Tag Archives: European

Guide of “Savoir vivre for a European in India”.

Hello

Saying “hello” seems to be the simplest thing

Unless your interlocutor takes the initiative, never shake hands, it is considered to be impolite, like an impure act. Greet people saying “Namaste” joining your two hands in front of your chest. It is the equivalent to “Hello” in Europe.

Kissing each other is not done in public, it is considered as very disrespectful and impolite.

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Couples :

The modest side of Indian couples will surprise you. They never kiss in public nor do they show each other any sign of affection. So keep you marks of affection discrete. You can only touch your wife!

On the street, a man can touch another man but never a woman.
A woman can touch another woman but not a man.
A man does not speak to a woman if she is alone. If she is accompanied, it is allowed.
A woman does not speak to a man if she is alone. If she is accompanied, it is allowed.

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In a restaurant :

If you eat in a restaurant with Indian friends, do not be offended if one of them gets up and goes to eat at another table when the food is served (some vegetarians are not allowed to eat and share a table with a non-vegetarian… because of their religious doctrine)

In India, people eat with their fingers, only those of the right hand, the left hand is considered to be impure.

In a family :

If a family invites you, you can give them some sweets, cakes etc.… above all don’t offer your help, it is considered to be ungracious.

Even if the meal is delicious, which it will be; avoid drowning them with compliments on the meal.

Don’t say the children are good-looking; our Indian friends think that it brings the evil eye.

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On the train :

If a person is asleep lying in the corridor, it is better to wake him up than to step over him, it is a sign of respect.

On the bus :

Normally a man does not sit next to a woman, the contrary is also true, except if you are married.

Health information in Greece, Ashtanga Yoga workshop in Greece (island of Andros and Athens)

In Greece, an informed Yogini being worth (at least) two, you can safely leave with a light heart and joyful soul and enjoy your stay, full of fragrance, colour and sonority…

The Greeks are very warm and welcoming, but the public health system could be much better… In case of necessity, it is better to go to private hospitals (better monitored hygiene). It is a good idea to take out a travel insurance, as “Europe Assistance”).

The European card of health insurance (public service).

For the French :

You get your European insurance card from your social security centre or via it’s website. You will receive it within 15 days. It is valid 1 year, free and personal.

For the Belgians :

Ask the equivalent from your « Mutuelle ».

The card is valid for all countries, members of the European Union

No vaccine is mandatory for Greece (that does not mean that the traveller should not update his vaccinations).

If you have a current treatment, don’t forget your medications. You can take a basic emergency pharmacy with you. Beware of the sun and heat, which can cause sunstroke and dehydration. In Greece, there are many pharmacies where you will find all you need.

Turista (diarrhea)

It is caught, in general, by water or food containing of relatively common bacteria. Some tips and a trip pharmacy containing good medicines are often useful. Prevention remains the best method.

  • The first reaction is to drink clean water, slightly salty, bought in sealed bottles to avoid dehydration.
  • Charcoal capsules.
  • If insufficient, take the Immodium. If there is no effect, then take antibiotics such as “Fluroquinolone.
Toilet paper ?

Toilet paper ?

The toilets

In Greece, one does not throw toilet paper into the toilet bowl; the risk of clogging the pipes is serious. One throws it in the bin prepared to this effect. The other reason is that toilet paper acidifies seawater and our Greek friends are very attached to the quality of the blue of the sea…

On this subject, you can visit the sites :

  • ‘Question-health’
  • “Health trips”, health info by country.
  • S. Adventure, several shops in Belgium and Brussels.
  • Website: traveling-doctors.com 

Other additional information :

  • Travel information, ” flights ” and ” transfer “
  • Find a ” hotel ” in Athens
  • ” Greek Cuisine “