CWright's blog

I listen to a podcast series of a British husband conversing in Spanish with his Madrilean wife. In a recent podcast, he said that he found Spaniards to be rude because they do not make a point of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. But before criticizing the entire population of his adopted country, perhaps he could stop and ask before jumping to the conclusion that only those who respond in kind have proper manners.

A colleague and I were interviewing (over lunch, as this was Paris) what we hoped could be a potential business associate.

However, instead of impressing us favorably, this interviewee provided a few clues as to his true character and how difficult it would be to work with him. Thank you, Mr. X. for providing me with enough information to write this post!

In France, one often notices that silverware has been placed with tines touching the table, which can look funny if you've never seen it before. The only time this looks absolutely correct is when using the family silver, to show the crest engraved on the back. In this case, you may actually reverse the silverware so that the fork tines and knifepoints are facing you instead of the diner opposite, which on reflection, seems alot friendlier than pointing the knife end towards the diner sitting opposite you.

I have just learned from a Swiss Hotelier school alum that the correct position of silverware on tables when set for formal occasions is determined by placing one knuckle length from the edge of the table.

But what if your knuckle is longer than your instructor or the maître d's? To be a Swiss hotelier, is there a requisite knuckle length? Or do all Swiss have the same size hand? So answering one small question unleashes a volley of confusion!

If you thought France was confusing, wait until you get to India.

Especially for businessmen, but just as vital for serial shoppers, it is important to learn the French translation for numbers over one hundred. There are a few discrepancies that can absolutely break the bank.