Lesson one: mind your manners

KANAK HIRANI NAUTIYAL / TNN / Aug 20, 2006, 22:21 IST

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A campaign in China is working on creating civilised travellers with the perfect etiquette.

A campaign in China is working on creating civilised travellers with the perfect etiquette.
Spitting on the streets, taking shoes off while aboard a plane, talking loudly or simply being rude. Sounds like your desi tourist? Only this time it's Chinese travellers we're talking about. A group of etiquette pros recently launched a campaign to correct embarrassing habits of tourists in China.
But according to many well--heeled travellers from the city, these bugbears aren't restricted to the Chinese alone. In fact, Indians abroad can often say and do the wrong thing. BT finds out in which areas we need lessons.
Talk softly and stop staring!

Hockey pro Ashish Ballal says, "We still bother about what others wear or how they behave," he says. And, "Whatever we do, it's with the chalta hai attitude. Unfortunately, some Indians behave perfectly well in their own country, but the minute they cross the border, they leave their manners behind, including things like talking loudly or even breaking queues and saying, 'Don't you know who I am?'" Ashish believes stricter policing with bigger fines will help.

Stick to traffic rules
Business professional Gautam Maini says Indians are well--behaved abroad. Indians would never dare to drive the way they do here abroad. "If you're driving in an autobahn in Germany, you'd make sure you stick to your lane." But he believes if you try to abide by the traffic rules here, you'd probably be the only one. "The person in front will overtake from the left or keep changing lanes without any indication."
Please close those dabbas
There's no difference between Chinese or Indian tourists, says architect Kavya Thimmaiah. "No matter where we are, we carry and open our dabbas. What's the fun if you're visiting another country and eating your own food?"
Ask, when in doubt
Chef Abhijit Saha says a common mistake could be dressing inappropriately. "You don't have to always wear a suit or a tie. It depends on the occasion and the weather. Sandals are always a nono." We should also take note of table manners. "Dining etiquette is a must; from the usage of cutlery to knowing a little about cuisine. Ask your colleagues for country--specific tips and save yourself the embarrassment," says Abhijit. He adds, "The worst thing is to talk in your own language when you're in a big group. Others will think you're saying something negative about them."
Value my time
Fashion pro Namrata G says Indians travellers lack basic courtesy. "They never say sorry or thank you. Worse, time is the most precious commodity abroad and the cheapest in India." If you're late, even by 10 minutes, call and say so. Namrata adds, "We've become a global nation. Why can't we just have better standards?"
kanakhirani@indiatimes.com

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