In most countries, local residents are as keen to get to know foreigners as foreigners are to interact with them. Reach out with sincerity and, even though you may face some resistance due to cultural, attitudinal or language barriers, a positive response can be evoked. With some luck, someone may even invite you home so that you gain an insight into the place through its people.

On a little frequented train route in West Africa, I disembarked at a small station where I was told that the train would be halting for 20 minutes. I wandered around a bit outside the station and returned in what I thought was good time, only to find that the train had disappeared. Frantic enquiry yielded the dismal information that the next train was due three days later.

What followed was a unique adventure, with me ending up staying with the station master. He took me home, where I learned to drink the local brew, eat cassava and speak a few words of Creole. When I left the village three days later, there was a farewell party of 26 people - comprising the man's family and friends - to see me off.

I reciprocated the kind gesture by sending gifts to the station master and his entire family, although the entire process of dispatch, receipt and acknowledgement took one and a half year!

If you are not fortunate enough to be invited to a local home, most cities have a typical "melting pot". Look out for popular clubs, restaurants and bars (not to be confused with tourist hangouts) frequented by both locals as well as foreigners resident in that country. It is easy to meet people of diverse cultural backgrounds at these places and strike up friendships along the way. When attempting to speak a foreign language, be sure to speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

Coping with Unfamiliar Cultures

An individual's interaction with those around him or her can make all the difference in converting an unfamiliar environment into one with a wealth of enjoyment and learning. Whether you travel on business or vacation, it is your attitude that influences how much you make a trip.

While culture shock can create a feeling of isolation and homesickness, it is precisely these differences between cultures that can and should translate into a better understanding of yourself and your roots. Everyone can take steps to lessen this feeling of alienation that comes from being away from home, thereby making every trip more enjoyable and worthwhile.

If you are dealing with a foreign language you have just learnt, remember that the way you use your newly acquired vocabulary is as important as the vocabulary itself. Learn which are the most polite forms of usage and know how to vary this usage according to the different types of people you will be addressing.

While communicating, remember that the body language is not universal but varies from place to place. Even something as simple as eye contact should be researched beforehand. Learn gestures for greeting, parting and eating.

Every society has its own set of rules with respect to behaviour toward different age groups and genders. Be sensitive, too, toward social and communal groups in general with regards to family, clan, caste and religion. Find out about the unwritten rules of gift-giving, buying and selling, eating and drinking, and visiting homes.

Once you are mentally prepared, be confident of your ability to mix with the locals rather than sticking to your own kind out of fear or apprehension. It will make your travel experience a whole lot more enriching.

Unfamiliar Practices

What is a gestured of appreciation for one man may be downright rudeness for the next. Here are some interesting practices from around the world:

Slurping soup and noodles is a sign of appreciation in Japan, but of bad manners in the West.

When a meal is finished, Eskimos smack their lips together to show how much they enjoyed it.

When a guest leaves the home of a Tibetan, the host sticks out his tongue as a farewell gesture.

In certain villages in India, guests burp after a meal to show their hosts how much they enjoyed it.

In certain parts of Africa, respect is conveyed by allowing your robe to slip.

In other parts of Africa, natives greet each other by asking, "How do you sweat?"

Wedding Invitations

Getting an invitation to a wedding in a different culture affords much insight into that culture.

In the East, extravagant celebrations are the norm and are seen as a display of generosity, status, wealth and approval. Symbols play an important role, as in the choice of an auspicious day and hour, in both the Indian and Chinese traditions.

Even in the West, various traditions prevail. In Greece, the bride carries sugar in her hand to ensure a sweet life. In Germany, the bride carries salt and bread while the groom carries grain for wealth and good fortune. In France, couples drink a toast from a spherical cup which is then passed on to the next generation. In the Czech Republic, a tree is planted in the bridal yard as a symbol that the bride will live as long as the tree. In Korea, ducks form a part of the marriage ceremony and procession; the symbolism comes from the belief that the fowls mate for life.

Meeting With Big Wigs

During my travels, I have met many bigwigs, both as a result of my professional interactions and in chance encounters. They have included heads of corporations and public and private institutions, as well as heads of state. What I have learnt from these interactions is that, while most of these people have achieved their power and status as a result of their caliber and high-flying efforts, all of them have normal human fears, foibles and follies. Hence they relate well to ordinary people. So do not be awed; meet and get to know them if the opportunity arises. It can be a rewarding experience.