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Being aware and respectful of cultural differences

I read about a Chinese student in USA being asked about what he found most strange about the American people and he said “the shape of their eyes”.

Similarly, it makes me smile a little when I see couples wearing matching dresses and shirts here. Hilo Hattie, one of the most popular department stores for tourists here sells “Aloha shirts” made of exactly the same flowery fabric as the dresses that accompany these shirts. …and yes, Shailen, men DO wear shirts made of flowery dress material! J

I was at a Hawaiian business meeting the other day and was asked to comment on how the meeting differed from a typical British meeting. One of the men commented that there were no suits and ties for one thing! J This caused a roar of laughter as we looked around at the 20+ business men dressed in half-sleeved flowery Aloha shirts, shorts and sunglasses! J One of the bankers told me that he might go for a “board” meeting before going back to his bank ( “board meetings” are held while surfing on tall splashing waves!  ) 

Another cultural difference that my friend Vincent, who lives here, points out to me is the concept of “Hawaiian time” to justify meetings always starting late …I am cool with people turning up late but I have to admit that I haven’t dared to be late for a meeting here….

“When in Rome do as the Romans do?” You will probably adapt more easily in other cultures if you can be flexible in your habits and attitudes. When is the last time you allowed yourself to be late for something? If the thought of being late makes you anxious, just chill out and let yourself be late….Or if you are always late, when is the last time you allowed yourself to be early?... “shaka…hang loose!” (Hawaiian expression) and get there in good time for a change!

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