Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Intercultural Incompetent

Malaysia is a great country to travel - especially, because of the food. The cuisine of a country is generally a microcosm of the nation and Malaysian cuisine totally reflects the multi racial aspects of Malaysia. The various ethnic groups in Malaysia have their dishes but many dishes in Malaysia are derived from multiple ethnic influences.

Yesterday, we went for an Indian banana leaf lunch. We did not actually eat banana leafs. The food was served onto a banana leaf. The waiters kept serving small dishes onto the leaf throughout the lunch. One had to fold the banana leaf to show that one is full and that they should stop serving.

Unfortunately, I chose the wrong option and folded the leaf towards the middle of the table. One is only supposed to fold the leaf towards the middle at a funeral meal. I had again shown how intercultural incompetent I am. At least, some Malaysians had a good laugh.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think you're just incredibly cute sometimes ;)

Anonymous said...

Hello Sir, we can learn somethings in life only by experience them. One does not have read about customs but to live them. You are totaly on the right way to become a great cosmopolite.