of creativity, preservation, fostering and celebration of cultural values and maintaining and upgrading cultural infrastructure. Handicrafts mirror peoples’ degree of civilization. Handicrafts date back to the colonial period and are a fusion of French and Afro Asian cultures. The National Handicrafts Promotion Agency in Mauritius works to promote the same. Some popular handicrafts are pottery, ship models, tropical batiks, textiles, paintings, jewellery, baskets, wooden art, cabinet work, Chinese embroidery and souvenir items.

Customs and Traditions of Mauritius

There are so many cultures blended which create unique and distinctive parts of a whole, that should we call it Mauritian Culture or Cultures? The gregarious people of Mauritius have descended from settlers on its shores for 400 years. So you will find the Chinese celebrating the Chinese new year, people of Indian descent throwing themselves wholeheartedly into Diwali and Holi celebrations, Cavadee, Ganesh Chathurthi, Mahashivratri. The Christians and people of Dutch, French and English ancestry celebrate Christmas and Easter, while the Indian and African origin Muslim population celebrates Id after fasting through Ramadan. An event peculiar to Mauritius is the annual pilgrimage of Pere Laval, the French social reformer. All are celebrated equally splendidly. European, Indian, Chinese, African and Muslim, who can imagine that unity in diversity of customs can thrive on such a small island. Diversity can be found in every aspect, not only festivals mentioned. You will find churches next to a mosque, Indian temples next to Chinese pagoda. Mauritius is termed as a multilingual country with a plethora of languages such as Hindi, Mandarin, Urdu, Tamil, Marathi, Bhojpuri, French, and Cantonese. English is the official language and Creole is the native language which binds all these together. Creole emerged from French settlers and African slaves. Dress in Mauritius is culturally dependant and conservative. Mauritians seem aloof initially till they become comfortable and accepting.

Scenic Sights of Mauritius

Mauritius is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The green island in the middle of the Indian Ocean will enchant you from the very first moment. The holiday will refresh your body and soul. There is a fair amount to see and do in Mauritius. It is known for its pristine beaches, emerald seas, craggy shorelines with colonies of water birds. Black Gorges, a must for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts, museums, fortifications, galleries, colonial houses, beaches and what not. The beaches are the some of the best you will ever come across. White sands, clear blue waters, a treat indeed for any traveller. A host of water sports are available – sailing, windsurfing, water skiing or you can just sunbathe or relax at your hotel spa. Since the island has good weather all year round and has one of the largest coral reefs in the world, diving is a great activity anytime. Safari jeep tours, biking trips, full day sightseeing, tandem skydiving, dolphin watch, hiking, trekking, horse racing, rock climbing, kayaking. The list of what one do in Mauritius is endless. Some of the sights one must visit are covered briefly for you.

Mesmerising Mauritius

Mauritius. An island nation off the south east coast of the African continent, east of Madagascar and south west of the Indian Ocean. It will enchant you, mesmerise you and uplift your soul. The main island from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, is home to the Dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons. The island set in the turquoise sea is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, where the past and present blend together beautifully. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes make Mauritius so charming that it is really quite an unforgettable holiday. The island was first ruled by the Dutch, then French and lastly the British. Mauritius became independent in 1968. Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. The islands largest city and capital is Port Louis. Mauritius has a stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and earned one of Africa's highest per capita income. The clear warm waters, lush vegetation and white beaches make Mauritius a tropical dream come true. The sea famous for water sports, the evenings see the bars, restaurants and clubs buzzing with activity, marine life conceals infinite treasures of the sea, the golf courses are spectacular. When in Mauritius take time to rejuvenate yourself.

Taiwanese Cuisine

Nine out of ten Taiwanese living out of Taiwan will say they miss food the most while away from their country. Food culture represents the face by which a country knows itself and represents itself to the world. Apart from the traditional Taiwanese food, you will find a wide range of regional Chinese dishes like Hakka, Cantonese, Buddhist inspired, Shanghainese, Sichuanese throughout Taipei. Taiwanese food is known for its sea food dishes. Sweet dishes and bubble tea are ubiquitous and definitely worth trying. Pork, sea food, rice and soy are the common ingredients. Beef is less common and many elderly Taiwanese still refrain from eating it. The Taiwanese version of Beef noodle soup remains one of the popular dishes in Taiwan. Taiwanese cuisine relies on abundant array of seasoning – soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, fermented black beans, peanuts, pickled mustard greens, chilli peppers, cilantro, basil and many more. A restaurants status depends on how crowded it is at 7pm. Some places take it as a point of pride to never upgrade their dining rooms, the point being that the attention goes into making high quality food.

Shopping in Taiwan

Taipei is a shopper’s dream. There are dozens of districts offering everything under the sun, truly a world class experience. Shopping is considered a leisure pursuit for Taiwanese women. Every city has numerous ultramodern shopping malls and the traditional street side stores and markets that fringe alleys of the island selling local and international products. The alley stores are crowded with bargain buyers. The night markets with their neon lights, delicious aromas, wayside cafes and the underground malls are a delight to visit. From fashion accessories to electronics, from authentic food to local handicrafts, there is enough to satisfy every buyer. The malls are generally for the high end shopping while the markets scattered all over are for bargain shopping. Most stores are open daily from 10am to 10pm. The main shopping districts in Taipei are Simending, Tongsiao and Sinyi. Taipei has seen tremendous success in the Taipei Shopping Festival and the fest continues year after year to promote Taipei not only as a shopper’s paradise but to build and international shopping carnival. The annual Ximen Shopping Festival takes place during October and November in Ximending in the Wanhua district, which is locally referred to as the shoppers paradise, sees over 3 million shoppers per month and is a must for travellers looking for bargains on electronic goods, toys, books, magazines, CD’s and clothes.

Art in Taipei

If you want to observe the multifaceted manifestations of 5,000 years of art and culture, or feel for yourself the joy and harmony of life in a heterogeneous society, then a tour of Taiwan is just what you need. Perhaps the best thing about experiencing the endless variety of Taiwan's artistic wonders is that whatever you like, whether it be folk festivals, religious faith, traditional skills, or modern art, is that everything is right at hand. You can find expressions of the island's rich and varied art on every street and lane, and in the lives of the people. Every part of Taiwan shows its own unique local characteristics, profoundly different yet centered on a common cultural core. Taiwan has a profuse history of both visual and performing arts which have survived over the centuries to carve an exclusive niche for Taiwan in the realm of art. By mixing traditional and contemporary, Eastern and Western, local and international, Taiwan's artists in both the visual and performing arts are exploring different approaches and developing their own unique styles. 

Taiwanese Culture and Customs

When you visit a country, remember that’s exactly what you are, a visitor. At all times must the social customs and norms be respected. Wherever you go, people will seem different and odd, but that’s their life and must be respected. Culture in Taipei is a blend of Confucianist Han Chinese, Japanese, European, American and Aborigines, thereby making it a blend of its distinctive Chinese heritage and Western influences. The culture of Taiwan, as it exists today, was born out of interactions with diverse ethnic communities. Off all these the Han Chinese are the majority and divided into 3 groups based on the dialect of Chinese they speak : Taiwanese, Hakka and Mandarin. Their traditional values are based on Confucian ethics. Some traditional values remain strong like piety towards parents, ancestor worship, strong emphasis on education and work, the importance of face. Due to industrialization, women enjoy greater freedom and a higher social status. Although the Taiwanese are quite reserved, they are not wary of tourists and will go out of their way. Work ethics in Taiwan are excellent and orderly. The culture of Taiwan is one that has preserved traditions over thousands of years, something that was impossible to do on the mainland.

Visual Delights of Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan’s crowded capital has a unique personality. One of the most underrated tourist destinations of Asia, distills the best of what Asia has to offer. Vibrant night life, great food, hot springs, beautiful mountains, one of the best collections of Chinese art. It has a large number of museums, temples and many more places of tourist attractions. Both old and new are represented within the city limits. While old neighbourhoods, on one side of the city, sport narrow alleyways and traditional Chinese architecture, Taipei’s other half is littered with malls and office complexes. In between are the hectic roadways and nonstop commerce of this vibrant city. Sightseeing in Taipei can be a wonderful experience.  At sunrise, many Taiwanese head to the nearest park to practice Tai Chi, the slow moving exercise meant to enhance both body and mind by moving chi (a kind of life energy) throughout the body.

Lively Taipei

Taipei is the largest city on the island and the capital of the Republic of China ( ROC ) Taiwan, as it is better known. One of the most unsung Asian destinations, it actually has a lot to offer. Chinese and Aboriginal cultures, cuisines, ancient religions and rituals still thrive in this part of the world. The city is a fascinating mix of innovation and tradition. Taipei is situated right at the tip of the island on the Danshui River. It is the financial and governing centre of the country. Taipei has gone from being an ugly duckling to a swan, becoming a dynamic, fun, beautiful city in the past couple of decades. There must be very few cities of Taipei’s size that can match the variety of amazing attractions it offers. Be it the world’s tallest building, bullet train service, modern and extensive subway system (MRT), stunning temples or fabulous markets, it is sure to offer something for anyone’s taste. Taipei lost having the world’s tallest building title to Burj Khaleefa, Dubai. Till recently, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest completed sky scrapper in the world. Built to withstand Taipei’s many typhoons and earthquakes, is an engineering marvel. The people have managed to strike a balance between business and convenience, chaos and beauty. They are one of the warmest people you will meet, affable to a fault. Taiwan hasn’t been a country high on tourists due to long standing political problems with mainland China but much is changing slowly. 

Maldivian Food

Maldives comprises of more water than land, therefore its natural that seafood is the most prominent Maldivian food. Since Maldives is at a crossroads in the Indian Ocean and has a lot of travellers and visitors from different parts of the world, over time, they too have left their mark on the Maldivian cuisine. Food of Maldives retains all the tastes and traits which are evident of its predominantly Muslim identity. But, the reason to rejoice for the food lovers is that Maldives acknowledges the influence of the varied abundance of global cuisines and the result is rewarding.The world travellers brought new seasonings and introduced vegetables to the country. The Maldivian cuisine in now an eclectic mix of Indian, Arabic, Oriental, Sri Lankan blended uniquely embodying a culinary identity of its own. Almost all resorts in Maldives have multiple restaurants and cater to international cuisine like Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Continental.

Shopping in Maldives

Shopping in Maldives can be an exciting experience. Malé is the commercial hub of the Maldives in addition to being the capital city. Varieties of consumer goods are imported to Maldives and are sold in Malé. Electronics, cosmetics, perfumes, garments and chocolates are available from shops in different parts of Malé. You get edibles like canned fish too, which is famous here. The main areas of shopping are Majeedhee Magu and Chaanhanee Magu. There is excellent shopping at the duty free outlets selling toys, perfumes, liqueur, cosmetics, electronics at The Malé International Airport. All shops in Maldives are generally open till 2300 hours, closing only for 15 minutes for their prayers. It is always better to visit a few shops to compare prices before you go ahead. Also beware of people trying to persuade you into buying things or entering their shops. Shop in groups too and avoid going alone. Most resorts in Maldives have in house souvenir shops that cater to basic needs as well as the island curios.