I should have qualified my previous comment with be careful about what aspects of politics you discuss. But then, it could also include where you travel and what you photograph. As an example and without going into the specifics of which country (let us leave it as Southeast Asia), my sister-in-law received several visits over a 6-month period concerning photographs I had taken of the canal out the back of her house. I took the photos because we do not have such canals in Oz and because I liked the images of the traffic on the canal. I now understand the authorities saw the canal as a strategic thoroughfare and, not being a tourist destination, were not acustomed to foreigners taking so many photographs. Several visits later, they do not mind the photos, but at the time, it was very difficult for my sister-in-law.

Unfortunately, some of our fellow travellers do display such arrogance...very difficult for the locals and embarrasing and awkward for those of us who follow after.

I agree completely. Don't get paranoid because meeting the locals is the best part.

I can also relate to the hangovers....double strength warm beer (no way will I put any ice in beer, let alone locally produced back-yard ice) and home brew rice wine do wonders to the "groan" factor next morning (and permitting photographs of canals).

John


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BTO APAW
One day I'm gunna......

Search and buy this little gem of a book:

"Do's and Taboos Around The World (Do's and Taboos Around the World)"

Description:
Binding: Paperback
EAN: 9780471595281
ISBN: 0471595284
Book Pages: 208
Publication Date: 1993-06
Publisher: Wiley


Editorial Review of Do's and Taboos Around The World (Do's and Taboos Around the World)

The ultimate guide to international behavior…now completely updated and expanded! Do’s and Taboos Around the World 3rd Edition

"Roger Axtell is an international Emily Post." —The New Yorker "Can help you make friends [and] avoid travel trouble." —BusinessWeek "Helpful…fun to read…" —Steve Birnbaum The first two editions of Do’s and Taboos Around the World helped thousands of high-powered executives and tourists avoid the missteps and misunderstandings that plague the world traveler. This updated and expanded Third Edition provides even more facts, tips, and cautionary tales—gleaned from the experiences of more than five hundred international business travelers—as well as:
Information on protocol, customs, and etiquette; hand gestures and body language; tipping; American jargon; and the international communications crisis
Up-to-date advice on dealing with the monumental changes in Russia, Germany, Eastern Europe, the People’s Republic of China, and other locales
A new chapter on business gift-giving and gift-receiving customs, with country-by-country gift suggestions and precautions
A special quick reference guide to customs and mores in 96 countries, including revisions and updates from foreign embassies and consulates


It is very enlightning.

One small thing i find useful in small remote villages is to ask people when you stop your bike for a fag break or tea, ‘where the road leads to?’ [even if you know or have a GSP].

I find it helps beak the ice [specially when they are all curiously staring at you!] and it also communicates that you are interested in talking to them, what language you speak, where you are heading, etc. It tends to make them talk and feel comfortable as they feel they can help you…

Of course a smile with it will go a long way.

Prash

[This message has been edited by Prash (edited 27 September 2005).]