Short tips to have a good trip to Japan by Abraham

Like Korea, Japan is a country with a very unique culture, visitors can feel uncomfortable by the rules, social norms, and interpersonal relations that exist there. 

Foreigners visiting Japan are not expected to be familiar with Japanese etiquette, but knowing a few basics will go a long way in helping you adapt to local customs and avoid making cultural gaffes. So If you're planning to travel to Japan, here are a few cultural faux pas you should know.

1. Visit during cherry blossom season

You might be surprised to learn that the glorious cherry blossom, seen adorning postcards and tourist brochures from across Japan, actually only blooms in the country during the sakura (cherry blossom) season. 

Running roughly from the end of March to early May, it can be the most expensive time to visit, but it’s also when Japan is at its most enchanting and vibrant. Sakura is so prized that there’s even a word for enjoying looking at it (and other flowers): hanami. Walking through parks, you’ll notice crowds gathered for hanami parties, picnicking under trees.

2. There’s no need to tip

In fact, it can be seen as rude, and if you do tip, you may find yourself being chased by a waiter, thinking you've left your change by mistake. An alternative, if you take a guided tour or cookery class, for example, is to bring a small present from your country as a token of your appreciation.

3. Be polite

Foreigners have a reputation for being noisy in Japan, especially on public transport, so be respectful; it’s impolite to answer your phone, and, if you’re listening to music, turn the volume down low. It’s ruder in Japan to blow your nose in public than a sniff, and avoid eating on the go.

And now, Things you should never do in Japan.

1. Don't break the rules of chopstick etiquette.

You should never stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice because in their culture do this resembles a funeral ritual. another piece of advice for this action is when you want to pass food to another person, never do it with your chopsticks because this is another taboo for them.

2. Don't wear shoes indoors. 

If you're visiting a Japanese home, your shoes should be immediately removed once you're through the door. “Outdoor” shoes are considered unclean.

3. Don't blow your nose in public.

Blowing your nose in public in Japan is considered to be uncouth. Find a bathroom or another private place if you have to do it.

4. Avoid loud phone conversations while on public transit.

Japan is not frequently seen people using their phones on public transport because they are so quiet so it's not common for them, but If you have to use your phone in a public area, move to a quiet place with few people around.

5. Don't point.

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their noses instead of pointing at themselves.

And that's it, remember always be polite and don't disturb them.

Osorno the best experience for you

 Party never stop 

    If you want to visit Chile in a few months there are some important things that every visitor should know about it. 

    When Chilean people meet someone for the first time, it's normal to receive a warm welcome; they´ll make you feel comfortable and confident so if you´re ready to eat a lot and catch attention from everyone this is your country. 

    Osorno is a little city next to Rahue´s lake where you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Christmas is near so if you´re not used to being warm, it can seem strange because in Osorno it is uncommon for people to be quiet and calm. People used to be very kind and warm. You will receive a “Hi” or a “good morning” from everyone even if they don´t know you. You will find Christmas decorations in every house of the city and it's probable that you will receive an invitation for thanksgiving dinner.

    When you arrive for dinner, be on time, keep eye contact, posture, and enjoy the party. Don´t worry about paying for something or vandalism, Osorno is one of the safest cities in Chile. 

If you keep these points in mind, you´ll have a much more comfortable, enjoyable visit to Osorno, Chile

British Pub Etiquette

Round It Out 

Those travelling to the United Kingdom for the first time will discover that pubs are a central aspect of British culture. So if you plan to board a plane to the UK in the coming months, you should go to a pub at least once, but make sure to follow the rules of pub etiquette in order to enjoy your time there.

 The first thing you have to know is that pubs do not provide table service: orders and payments are made at the bar. So you have to go up to the bar to buy your drinks, and carry them back to your table. If you are part of a large group, then it is common to ask someone to help you bring back the drinks without spilling them. But you’ll have to find out what everyone wants before you approach the bar to purchase drinks for the group. Tipping bartenders at pubs is not expected and is quite unusual.

 When asking for a draught beer it will be assumed you want a pint unless you say otherwise - you can also ask for a half pint. But you have to specify exactly the type of beer you want. If you’re not sure what to ask for, a lager is a safe, middle-of-the-road choice. Or, you can ask for a ‘soft drink’ if you don’t drink alcohol.

 One un-British aspect of pub etiquette is the lack of queuing. To get served, you must attract the attention of the bartender without yelling or making any too-obvious gesticulation like waving wildly. You can simply make eye contact and smile to catch the barman’s eye. That’s all that is necessary to ensure that you have been noticed and will be served in your turn. Because, although there is no visible queue at the bar, there is a virtual queue in the head of the bartender seeing who arrived in what order.

 If you’re drinking with British people this is very important: Buying a round of drinks. It is common practice, for groups of friends or work colleagues to take turns buying rounds of drinks for everyone at the table. If someone has bought a round for the group, including a drink for you, you’ll be expected to reciprocate the gesture by buying at least one round for the people you’re drinking with. This is an unspoken rule that should ever be broken.

 If you keep these points in mind, you’ll have a more enjoyable visit to pubs in Britain, and, even if you don’t drink alcohol, you may come to like them and go again. Cheers!

HOW TO WORK AS A TEAM

When we are talking about having a good team, how do you imagine or think a good team and functional is? Well, I'll present to you my own opinions about being a good team.

First I have to clarify something about having a good team; 1. Is not difficult and it's because sometimes we are not into it, we imagine that, oh they're so different to me and how can I work as a team if they're not the same as me, well it's normal in a team to have a different kind of minds and the fact is when you and your team think about how to make something, you need to have different opinions to choose the best way and then do it as a professional team.

2. Communicate, every day, everywhere, good communication is at the heart of great teamwork. Great teams communicate well and often, their members are happy to share ideas, brainstorm together, ask for feedback, and be contradicted. But be careful in the case you contradicted them, you should be polite and sensitive with them because they have feelings and don't get frustrated if their ideas are not good, it's very important to your team to have different opinions.

3. Establish team rules “Rules?” I hear you thinking, “that doesn’t sound fun at all.” Think again. Rules don’t have to be a dampener, but they do have to exist to keep everyone aligned. How can we forward together if we don’t know where we stand? Rules will safeguard the success and productivity of a team.

4. Celebrate. Like recognition and gratitude, celebrations don’t have to be big, but they should be frequent. By doing this, you’re weaving them into your team’s culture and the benefits will become lasting and more impactful.

You’re also reminding people that your goals are achievable and worth striving for, which will keep motivation high. For example, you can go out for dinner or drink in a bar on Fridays, go to a place that makes them feel peacefulness and happiness.

To sum up, having a good team is a challenge where you and your partners have to create a good relationship strong and respectful, is constant action and sometimes can't be possible but is an adventure.

So are you ready to work as a good team?

TRAVELLING IN SPAIN

 

If you are going to travel to Spain, these are tips you need to know before visiting it.

Firstly, Learning some lingo is a good idea. Questions such as ¿Dónde está…?, hola, buenos días and gracias, are always appreciated by locals.  Spaniards eat late, they eat lunch between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and dinner any time after 9 p.m. The north of the country is actually full of lush green landscapes and be pretty rainy. You can drink the tap water and use the public transport network, as well as the inexpensive bus lines, the subway and buses are a good option. On the other hand, tipping isn´t a big deal although, for fancier meals, a 10 percent tip could be left.  You can expect a free bite when you order a drink in most places, you do not have to pay for this. Pickpockets can be a problem so make sure to take particular care of your valuables for your own good. Spaniards are extremely friendly and helpful, and they also like to dress up.

Finally, if you want to make the best of your trip, keep these tips in mind to really enjoy it.

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER

To control your temper is necessary to start being aware at every moment of your life, of what you are thinking, what your behaviour is, what your emotions and feelings are ... When you become aware of them, you can already choose the behaviour that you want to have. It is a bit complicated, however, it is worth it, why? because as comfortable and happy as you feel is what you will radiate around you and receive.

First of all, Meditate every day, meditation calms the mind and body. You don't have to spend a lot of time in meditation, fifteen minutes a day is enough to start quieting the mind. Respect, as much as you have towards yourself, you can have towards others. Compassion. means reacting to the suffering of others, supporting them. When you can feel compassion for yourself without hurting yourself, without being offended, you are being compassionate to yourself. Be responsible for every action we do, to stop blaming others for everything we live.

Finally, If we want to control our temper, we must begin to be aware of ourselves and feel empathy with others, remembering that we all have stories and experiences engraved within us, which triggers the manifestation of our behaviours.

Set small goals each day to be self-aware at all times.

One of the great qualities of man is to control himself.

How to have a good marriage

 Do you feel that happiness has faded in your marriage?  If you can’t imagine how you got to this point and wonder how to have a good marriage, here are a few tips to help you get through.

First of all, in order to live a happy married life, it is essential to accept your spouse the way they are. If you’re feeling angry or upset because of the way they deal with different matters in life, you need to sit down and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. It’s not always easy to see past minor annoyances, and at times you may even hate your partner. But to have a happy marriage you have to accept your partner’s strengths and weaknesses and be able to set realistic expectations. For example, if your strength is your good memory, don’t get angry if they forget special dates. Instead, make it your job to set reminders in different ways. If their strength is cooking, they can manage meal planning instead. That’s how I manage to deal with my husband forgetting our anniversary.

Second, it’s important to share common interests and have fun together so that you can strengthen the bond and evolve together. Whether it’s a love of travel, a strong desire to build a family together, a dedication to a common cause, or even just watching your favourite TV series together, these experiences can help you to connect with your spouse and enrich your relationship. Personally, I’ve found that volunteering at the church on Sunday mornings has helped us to increase our bond by creating a sense of connection.

Last but not least, you need to be kind, respectful and understanding of your spouse. If you are critical and judgmental it usually ends in defensiveness and resentment. So to keep things happy within the marriage, avoid swearing and attacking your partner’s behaviour when you're upset. Even better, before arguing about anything, - for example, who will clean up the dishes after dinner- you might say something like, “what about if I cook and you wash the dishes tonight? How does that sound?” In doing so, you'll show a team-work attitude and appreciation for their co-operation.

With these ideas in mind, you can help avoid marital discord, and you might even get closer than ever. After all, this is supposed to be your soulmate, right?