Backpacker Room

Hawaii's cultural environment is the result of layer upon layer of various cultural groups. The culture of Hawai'i is arguably one of the strongest remaining in the world, and certainly within the United States. The culture and practices of the Hawaiian people remains very evident on the islands, even though the Hawaiian race itself has become diminished and "diluted" over the years - few pure blood Hawaiians remain in the general population.

 Remnants of New English culture remain, though not nearly to the degree of early Asian immigrants who came to work in the sugar cane fields in the early 20th century. Additionally, Polynesian influence in the islands is strong as one might expect. Today Hawaii is a truly a melting pot of many cultures, beliefs, and heritage.

The arts are of high interest in the islands, either in the form of music, photography, hula dance, or art. Galleries for art and photography are prominent throughout the islands, music has worked its way around the globe and into several major movies (thanks to the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Brother IZ), and the hula is world renown. Appreciation of classical, modern, and experimental art forms is evident in attendance figures at galleries, concerts, legitimate theater performances, and museums. Many ethnic groups preserve the traditions of their ancestors by combining or modifying music and dance forms.

Since the preservation of the culture and heritage is very important to the people of Hawaii, an assortment of cultural and scientific institutions present a wide variety of opportunities for the appreciation and understanding of the fine arts, history, traditions, and sciences of the Hawaiian people.The Bernice P. Bishop Museum, founded in 1889 in Honolulu, is a research center and museum dedicated to the study, preservation, and display of the history, sciences, and cultures of the Pacific and its people. The Honolulu Academy of Arts, one of the finest in the world, boasts a spectacular collection of Western art, including works by the late 19th- and early 20th-century masters Monet, van Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin, and Picasso. The collection of Asian art found in the HAA is also some of the finest in the Western world.

The active art, music, and drama departments in Hawaiian schools and colleges and at the University of Hawaii contribute to the expanding cultural life of Hawaii, while the state has several theater organizations, professional and amateur. Hawaii remains the only state in the United States with two official languages, English and Hawaiian. As of late, the Hawaiian language is taught frequently in schools and the once nearly "dead" language has seen a revival.

Hawaii has two National Parks - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on the island of Hawaii, and Haleakala National park, on Maui, as well as the much-visited U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Additionally there are many other Federal Preserves, Walkways, Historic Sites, etc. There are also many state and county parks, including the popular Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai - home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," as Mark Twain called it.

The Hawaiian islands are also home to some of the most fascinating heiau (temples) that remain in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these heiau were destroyed when the ancient kapu system was abolished late in the 19th century and when the early missionaries arrived shortly thereafter. The largest intact heiau in the state, Pi'ilanehale Heiau, was rediscovered in the 1970's on Maui just outside of Hana town. Today all visitors and residents alike can visit this monumental structure.

Surfing originated in ancient Hawaii and is now practiced at some 1,600 recognized surf spots throughout the islands. Holua was a popular game of the ancient ali'i (royalty), involved a sled, and was incredibly dangerous. You can read more about Holua at Hulihe'e Palace

The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language.  They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian people including the Chinese and the Japanese, and have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family.

The Korean language is spoken by more than 65 million people living on the peninsula and its outlying islands as well as 5.5 million Koreans living in other parts of the world.  The fact that all Koreans speak and write the same language has been a crucial factor in their strong national identity.  Modern Korea has several different dialects including the standard one used in Seoul and central areas, but they are similar enough that speakers/listeners do not have trouble understanding each other.


Korean Society & Culture

Korean Family Values

The family is the most important part of Korean life.
In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members.
The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.
Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family member reflect on the rest of the family.
In many cases the family register can trace a family's history, through male ancestors, for over 500 years.

Confucianism

The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean society.
. It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship.
. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:
1) ruler and subject,
2) husband and wife,
3) parents and children,
4)brothers and sisters
5) friend and friend
. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.  Korean Ancestors

Ancestors are based on the male family line.
Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence the popularity of ancestor worship.
They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents) several times a year, particularly on Chusok and New Year's Day.
On Chusok, people cook and set out food to celebrate their ancestors.

The Concept of Kibun

Kibun is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind.
If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony.
It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie".
Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life.
It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time.
In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.
Nunchi is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye.
Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun.
Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said.

Etiquette & Customs in South Korea Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings follow strict rules of protocol.
. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.
. The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."
. Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
. Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
. When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly.
. Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
. Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
. Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
. Do not sign a card in red ink.
. Use both hands when offering a gift.
. Gifts are not opened when received. Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a South Korean's house:
. It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
. You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offence.
. Remove your shoes before entering the house.
. The hosts greet each guest individually.
. The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks.
. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
. Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Table manners

. Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
. The eldest are served first.
. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.
. Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
. Refuse the first offer of second helpings.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

Business Etiquette and Protocol Relationships & Communication

. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
. It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party.
. Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable amount of drinking and eating.
. Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other successful.
. South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding.
. They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for flexibility and adjustment as needed.
. Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.
. Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the introductions.
. South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification.
. This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.
. Since there is a tendency to say "yes" to questions so that you do not lose face, the way you phrase a question is crucial. It is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
. You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are meeting.
. The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
. It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
. The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other.
. Meetings are used to understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship.
. Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
. Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark- coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
. Women should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.
. Men should avoid wearing jewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
. The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.
. Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable by the recipient. 
. Examine any business card you receive carefully.
. Put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
. Never write on someone's business card in their presence.

Over 98% of the population speak Danish. German is recognised as an official regional language in the Nord-Schleswig region that borders Germany, where it is spoken by 23,000 people, about 0.4% of the 5.2m Danish population. Greenlandic, an Inuit language, is spoken by 0.1% of the population.

Danish Society & Culture

Egalitarianism in Danish Society

Denmark is an egalitarian society.
. Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words.
. Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs.
. Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark.
. Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries. Women in Danish Society

. Women are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions.
. Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family.
. Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

Proper Public Behaviour

. Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance.
. If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol.
. They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.
. Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.

Danish Family Values

. Most families are small.
. The nuclear family is the centre of the social structure.
. Children are raised to be independent from an early age.
. Most are put in day care centres at about 1 years old.
. Marriage is not a prerequisite to starting a family. Many couples live together without legalizing the arrangement with marriage.

Etiquette & Customs in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
. Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing.
. Shake hands with women first.
. Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

  Gift Giving Etiquette

. Danes give gifts to family and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
. If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift.
. Flowers should be wrapped.
. If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event.
. Red wrapping paper is always a good choice.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to a Danish home:
. Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and social situations.
. Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering the house. 
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
. Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house.
. Do not discuss business.

Watch your table manners!

. Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
. Try everything.
. Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without offending your hosts.
. Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right.
. The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course.
. Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'.
. When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye contact with the people seated closest to you.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary.
. Confirm appointments in writing.
. Initial correspondence should be made to the company and not an individual.
. Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through mid August as many Danes are on vacation.
. You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are meeting will be punctual.
. Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than 5 minutes.
. Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. Handshakes should be very firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact while being introduced. Always shake hands with women first.
. Business cards are exchanged. Your business card should have the physical address of your company and not a post office box.
. Danes use their professional title and their surname. If someone does not have a professional title, use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses) or Froken (Miss). Danes move to first names quickly. Nonetheless, wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Negotiation

. Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation.
. Decisions are made after consulting with everyone involved.
. Presentations should be well-organized and factual. Use facts, figures and charts to back up statements and conclusions.
. Maintain eye contact while speaking.
. There will be a minimal amount of small talk. Danes prefer to get down to business quickly.
. Communication is direct.

The official language of Colombia is Spanish and spoken by around 43 million people. In addition there are approximately 500,000 speakers of American Indian languages.

Colombian Society & Culture

Catholicism

Most Colombians would consider themselves to be Roman Catholics.
* The Church has historically been a very important influence over personal affairs such as marriage and family life.
* The parish church is often seen as the centre of a community, with the local priest representing divine authority and leadership.
* The church also has some influence in areas such as education, social welfare and union organization.

The Role of the Family

* The family takes centre stage in the social structure.
* It acts as a source of support and advice and therefore great loyalty is shown to families. Although extended families rarely live under one roof, apart from in rural areas, many are still live very close and frequent one another's houses often.
* It is still common for children remain at home until they marry.
* The elderly are generally revered for their age and experience.

Hierarchies

* Colombia can be termed a hierarchical society.
* People earn respect due to age and position.
* Older people are naturally perceived as being wise and as a result are afforded great respect. You will always see the oldest person in a group served their food and drinks first.
* With this position also comes responsibility - Colombians expect the most senior person, whether at home or at work, to make decisions.

Etiquette and Customs in Colombia

Meeting and Greeting

* Men shake hands with direct eye contact.
* While shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias" (good day), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening/night). Women often grasp forearms rather than shaking hands.
* Once a friendship has developed, greetings become warmer and a lot more hands on -  men will embrace and pat each other on the shoulder (known as an "abrazo") and women kiss once on the right cheek.
* Most Colombians have both a maternal and paternal surname and will use both.
* The father's surname is listed first and is the one used in conversation.
* Always refer to people by the appropriate honorific title and their surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are given for birthdays and Christmas or the Epiphany (January 6th). In Colombia a girl's 15th birthday is considered an important milestone.

If you plan to give gifts in Colombia, here are some handy tips:

* When going to a Colombian's home, bring fruit, a potted plant, or quality chocolates for the hostess.
* Flowers should be sent in advance.
* Do not give lilies or marigolds as they are used at funerals. Roses are liked.
* If you are going to a girls 15th birthday, gold is the usual gift.
* Imported alcohol (especially spirits) are very expensive and make excellent gifts.
* Wrapped gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette is quite formal in Colombia as they tend to give importance to decorum and presentation.
Below are some basic tips - if you are ever unsure the general rule is "observe and follow":

* Wait to be seated by the host.
* Hands should be kept visible when eating.
* Do not rest elbows on the table.
* The host will say "buen provecho" (enjoy or have a good meal) as an invitation to start eating.
* It is polite to try everything you are given.
* Unusually all food is eaten with utensils - even fruit is cut into pieces with a knife and fork.
* It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
* Do not use a toothpick at the table.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Colombia

Meeting and Greeting

It is courteous to shake hands both upon meeting and departing.
* Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand.
* Greetings should take some time - ensure you engage in some small talk, i.e. ask about family, health and business.
* Eye contact is viewed positively.
* Wait for the other party to initiate a change to first names.  

Business Cards

* It is a good idea to try and have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.
* Include any university degrees or qualifications as this is valued.
* Treat business cards with respect.

Business Meetings

* Although there may be an agenda, meetings do not always follow a linear path.
* An agenda will serve as a starting point and after that issues are addressed as an when.
* Relationship building is crucial - it may be a good idea to invest time in establishing trust for the first few meetings.
* Time is not an issue in meetings - they will last as long as they need to last. Do not try and rush proceedings.
* Colombians are termed as 'indirect communicators' - this means there is more information within body language and context rather than the words, i.e. if you ask someone to do something and they reply 'I will have to see', it would be up to you to read between the lines and realise that they can not do it.
* The reason for this way of communicating it to protect relationships and face.
* This means people that are used to speaking directly and openly must tame their communication style as it could cause offense.
* Although they can be indirect, Colombians can also become very animated. This should not be mistaken for aggression.
* Avoid confrontation at all cost. If someone has made a mistake do not expose it publicly as this will lead to a loss of face and a ruined relationship.

The culture of England refers to the idiosyncratic cultural  norms of England  and the English people. Because of England's dominant position within the United Kingdom in terms of population, English culture is often difficult to differentiate from the culture of the United Kingdom as a whole. However, there are some cultural practices that are associated specifically with England.

Architecture and gardens

The Neolithic peoples of what would become England constructed many impressive stone circles and earthworks; of these, the largest and most famous is Stonehenge, believed by many English people and foreigners alike to hold an iconic place in the landscape of England.

Specifically English architecture begins with the architecture of the Anglo-Saxons; at least fifty surviving English churches are of Anglo-Saxon origin, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered. All except one timber church are built of stone or brick, and in some cases show evidence of reused Roman work. The architectural character of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings ranges from Coptic-influenced architecture in the early period; Early Christian basilica  influenced architecture; to, in the later Anglo-Saxon period, an architecture characterised by pilaster-strips, blank arcading, baluster  shafts and triangular-headed openings. Almost no secular work remains above ground.

Other buildings such as cathedrals and parish churches are associated with a sense of traditional Englishness, as is often the palatial 'stately home'. Many people are interested in the English country house and the rural lifestyle, as evidenced by visits to properties managed by English Heritage and the National Trust.

Landscape gardening as developed by Capability Brown set an international trend for the English garden. Gardening, and visiting gardens, are regarded as typically English pursuits, fuelled somewhat by the perception of England as a nation of eccentric amateurs and autodidacts.

Art
English art was dominated by imported artists throughout much of the Renaissance, but in the eighteenth century a native tradition became much admired. It is often considered to be typified by landscape painting, such as the work of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. Portraitists like Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds and William Hogarth are also significant. Hogarth also developed a distinctive style of satirical painting.

Cuisine

Since the early modern era, the food of England has historically been characterised by its simplicity of approach, honesty of flavour, and a reliance on the high quality of natural produce. This has resulted in a traditional cuisine which tended to veer from strong flavours, such as garlic, and an avoidance of complex sauces which were commonly associated with Catholic Continental political affiliations Traditional meals have ancient origins, such as bread and cheese, roasted and stewed meats, meat and game pies, and freshwater and saltwater fish. The 14th century English cookbook, the Forme of Cury, contains recipes for these, and dates from the royal court of Richard II.

Modern English cuisine is difficult to differentiate from British cuisine as a whole. However, there are some forms of cuisine considered distinctively English. The full English breakfast is a variant of the traditional British fried breakfast. The normal ingredients of a traditional full English breakfast are bacon, eggs, fried or grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, fried bread or toast, and sausages, usually served with a mug of tea. Black pudding is added in some regions as well as fried leftover mashed potatoes (called potato cakes).

Tea and beer are typical and rather iconic drinks in England, particularly the former. Cider is produced in the West Country, and the south of England has seen the reintroduction of vineyards producing high quality white wine on a comparatively small scale.

Roast beef is a food traditionally associated with the English; the link was made famous by Henry Fielding's patriotic ballad "The Roast Beef of Old England", and William Hogarth's painting of the same name. Indeed, since the 1700s the phrase "les rosbifs" has been a popular French nickname for the English.

England produces hundreds of regional cheeses, including:

    * Cheddar cheese
    * Stilton cheese
    * Wensleydale cheese
    * Lancashire cheese
    * Dorset Blue Vinney cheese
    * Cheshire cheese
    * Double Gloucester cheese
    * Red Leicester
    * Blue cheese
    * Lincolnshire Poacher

Other dishes invented in or distinctive to England include:

    * The English crumpet is a form of crumpet; it is distinguished from its Scottish equivalent by its greater thickness
    * Muffins, known as 'English muffins' in North America, are a form of rounded, yeast-leavened bread
    * Lancashire hotpot
    * Cornish pasty
    * Mushy peas
    * Worcester sauce
    * Clotted cream from Devon and Cornwall
    * Yorkshire pudding
    * Sausage and mash
    * Eccles cake
    * Cumberland sausage
    * Lincolnshire sausage
    * Balti, a form of curry invented in Birmingham
    * Apple pie

Folklore
English folklore is the folk tradition that has evolved in England over the centuries. England abounds with folklore, in all forms, from such obvious manifestations as semi-historical Robin Hood tales, to contemporary urban myths and facets of cryptozoology such as the Beast of Bodmin Moor. The famous Arthurian legends may not have originated in England, but variants of these tales are associated with locations in England, such as Glastonbury  and Tintagel.

Examples of surviving English folk traditions include the Morris dance and related practices such as the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance and the Mummers Plays. In many, usually rural places, people still gather for May Day festivals on the first of May to celebrate the beginning of summer. This traditionally involves local children skipping around a maypole - a large pole erected on the village green (historically a tree would have been specially cut down) - each carrying a coloured ribbon, resulting in a multi-coloured plaited pattern. The festival traditionally features Morris dancing and various festivities, culminating in the crowning of a 'May Queen'. Many regional variations of the festivals exist; the oldest still practiced today is the "'Obby 'Oss festival of Padstow, which dates back to the 14th century.

Language
English people traditionally speak the English language, a member of the West Germanic language family. The modern English language evolved from Old English, with lexical influence from Norman-French, Latin, and Old Norse. Cornish, a Celtic language originating in Cornwall, is currently spoken by about 3,500 people. Historically, another Brythonic Celtic language, Cumbric, was spoken in Cumbria in North West England, but it died out in the 11th century although traces of it can still be found in the Cumbrian dialect. Because of the 19th century geopolitical dominance of the British Empire and the post-World War II hegemony of the United States, English has become the international language of business, science, communications, aviation, and diplomacy.