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bswaminathan
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 164
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 Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:18 am Post subject: how to handle this typical situation |
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I heard that when you go for a dinner in Russia. you are supposed to test all the dishes there including alcohol if available. to me i'm a strict vegetarian and i don't like alcohol or smoke and i don't want some one to force me to test these things. this may be a invade to our privacy. but at the same time we don't want to disappoint the host, how to handle this situation where both are satisfied?
is it true every russian will consume alcohol (vodka)? its very starnge to hear.
this is what i heard? |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:26 am Post subject: Re: how to handle this typical situation |
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| bswaminathan wrote: | I heard that when you go for a dinner in Russia. you are supposed to test all the dishes there including alcohol if available. to me i'm a strict vegetarian and i don't like alcohol or smoke and i don't want some one to force me to test these things. this may be a invade to our privacy. but at the same time we don't want to disappoint the host, how to handle this situation where both are satisfied?
is it true every russian will consume alcohol (vodka)? its very starnge to hear.
this is what i heard? |
hmmm will be problematic for you...but you shall be ok...just hang out women |
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mister_wizzz
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Joined: 27 May 2004
Posts: 582
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject: |
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That's true.
I think you will be in an embarrassing situation, I had lots of dinner with russians and each time I couldn't escape to the numerous toast LOL
Well, I don't think they will force you, but if they have a toast to the Indian-Russian friendship and you don't drink, your Russians hosts might be offended.
Well, just tell them some little lies like you cannot drink alcohol especially strong ones (like Vodka) because you got a stomach ulcere.
For the meat, well, you are Indian and everybody knows that Cows are sacred in your country. I just hope they will not serve you some pork meat, you cannot be Hinduist and Muslim at the same time  |
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nikir
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Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 54
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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bswaminathan, provided your hosts are forewarned there will be no problem. You will be guest of honour at a table full of fine vegetarian fare.
There will be no pressure to consume alcohol either, you will be the guest and your hosts will be out to impress you. |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 164
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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[quote]
hmmm will be problematic for you...but you shall be ok...just hang out women
[/quote]
Hey! can u pls be little bit descriptive. I couldn't understand. do u meant to say about flirting? if my mom knows abt it. she will throw me away from house and here after i can't enter the house. I have not touched any woman in life other than my close family members. here in INDIA certain things are very strict. there is a list for code of conduct. for example if you marry some one then you are supposed to be for her and only for her for ever. its not like having a partner like multiples of credit card in your wallet. then tomorrow my kid will ask me who are my exact parents. i can't add a annexure for surname.
Ps: don't take it serious. |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 164
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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oh! surprising. I should ask 007 to deduce ways to escape from such a situation. basically i won't prefer alcohol or similar variety beverages. even i won't take coke/pepsi/coffee/egg etc., no ONION on specific days. if at all we are forced to take egg, then i have to take a full bath before entering home.
shall i say im on fast today, with that i can escape.
nikir, your reply is convincing, i wish it would repeat in my case.
It is not Hinduism/muslim, i have my own reservations to certain things inmy life. i will not invade privacy of there and vice versa.
the last INDIAn president told in a press review that he escaped from vodka glass by passing it to his immediate guy(assistant) and grabbing his cup which actually has water. oh! i couldn't understand is it a tradition. will women take alcohol or Non-veg. women are to be considered another form of god.
I remember i relinquished my friendship with my close mate who refused to stop smoking when both are in same room. but after a year we are joined back and he stops smoking as i requested him. as he is my friend i thought its my duty to put him back to normal and it worked. will the same work for other nationals. i have some friends in Greece, US, Belgium. most of them have these habits and they will not practice it in front of me or force me.
Last edited by bswaminathan on Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:27 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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nikir
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Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 54
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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Just make sure you arrange your dinner when its NOT one of your no onion days. That may be taking things a bit far on a first visit.  |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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that's right.
not only that, the way and type of food what you consume will have a direct influence over your mind & feelings. generally on health basis i would refrain from them. next thing i would probably stop is taking tea as a recent report states that it will have a negative impact over heart/lungs but its very less. |
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nikir
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Joined: 17 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject: |
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You will be in for an extreme culture shock, at the very least.
Try to fit in, remember that you are on foreign turf, some of your customs will be respected, just don't go overboard. Compensation is the key.
When I go to Russia I always have a marvelous time. But I smoke, drink alcohol, eat meat and can't even get going in the morning without at least four cups of tea.
You will find that sort of thing more the norm, but as long as you don't push your lifestyle and beliefs to unrealistic levels they will, in the main be respected. |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 164
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:05 pm Post subject: |
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I understand. i welcome it.
what i was trying to understand is, you have your own preferences. when my friends prefer non-veg food, either i will be out that time or in a different room or they prefer outside. your preferences will have impact only with in you and how others can take it as disrespect and force you to do something. this sounds like maniac. do u like others instructing you like in case of type of dress you wear and costumes you have. |
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nikir
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Joined: 17 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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I have never been forced into anything against my will. On quite a few occasions though, I have had to compromise, ie meet half way at the most.
In other words its not really what you want and not really what the other people want, its a workable solution.
Going to other countries is all about discovery, adventure and coming out of the experience richer for it.
It is definately not about trying to instill your culture and beliefs on those that you are visiting, |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 164
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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yes you are 100% right.
but im not trying to install my culture. i didn't force any one to be like me. for ex: if my family knows that i have done one among the above then probably i may be boycotted. |
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jo-jo-7
Just Starting
Joined: 16 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject: |
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I can be pretty flexible to other cultures so that I don't disrespect them. The only problem I had recently not to disrespect my Russian friend was "the cow tongue" she fixed for a meal when visiting her. I told her I was not fond of it but I tried it and it was good. I did not want to insult her so I ended up satisfied and she was happy that I liked it. I think that it is important to get in on the different culture or at least try it their way when you are visiting. I like the fact that I was comfortable with it and I felt welcomed there. A sense of belonging. I believe you should put your veggy thing aside to try something when you go visit. This way you are not being narcistic about it. Don't be selfish and prudish in someone's home because of your culture, bswaminathan. Opening up to something different will be refreshing. You don't have to take it back with you but it feels nice to have shared something of the opposite of what you are used too.
Just my 2 cents
I have to have 3 cups of coffee to get going in the morning. |
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bswaminathan
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Joined: 09 Oct 2007
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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yes! i understand your views.
but i can't digest the cow tongue matter. cow is considered equal to your mother. seeing a meat at a distance make me to feel my skin is burning. most times i vomit if i catches the smell. in INDIA everywhere its separated(Veg & non-veg) restaurant. even restaurants like Mc Donald are restricted by doing so. if some one finds you biting a cow with stick you will be severely assaulted. this is not only to cow, in general animals are protected. some people even avoid leather goods as they are made out of cow skin.
I should avoid dinner in future. so far i gave the preference before going for it and i have no compulsion so far. they take it easy. but good to hear abt these traditions. does it sound too much possessive over some one?
I mingle with many friends who are from different culture/origin. so far i don't have a bitter experience. they do offer, politely i avoid. they will say 'that's OK' and they will ask me if i mind them taking Non-veg in the dinner. I say No, let them follow what they are practiced to. i will go by my ways. |
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nikir
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Joined: 17 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:59 pm Post subject: |
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| bswaminathan wrote: | yes you are 100% right.
but im not trying to install my culture. i didn't force any one to be like me. for ex: if my family knows that i have done one among the above then probably i may be boycotted. |
You may well be boycotted on your home ground. Off it, circumstances often dictate. Remember compromise.
Its also a perfect opportunity for you to try something new if you want to. |
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