 After writing about Mumbai's Rush Hour Madness: A Guide to Using Local Trains and Getting On & Off One!!! I thought it would be a good idea to inform and tell readers about the second, third, and fourth most used modes of transport throughout India, such as buses, rickshaws and walking to them! Oh yes, walking has its hazards here. Buses in Mumbai Getting on to a Mumbai bus and getting off of one, is a skill, and you will need to prepare yourself for it, before attempting this tricky manoeuvre. You are probably chuckling to yourself and wondering, “Why? It’s just getting on or off of a bus.” Well, in Mumbai the bus experience for the novice is quite jarring. You may never recover from the experience! I jest, of course, but to be as clear as possible, bus stops in Mumbai are not marked! Familiarize yourself with Google Maps, as it is excellent for seeing them. The roads in Mumbai are constantly under maintenance, and the pole that tells you to alight a bus has somehow disappeared. Once you find your bus stop, it is time to check when the bus arrives. I use India’s bus app called Chalo. It is a live bus tracking app, as buses do not and never conform to timetables. The allotted bus numbers may be written in Hindi or English, so do your numerical homework. Once you see your bus in the distance, have at least 20 rupees ready in your pocket, and be sure to have your hands free! Why? Once the bus stops, you have less than 30 seconds to get on. Be sure to hold the side or middle rails. Warning: you will be pushed by people behind and, in my case, one day, body slammed right into the bus. Once you have successfully gotten onto the bus, congratulations are in order. Take less than a fraction of a second to mentally pat yourself on the back, then you will need to let the conductor know, who will also be squashed between a sea of people, where your final destination will be. Researching this beforehand will be vital, as you do not want to hold up the conductor's time and your getting yourself to the other end of the bus is essential. You will want to identify a landmark, such as a metro or regular station name, a mall, or famous main arterial road. Once he hands you a printed docket, don’t throw it away, as there could be a second inspector waiting to see if you purchase a ticket as you get off. There will be a section on the bus for women and one for men. The section for women is generally on the right side and men on the left. If you are standing and it is peak time, two rows of people will be crammed like sardines in a King Oscar tin in the passageway. Once you have found your place, hold on for dear life. I am convinced that the bus drivers in Mumbai are selected based primarily for their tactical and aggressive driving skills! Next, shake off that whiplash and prepare to alight the opposite way you came in. You must have all your senses about you as you get off the bus. Before your stop, get ready and line up at the door next to the driver. He will come to a rolling stop; you will see individuals jumping off whilst he slowly puts his foot down on the break. Bus drivers in Mumbai don’t wish to come to a full stop because all of the buses are manual, over 50 years old and they need to grind through those gears to get back to normal speed. Once you have gotten off the bus, look to your left and then right to make it over the pavement, which, of course, is not there. Motorcycles and rickshaws will be busy getting around the bus to get in front quickly. Scooters and cycles will be beeping and screaming for you to get out of the way with no concern for life.  Auto Rickshaws
I would attest that rickshaws are a fantastic mode of transport and cheap when the bus doesn’t turn up or the train doesn’t service a particular area. To hail a rickshaw, just put your hand out; you will have a rickshaw roll up within a minute. Again, you will tell them what your destination is by using landmarks. If the rickshaw driver agrees, he will nod, which indicates to you to get in, and then he will turn around to push the leaver to start the meter at 23 rupees. Now I have been in rickshaws where the driver is talking and even video calling family members, watching IPL cricket or YouTubing random videos, even warning a driver who was cooing over his baby daughter not to crash into the back of a stationary truck. This is alarmingly quite normal. Most of these rides will have a little shrine above the driver's head indicating the driver’s religion. That helpful information may come in handy if he fails to pay attention to the vehicles or people in front or to the side of you. The driver depends on you letting him know where you need to alight. He will generally know where to stop if it is a station or a mall. If it is, for example an apartment block, kindly let him know when to go to the side and break for you. This can be hazardous to your health. Those working in dangerous jobs such as mining or deep sea cable repair get paid extra because their job is risky. Your danger money comes in the form of travel insurance. You may be wondering why I recommend travel insurance. It is because getting around in Mumbai, especially walking around, is definitely hazardous to one’s health! Walking on the Streets in Mumbai Here is what you need to watch out for when walking the streets of Mumbai: wet concrete, potholes, electrical wires, unfinished and uneven walkways, exposed rebar, animal excretions, people sleeping, those living on the street, rickshaws and motorcycles going the wrong way to avoid traffic jams, and the street vendors with fruits, vegetables or fish sellers crowding the footpaths. While you will find that people will blithely go in front of you without a care in the world, children walking home from school will walk in a line, making no room for those coming the other way. In saying this, due to the incomplete footpath, I have myself, even with precautions taken, tripped more than a few times. But Indians by nature are very kind and will help you without making you feel embarrassed, it’s just the way the busy business of getting on with life is here. Article Published In: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com
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 In a nationwide news article titled "I Understood the Power Of Namaste in Punjab: Aamir Khan" by TNN, Bollywood super producer and actor Aamir Khan shared his reflections while filming his new movie "Dangal" on the potency of one of India's most common greetings. From an Islamic background, Aamir described his greeting as "raising my hand (gesturing again) and bowing my head." However, what captured headlines was the heartwarming experience of witnessing villagers lining up outside their homes from five o’clock in the morning to greet him with folded hands and 'Sat Sri Akaal,' which Aamir Khan described as “a wonderful emotion.”  A diverse country with myriad languages and cultures, India boasts a range of traditional greetings. Amidst this diversity, there are a few standard greetings that hold widespread recognition:
Always consider the cultural context and the person you're speaking to when choosing a greeting. A sincere and respectful approach is usually well received. Aamir Khan's insightful remarks on the significance of Namaste in Punjab shows the deep-rooted cultural resonance of traditional greetings in India. Through his experience while filming "Dangal," Khan sheds light on the profound role such gestures play in echoing the sentiment of respect and acknowledgment across the colourful nation. Article Published in Etiquipedia.blogspot.com
HBO describes the nine-part series where "the story begins in 1882 — introducing young Marian Brook, the orphaned daughter of a Union general, who moves into the New York City home of her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an accomplished African-American woman, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell." A period in time marked by great wealth, accumulated by a very few people. People who became not only well-known for their business accomplishments, but their lavish spending. Many became the titans of their industries and their names and legacies remain well-known to this day. Names like Vanderbilt, Carnegie and Astor. The term 'Gilded Age' comes from a book title by popular American author Mark Twain, who, along with Charles Dudley Warner, referring to the era as a 'Gilded Age.' It was not only a reference to all of the wealth being accumulated by a celebrated few, but the literal gilding which seemed to cover so much of the design, furnishings and personal baubles which came to highlight and define that golden age in history. And golden it was! It was a time where gilding was a feature throughout houses and the dining table. There was no expense spared for entertaining the famous, royalty, society, acquaintances, friends and family. This was the era where the table was carefully arranged with brilliant crystals and cut glass, twinkling together with gilded silverware, set upon fine linens and accompanied by bright floral arrangements. The United States had been underwritten by major industrial growth. Americans especially came into unbelievable wealth and conjured up every sort of implement possible to make life and dining a spectacular show and have society tongues wagging… in the right way! What did the Gilded Age mean in terms of etiquette? Etiquette expanded itself to new modern devices of the table, transport and social scenes. It was where old forms of etiquette were adapted or thrown out due to the new modern industrial age and new rising social scenes of the western world.
THE GILDED AGE TABLE What would those of the Gilded Age want on their table? Everything imaginable! Let’s take a look……What would the Gilded Age table have seen? Figure 1 displays a few items that we still see today, butter spreader, children's flatware minus a food pusher. Children were encouraged to eat correctly at the table and cutlery was especially made. The food pusher was an item made for children, even up till 1940-1950's. The butter knife has slowly disappeared and today we would use knives straight from the butchers block. Interestingly the jelly knife is featured in this catalogue. This type of jelly knife would most probably refer to sweet gelatin dessert. The first recorded jelly dessert was in the 18th century book The Art of Cookery by Hannah Glasse. Jelly was found sandwiched between layers of the trifle, a delectable sweet table pleasure. Figure 2 is the crème de la crème of the Gilded Age. These flatware or serving ware was made for every dish or food that was eaten by those of the time. You are probably wondering why so many different flatware? Those that had money would purchase such products as a display of wealth and the etiquette of the day was that it was a no-no to touch food with your fingers. The flatware featured are as follows: lettuce spoon and fork, oyster fork, small olive spoon and fork, olive fork and spoon. How did the Gilded Age table look like with all these implements on it?
GILDED AGE PARTY & EVENTS The Gilded Age was about showing your new found wealth and those who maintained 'old money' also stepped out to let others they were still there. One of the most famous events was noted in the daily paper held at the Astor's 5th Avenue 'double' residence. 300 guests were invited who all were "prominent representatives of New York society". Their invitations noted that they must attend in 'full dress'. What did this mean? Full dress referred to women dressing in evening gowns with jewellery ordered and shipped from Cartier or Bvlgari via Europe. Wearing together with exotic perfumes from the Orient, highly coiffured hairstyles, silk gloves and an ornate purse. Most likely women would make preparations in getting ready, an all day event with the help of staff. The men would dress in black dress coats with white vest and cravat with accessories such as white gloves, top hat and walking cane. What was served at the Astor's magnificent ball? Using Mrs Astors "solid silver table service" a midnight supper menu was found to serve the following items:
With the help of Larousse Gastronomique, I have interpreted the dishes that this extravaganza would have served during the early hours of the morning. Why would a French written menu appear in New York? The handwritten menu featured in Europe in royal houses such as King Louis XIV, which still survives today. This menu was written in 1757 where guests were entertained by the king at Château de Choisy, it was placed on the table revealing 4 courses and dessert. This tradition has continued on till today, interesting, Queen Elizabeth has her menus written in French for everyday dining and state events.  GILDED AGE CLOTHING The Gilded Age was an age where men, children and women especially wore many layers of garments that flowed elegantly to the floor. Women styles encouraged the use of brightly coloured materials and fabrics with waist altering corsets to 'promote the perfect shape' for the time. Men's fashion garnered the creation of many different suits, hats and accessories. It was a must for those invited, to wear the appropriate clothing for events such as high tea, garden parties, luncheons and formal dining events. Everyone was expected to wear an array of outfits suiting the occasion and styles of the season. Those fortunate to have the backing of wealth, brought with them an assistant who would act as a dresser and stylist, changing dresses, shoes, accessory's, hat's and hairstyles changes during the day to evening, perhaps they even had a Louis Vuitton trunk with these necessary items. Most notably of the gilded age fashions was the use of the corsets and bodices. Corsets were made from silk, lace and strong cotton material that had whale bone sewn into it which helped females to achieve the 'figure 8' look. The bodice was tightly laced together, with the help of her assistant and always accompanied a dress, no matter the occasion. The style of the time was called the 'princess line' which originated with Princess of Wales, Princess Alexandra. This style was also called French-dart-line dress which had long panels without a join or separated at the waist. These long seams helped to give its wearer a slimline appearance showing off the 'model' waist together with long sleeves and high neckline. Part of the gilded age women's ensemble was to wear cape or otherwise known as a dolman-style-mantle. This allowed for warmth in cool climates and worn inside for short periods of time during a visit. The cape also kept a person warm in a carriage and easy to manoeuvre when getting in and out and up and down stairs. Hat's was a complimentary must! Hat's came in all sort of shapes, sizes and designs. Hats could have come trimmed with lace, feathers, satin or velvet ribbons. The wearing of hat continued too the advent of second world war. Men's style was also as elaborate as women and children's wear. It was popular to wear a morning or frock coat along with a top hat. Those that were middle class wore sack coat which paired with a bowler hat. Later on during the gilded age men favoured single-breasted suits and gracing evening events was the tuxedo. The invention of the tuxedo is a tale of two cities. The first story was said to have originated from Tuxedo Park, an upstate New York country playground for Manhattan's wealthiest elite. The second story was that in 1865, King Edward VII commissioned a Savile Row tailor - Henry Poole & Co., to tailor a dinner suit for informal occasions, he would have with family and friends, known to the British as a 'dinner jacket' and the the Americans 'tuxedo'. It was where the tailcoat lost it tail and became a jacket. Later in the gilded age, due to good weather, nature and money spent on sprawling estates, women entertained outside whether it be garden parties, trying 'modern' inventions such as the bicycle, or participating in acceptable games such as badminton, golf, tennis, croquet or swimming. Children were encouraged to stay outdoors as it was deemed 'good for ones health'. New clothing was created to accommodate new ventures such as athletic wear and bathing costumes.
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 I recently travelled to Oman and not knowing what to expect, was pleasantly surprised. Visiting Oman is a very Arabian experience. It offers a blend of ancient traditions, mountainous landscapes, and welcoming people. It is often overshadowed by its flashy neighbour - Dubai. Oman however, is authentic and relaxing. From receiving my tourist visa and going through immigration to getting to my hotel, visiting a place nestled on the Arabian Peninsula was a straightforward process. Oman is officially called the Sultanate of Oman, sharing land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. You will find that in Oman, there are several UNESCO-listed sites, ancient forts, which I was so happy to visit in Nizwa, and ancient watchtowers dotted over rugged mountains which straddle the capital city of Muscat. At the bottom of these mountains, you will find wadis, seasonal riverbeds that are bone dry in the summer and flowing with fast-running water in winter. You will notice that the streets are very well-policed, with drivers who are respectful and polite, and they only use the horn to warn other cars very kindly. The downside is that taxis are looking for quick work, and while walking on the sidewalks, you will be tooted non-stop, which can be annoying. Because of the intense heat, Omanis and expats only drive, and do not walk the streets. The Omani national transport company runs on time and is rider friendly, however it is not extensive, therefore many places are dependent on taxis. Roads are immaculate, with no animals roaming around except an occasional cat. It’s a real change from living in India, as I have been for several months now. People of Oman - Omanis Before you leave the airport, you will be met by traditionally dressed Omani men wearing perfectly ironed white ‘dishdasha’ and a hat known as ‘kumma’. I found men respectful and happy to help if asked; otherwise, it was business as usual. I found that when the male Omani tour guide spoke, he chose to talk to men in the group; however, their words and information imparted to everyone. Omani women are beautiful, take pride in dressing and looking good. They are always accompanied by family or friends. Most will wear a black head scarf with an abaya in the city areas. Also, there are different combinations of modest dressing and wearing the traditional mask. For the traveller modest clothing is also accepted which can be in the form of T-shirt, jeans, joggers or long sleeved top and pants. The Omanis Culture Omanis are a very family-orientated culture where the family unit is traditionally patriarchal. They have large families in which the men carry the most authority. The women are the caretakers and responsible for looking after the family. Women are essential to society today and can work and drive, despite Oman’s history regarding such matters. Omanis are renowned for their hospitality. The concept of wasta-social connections emphasises building relationships and treating guests with respect. A friendly smile and a cup of kahwa, Omani light coffee, not to be confused with Turkish coffee, which is heavier. Tea is called ‘Karak’ and is a mixture of milk, cardamon, and black tea. As an accompaniment, I was to have, now a clear favourite, date dipped in tahini, which tingled the taste buds– salty and sweet all in one bite. The Omani spirit continues in the healthy treatment of workers from countries such as the Philippines, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The Filipino receptionist at the hotel at which I had stayed, described her life in Dubai, where she worked six days a week, and life was extremely hectic. She moved to Oman following the recommendation of a friend. She found that life was far more relaxing in Oman, where she received the weekends off, and Omanis employers were laid back and respectful.  Do's and Don'ts in Oman
As an Islamic Sultanate, certain etiquette and protocols are observed. For instance, during Ramadan, it is prohibited by law to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music, or dance in public places during daylight hours, applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslims, with penalties for non-compliance. Moreover, discussing any aspect of the Sultan's personal life is illegal in Oman and is considered inappropriate in conversation. One anecdote from a fellow traveller illustrates this cultural sensitivity; she recounted being asked by Omani citizen to delete a photo she inadvertently took at the airport. Additionally, public displays of affection are uncommon among Omanis and discouraged among other nationals. Oman Food and Cuisine Omani cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours, reflecting neighbouring countries' influences and maritime heritage. Delicious fresh seafood or smoked dishes, and slow-cooked stews, infused with fragrant spices are on most menus. A typical Omani day will consist of bread and egg in the morning, and the main meal will be lunch, which is rice and meat, which would be chicken, beef or goat. Evening, dips, dal, vegetables, or salad are served in the evening. Flavours are delicate and well-balanced. The consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited, and cleanliness before and after meals is practised, as hands are used to eat with, rather than a fork, knife, or a spoon. Oman's beauty extends far beyond its vast deserts, I was reliably told that on school holidays, families from Muscat will migrate to the fertile plains of Salalah, which offer a verdant escape during the monsoon season. Those who live in the surrounding Muscat will find their way into the city to experience its excellent malls and Western-influenced restaurant scene. One interesting thing I found in the malls of Oman, selling of fragrances and incense is very popular. The air is infused with the distinct scents of smell frankincense, oud, bakhoor. A recommendation when coming to Muscat is to spend time at the Oman Museum. It helps you to understand more deeply what has shaped the Omani people to the modern day. After viewing the museum and palace, then get back on the local air-conditioned bus to view Muscat’s clean coastline meets the road. To swim and snorkel with beautiful sea creatures such as dolphins and whales, take the bus and ferry to Omanis islands. Article Published in Etiquipedia.blogspot.com  My sister and I embarked on a ferry journey from Hong Kong to Macau, where upon submission of our passports, we were issued a paper insert akin to a train ticket before boarding. Upon arrival at the Macau ferry terminal, we effortlessly wheeled our suitcases to the complimentary bus services that transported us to our hotel-cum-casino. The luxurious accommodations and impeccable service at the hotel pleasantly surprised us, showcasing the advantages of staying in casino-affiliated establishments. After settling into our rooms, we donned our comfortable walking shoes and ventured down the main street to admire the charming Portuguese-inspired architecture that graced the cityscape. Macau's History Macau's story begins before explorers investigated new lands for trade, and colonisation. It belonged to the vast Ming Dynasty. It was in the mid-16th century. Portuguese traders arrived using it as a trading post in 1557, looking for new wares to take back to Europe and expand their empire. An agreement allowed the Portuguese to settle on the Macau peninsula in exchange for rent and adherence to Chinese laws until 1887. This agreement laid the foundation for the world's first and longest-lasting European settlement in China until its handover in 1999. Today, it is a significant resort city and a top destination for gambling tourism and is more critical than Las Vegas. The first known written record of the name "Macau", rendered as "A Ma Gang", is found in a historical material from 1555. It is a particular administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Over the next 400 years, Macau flourished as a trade hub. European and Chinese cultures intermingled, creating a unique blend evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Now that it has become a major destination for economic thrill seekers, a new influence of Western luxury clientele etiquette has made its mark. What does this mean for locals and short- and long-haul travellers? Macanese Etiquette Etiquette plays a vital role across various facets of life in Macau, from business, dining, hospitality, and tourism. Visitors to Macau are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these etiquettes to ensure an enjoyable experience in Macau’s multicultural environment. Respect for Elders: Confucian values heavily influence Macau's society, emphasising respect for elders. It's customary to address elders with deference and to offer them precedence in social situations. Greetings: Traditional Chinese greetings involve a slight bow or nod of the head, often accompanied by a handshake. Addressing someone with their title or honorific, followed by their surname, is considered polite. Gift Giving: Presenting gifts is a common practice in Macau, especially during festivals or social gatherings. Gifts are typically exchanged with both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid giving items in sets of four, as the number is associated with death in Chinese culture.  Language and Communication: While Portuguese is one of Macau's official languages, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese are predominantly spoken. Learning a few basic phrases in either language can go a long way in showing respect and getting around faster.
Dress Code: Macau's dress code is generally conservative, particularly in formal settings and religious sites. Modest attire is expected, with women often opting for dresses or blouses and skirts, while men typically wear suits or dress shirts and trousers. Tipping: You will find that restaurants will include a 10% service charge in the bill, while hotels may even levy a higher 15% charge. While tipping is not actively discouraged and won't be refused if offered. Dining in Macau Dining etiquette is particularly significant in Macau's rich culinary culture. A study by Jong-Hyeong Kim et al. (2023) emphasises the importance of understanding cultural factors such as customs, beliefs, and social norms that shape unique tourist dining experiences. These cultural intricacies contribute to the overall uniqueness of Macau's gastronomy scene, highlighting the need for tourists to be mindful of local dining customs to enhance their experiences. One of these tips when ordering and earing Macanese food, you will need either implements which are chopsticks or a spoon and fork. Here is a list of mouthwatering gastronomic foods that you will find there: • Porco Bafassa – Slow cooked stew with turmeric, pork and potatoes. • Capela – minced meat with potatoes, chirozo, bacon, olives and tomatoes. • Portuguese Chicken – Slow cooked with chicken, curry and potatoes, alternative toppings are eggs, sausage and olives, turmeric and coconut milk. • Tacho – Casserole with cabbage mixed with pork skin, pork knuckles, chicken wings, roasted pork and Chinese sausages. • Minchi - Minced beef or pork which could be served together with diced potatoes. • Pork with Balichao and Tamarind – Casserole with cabbage, sausage, red beans, black beans, pig ear and pig knuckle. Conclusion Interestingly, Macau’s etiquette has been shaped by the many Westernised hotels and casinos that have slowly filtered through from places such as America and Australia. These hotels extend to conditional hospitality, as described by Luofu Ye (2018) and as noted by Yi-weiChang and M. Polonsky (2012); their study indicated the importance of polite and respectful interactions in maintaining a high standard of hospitality. Furthermore, the role of etiquette in shaping tourist behaviour and enhancing their experiences is critical in the multicultural context of Macau. You will find those in customer service in these hotels from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and the Philippines. You don’t need to be in Macau long to experience its fantastic history and note the difference in Asia. My sister and I loved being there; the cultural mix was unique. Macau is recommended for a one- to two-day stay that is easily accessible via Hong Kong. Article Published: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com |
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October 2024
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