Why this blog about habits and philosophies in Asia

I love Asia. I feel at home in Asia. I am half chinese and half dutch. I feel more at ease in filipino culture than chinese culture. I have a good friend from Japan. Throughout the years, I have tried to be open to everything Asia has to offer. To embrace Asia in my being, in my core and to understand and learn more of this continent in the world. Some of the things that really caught me...  Any Asian habits that particulary interest you? 

What are the habits in China?

• Don't scoop food in your bowl for yourself, but wait for your host or hostess to do so.
• It is impolite to eat everything in your bowl; leave a small amount as a sign of respect.
• Slurping while eating is not rude in China, but rather a sign that you like the food. Let's slurp.
• Never refuse an offer to have some food or drinks.
• Red is the color of happiness, do not wear it at funerals.
• When you have tea, make sure the teapot points at the other tables, not at a person on your table, that doesn't bring luck.
• Squat toilets, yes they are still widely used all over China.
• Public spitting is still a habit for some people. 
• Drinking hot water is normal and considered healthy.
• Early rising is a habit for many chinese people and to practice tai chi.

What are the habits in Indonesia?

• Gotong royong is the spirit of communal cooperation and mutual assistance. It's a deeply ingrained value in Indonesian society and is often seen in neighborhood clean-up efforts or helping neighbors in need.
• When having a meal together it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before you dig in. It is also considered impolite to refuse food that is offered to you. If you are full, you can take a small portion and say thank you.
• Eating together is a time for families and friends to connect and socialize. Rice is a staple food in Indonesia and is usually eaten with every meal without rice it is not considered a meal. It's not uncommon for Indonesians to eat with their hands.
• Life Cycle Ceremonies happen around various stages of life. Tedak Siten, a Javanese ceremony, celebrates a baby's first steps. Metatah, a Balinese ritual, involves the filing of a child's teeth to mark their passage into adulthood.
• Batik - is an Indonesian fabric with cultural significance. Different patterns have different meanings and are worn for different occasions.

What are the habits in Japan?

• Cultural customs: Instead of shaking hands, people in Japan bow. The deeper, the more respectful. Respect for elders and superiors is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Kawaii means “cute” and is an important part of Japanese culture, especially among young people.
• Social norms & mutual communication: Everything is about respect and harmony. Order, punctuality and cleanliness are key words. There are a number of expressions for this. Kurashi - means “way of life” or “the ideal way to spend our time,” but like many words that get lost in translation, it means more than that. If you have not yet tidied up according to the KonMari Method, focusing on your kurashi will motivate you to start. Kirei - is an activity. You look at all your possessions and decide what you want to keep and what can go. It is an emotional literal clearing and cleaning activity. By cleaning up, you reflect on your past and future.
• Etiquettes & traditions: Onsen are public Japanese baths, there are many rules how to bathe. Like about chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, is full of traditions and etiquettes. It is an art form, a very formal event where every movement and action has a meaning. It is about creating a moment of calm and harmony.
• Eating and drinking habits: Eating with chopsticks is the standard way of eating. There are several etiquette rules associated with using chopsticks. The most important are that you never place your chopsticks upright in the rice (similar to incense sticks at a funeral), or pass things from chopstick to chopstick. This happens at funerals and not in everyday life. In addition, eating on the street or public transportation is not-done among locals. Ramen you may slurp, but don't burp! Fish is often eaten first, and then the rice. If you go to an “izakaya” with friends or colleagues, you often share dishes. Here it is customary to use the back of your chopsticks to place the food from the plates on your own plate, or you use clean chopsticks. 
• Bonsai - Japanese people recreate nature in miniature, this specific horticulture is called bonsai. 
• Ikigai - What is worth living? What is it worth coming out of bed for? What drives you? What inspires you?
• Kintsugi (golden joinery) - is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. You can buy Kintsugi kits in the Netherlands, it is in my opinion a very nice way to glue broken things, with golden glue. 
• Kirei - is an activity. You look at all your possessions and decide what you want to keep and what can go away. It is an emotional literal clean-up and clean-up action. By cleaning up, you reflect on your past and future.
• Kurashi - translates to “way of life” or “the ideal way of spending our time,” but like many words lost in translation, it means more than that. If you haven’t tidied using the KonMari Method, focusing on your kurashi will motivate you to start.
• Mottainai - (もったいない or 勿体無い) It is a term of Japanese origin that has been used by environmentalists. The term in Japanese conveys a sense of regret over waste; the exclamation "Mottainai!" can translate as "What a waste!" Mottainai is the feeling of sadness you have when something hasn't reached its full potential. Recycle and repair. It's all about the love you have for your old stuff.
• O-hanami - In april are the cherry blossom viewing parties.
• Omikuji - These are slips of paper that tell your fortune, divided into kichi (good luck) and kyo (bad luck). Depending on the shrine there are various grades of good and bad luck in between. One theory says if you read it without showing anyone else and then tie it to the branch of a tree in the shrine grounds before going home, even bad luck is converted into good luck.
• Omoiyari - Omoi is thinking, memories and emotion. Yaru is doing. It is empathy, freely translated, it is on the other hand more ordinary and special. It's just because it's part of everyday life in Japan, not just an empathetic reaction. It is special because it makes compassion a part of the community. How do you master omoi? Start with yourself, focus inwards. If you recognize and understand your own feelings, you can translate that into compassion for others. The essence of omoiyari is that you are aware, of other people in life. You behave in a way that is pleasant for others.
• Shintoism - Shinto is the early religion of Japan. It is a combination of two chinese characters, which means: "The way of the gods." In Shintoism the Kami are being worshipped. Kami are gods of nature. Some kami are bound to be found in certain places, others are united with bigger objects and phenomena. Amaterasu is for example the god of the sun. Marie Kondo the "spark-joy guru of tidying" and her method, the KonMari method, is based on Shintoism. Keeping the house tidy is part of the practice.
• Shinrin-yoku - I have sent my japanese friend once a photo of me snow bathing (in a bathing suit swimming in the snow) and asked her the japanese term for snow bathing. There is no japanese term for it. And I thought there was! The Japanese have a term for forest bathing: Shinrin-yoku. To be in the forest with the trees, will make sure you will be re-energized and that you can feel your own core.
• Sumo, Judo and Karate
• Tea ceremony - The aim of the tea ceremony (in a small space) is to reduce daily life to the barest essentials and idealize form. Behind this idea is to intensify the brief time spent together as a moment to be cherished. Tea utensils, the preparation of tea and the tea ceremony etiquette is all very important. When you will experience a true tea ceremony it is advised to prepare yourself to understand more beforehand of this Japanese ceremony.
• Tenei- It is about patience and respect of the daily things. Try to find harmony in the day to day activities, to be correct and punctual towards others and to be persistent of the things which are important to you, even when it is not easy. 
• Tokimeki - As explained by the latest Marie Kondo on Netflix or in her book, do what you like and what you think is important in your life…
• Tsukumogami - According to Shinto animism, some inanimate objects could gain a soul after 100 years of service, a concept know as tsukumogami.
• Omiyage and Temiyage - Omiyage and Temiyage are Japanese names for two kinds of gifts. Omiyage are souvenirs you bring home from a trip. Temiyage are thank-you gifts you bring when you visit someone. Japanese people have the habit of buying plenty of gifts for their friends. As a foreigner it is appreciated when you bring Omiyage and Temiyage.
• Wabisabi 侘 寂 - A lot of things around me are Wabisabi, especially when you try to use things as long as possible. And when you are open to see things in the light they are, and not everything has to be perfect around you. Life in it's imperfection.
• Zakka - is to be grateful for the normal, simple things that make life special. For example your favorite sweater of coffee cup.

What are the habits in Laos?

• Cultural habits: Lao people generally prioritize balance and well-being over material possessions. Lao people are known for their patience and laid-back attitude. Stress in uncommon. This is reflected in their daily lives and business interactions.
• Boh penyang means "never mind". It is a way of life and considers the slow pace the best. 
• Social habits & communication: Wai - This is a traditional greeting where people press their palms together in front of their chest and slightly bow their head. The higher the hands, the more respect shown.
• Sabai-dee- A common greeting that translates to "Are you well?" This reflects the Laotian emphasis on well-being and politeness.
• Showing anger or disappointment in public is inappropriate. It causes everyone to lose face, better to keep smiling and keep your voice low, speak softly.
• Pointing and gesturing with hands is frowned upon. 
• Lao people are not big on waiting in line. They often push and shove to get to the head of the line.
• Etiquettes & traditions: Spirit worship - Alongside Buddhism, many Lao people also believe in spirits and engage in traditional rituals to honor them.
• Women should avoid touching a monk, the robes and not sit besides a monk. Almsgiving can be done directly in the bowl, not handed directly to the monk.
• Never point your feet or soles towards people, a buddha, a temple or statues. That is considered disrespecfull.
• Eating & drinking habits: Lao people eat with spoon and fork, not with chopsticks. It is common to sit on the floor while eating.

What are the habits in Mongolia?

• There are certain habits in the ger, the yurt.
• Sleep - Always sleep with your feet facing the door, never toward the altar.
• Whistling - Whistling in a ger is considered rude.
• Be aware that fire is sacred to Mongolians. Do not throw garbage into the fire.
• Elders - Always let elders lead the way and do not sit with your back or feet to the altar.
• Hospitality - When you are offered food or drink, accept it, even if it is just a little. Use your right hand, with your left hand for support. It is customary to give small gifts to your hosts, such as fruit, candy or alcohol.
• Holding a cup - Hold a cup underneath, not by the rim.
• Say no in an indirect way, that is polite.
• Tsagaan Sar - From late January to mid-February, Mongolians celebrate the New Year. It is the most joyous occasion for the country's nomadic herders because Tsagaan Sar marks the arrival of spring after the long and harsh winter in which hundreds of their animals can freeze to death. Tsagaan Sar has been celebrated for more than 2,000 years. The festival is essentially intertwined with numerous deeply symbolic rituals. The festival is celebrated throughout the country and is still a holiday that Mongolians most look forward to with renewed hope for happiness and prosperity. Around the New Year, families burn candles at the altar, symbolizing Buddhist enlightenment. Mongolians also visit their friends and relatives (at the home of the eldest in the family) on this day and exchange gifts. Many people dress in full Mongolian national costumes.

What are the habits in the Philippines?

• Use of 'face' in communication - Briefly raise eyebrows to confirm or to mean yes to a question and also used as a brief greeting (all silent).
• Indicating direction by pursing lips and turning head in direction, all silent as well.
• Baon - refers to the monetary allowance or food normally provided by the parent to a child who goes to school.
• Bayanihan - When a house is broken, the whole community helps fixing the house. You might have seen the pictures of a group of people carrying a hut, when it needs to be transferred. It is a true community spirit. You talk, you help and protect the people around you. It is team effort, only possible when done with a group. It is truly a beautiful thing. 
• Cockfighting is a popular national sport in big and small arenas all over the country. Goal is to gamble (win money) and eat the roosters who lost the game.
• Finding your spot - Recently I was back in the Philippines, taking public transportation. When you would like to take your window seat, be reminded you have to climb over other peoples lap. Squeeze in between the seat in front of you and the seat with the passenger on it. Enough space, a little intimate but do-able, it has something about it.
• Pacquiao - Filipinos adore boxer (and politician) Manny 'Pagman' Pacquiao.
• Pagmamano - Children take your hand, put it on their forehead, as a way of greeting you. It is an act of respect. The child says mamo po, can I have your hand please? Most of the time, they say God bless (you), when put on their forehead.
• Pasalubong -In the Philippines it is common when you have been on a trip, that you bring a token of love back to the people who stayed home. It is a filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home. It can be anything, something to eat or to drink is always a welcoming gift, since filipinos love eating! It is actually not about what you bring, it is something that you have brought, so the other person knows you thought about them while away. The first time, I heard bring pasalubong, from multiple people, and didnt know how to act. When you see souvenir stores in the Philippines, it has the sign pasalubong. So now you are prepared.... just bring something back... 
• Noise and music - Filipinos are crazy about high volumes and karaoke (called videoke) and music from the 70s like The Carpenters. There was one big world hit: Anak by Freddie Aguilar in 1978.
• Remedio - Is fixing things, even though you dont know how to fix it. The filipinos use remedio. Remedio used to drive me crazy. It is fixing things with what you have, in a creative way, and if it works again... that will be clear in the near future. You have to be flexible to embrace remedio.
• Squeeze - Squeeze your but, in the jeepney, also when you think it is already full. There will be place, when you squeeze. When you are for example sitting at the window in an airplane and you have two filipinos beside you, you squeeze your body in and out going to the aile. It is not a habit to stand up, when you can squeeze, when used to it, it works perfectly fine.
• Volume - Pump up the jam, pump up the volume. Filipinos love loud music, loud talking, as long as it is lively. The high amounts of volume makes you feel festive and alive, even when there is not a party.
• 'Whitening' products such as soap, make-up, deodorant are very popular, to stimulate white skin.

What are the habits in South Korea?

• In South Korea, and other places I have seen it in Asia, they brush their teeth, three times a day after a meal. People bring portable toothbrushes and you often see people brushing their teeth in the washroom in their office.
• Family is everything and the eldest son carries the responsibility of the family.
• Kimchi is a national dish. People make kimchi at home. In the supermarkets a lot of dark bordeau red buckets can be found, so you don't see the stains of the herbs going to be fermented with the vegetables.
• I personally love banchan. When you order Korean food it is likely you get a lot of different small bowls, (most of the time vegetarian) side dishes. For me as a dutch person, I can do without the maindish, since banchan is so delicious.

What are the habits in Taiwan?

• Politeness - Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say “thank you” and “please.”
• Respectfulness - Taking off shoes when entering a house: In Taiwan, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's house. This is done as a sign of respect and to keep the house clean.
• Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family.
• Leave some food on your plate - It shows appreciation for the amount of food served and is considered polite.
• Cleanliness - Using toilet paper with the right hand: In Taiwan, toilet paper is used with the right hand, while the left hand is considered unclean.
• Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention, same like stinky tofu. That stinks.
• KTV – Karaoke is a popular waste of time or night.
• Convenience stores – Open 24/7, with a variety of food, drinks and everyday items available.
• Gifts – Knives and scissors are not appreciated and will be seen as severing a relationship. Clocks and handkerchiefs are best avoided, that will be connected to death and funerals. Check the label: made in Taiwan is not an interesting gift and the recipient from Taiwan already has (all) things made in Taiwan.

What are the habits in Thailand?

• Thai people will talk about architecture, dance, festivals and food when you ask about their culture. 
• Sanuk is a term to express that everything should have something sanuk. Something which is worth doing. The sense or approach with a little playfulness. Even work can be sanuk, singing while working, cracking jokes in combination with the thai smile. 
• Saving face is important as is in many Asian countries. The habit is to avoid confrontation, and not to embarrass yourself or others.
• Social rank plays an important part in society. It goes with obligations, obedience, caring for, respect, sharing of wealth. The "big person or senior" pays the bill when dining or entertaining. The person with the most social rank pays for everyone.

Did you know that.... 

Asia is the biggest continent in the world. It is huge, this is the list of most Asian countries (including the Middle East)

• Afghanistan - Armenia - Azerbaijan - Bangladesh - Bhutan - Brunei - Cambodia - China - Hong Kong - India - Indonesia - Japan - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Laos - Macau - Malaysia - Maldives - Mongolia - Myanmar - Nepal - North Korea - Oman - Pakistan - Palestinian Territories - Papua New Guinea - Philippines - Singapore - South Korea - Sri Lanka - Taiwan - Tajikistan - Thailand - Timor-Leste - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Vietnam
• Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates - Bahrain - Iran - Iraq - Israel - Jordan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Oman - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Syria - Turkey - Yemen

What are the customs in Taiwan regarding food?

• Leave some food on your plate. It shows appreciation for the amount of food served and is considered polite.
• Characteristic are the many choices of dishes that you eat together with rice. Rice is the staple food. 

What are the best recipes in Taiwan?

• Stinky tofu, chou doufu: Don't let the name fool you! Stinky tofu is a popular Taiwanese street food made from fermented tofu that has a strong odor but a surprisingly mild and creamy flavor. It's usually served deep-fried and topped with a variety of sauces and pickles.
• Taiwan is famous for the amount of streetfood available. The Taiwanese kitchen is a blend of Chinese and indigenous food. The focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and variety.

What are the best drinks in Taiwan?

• Taiwan is famous for it's tea. There are tea plantations found in Taiwan, from Oolong to Jasmine tea.
• Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention called the king of Taiwanese drinks, bubble tea is a global phenomenon. This sweet and creamy concoction features a tea base (usually black or green tea) with chewy tapioca pearls and other toppings like jellies, fruits in all kinds, and whipped cream.
• Wheat Grass Tea is an unique and healthy drink, wheatgrass tea is made from the young shoots of the wheat plant. It has a grassy flavor and is believed to have various health benefits.

What are notable activities, holidays and festivals in Taiwan?

• KTV – Karaoke is a popular waste of time or night.
• Founding Day of the Republic of China (ROC) is on January 1. This is a three-day bank holiday that celebrates the founding of the ROC in 1912.
• Chinese New Year (depending on the moon, in general late January or February): This is a 15-day holiday that is the most important holiday in Taiwan. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
• Tomb Sweeping Day is on April 5. This day is a time for families to visit the graves of their ancestors and clean them.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September). This festival is also known as the Moon Festival. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Mooncakes are a popular food during this festival.
• All festivals have their specific traditions and customs.

What are the notable habits in Taiwan?

• Politeness - Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say “thank you” and “please.”
• Respectfulness - Taking off shoes when entering a house: In Taiwan, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's house. This is done as a sign of respect and to keep the house clean.
• Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family
• Cleanliness - Using toilet paper with the right hand: In Taiwan, toilet paper is used with the right hand, while the left hand is considered unclean.
• Convenience stores – Open 24/7, with a variety of food, drinks and everyday items available.
• Gift giving is an art and gifts have a meaning. Knives and scissors are not appreciated and will be seen as severing a relationship. Clocks and handkerchiefs are best avoided, that will be connected to death and funerals.
• Check the label of the gift you would like to give: made in Taiwan is not an interesting gift and the recipient from Taiwan already has (all) things made in Taiwan.

What are the customs in Hungary regarding food?

• Food in Hungary Hungarian cuisine is influenced by French, Turkish, Serbian and other Central European cuisines. A lot of meat (goulash) is eaten and beer is drunk. If you order a Hungarian breakfast, you should not be surprised if you are served a combination of egg, red pepper, sausage and onion on sourdough bread.
• Paprika is the most prominent ingredient in many dishes, for example in goulash, paprika chicken or the pancake filled with meat and sauce. A paprika from Hungary is the one you look for, one paprika isn’t the other.

What are the best recipes in Hungary?

• Specialties Gulyás (goulash): Beef and pepper soup.
• Gundel palacsinta: Pancakes often with walnuts, raisins and chocolate sauce.

What are the best drinks in Hungary?

• Bikavér (Bull's blood) is a strong red wine.
• Pálinka: A type of brandy, available with different fruit flavors (cherry, pear, apricot and plum).
• Unicum: A liqueur made from herbs, which according to Hungarians is an excellent medicine for all kinds of things. Have a cold? Drink Unicum! This drink even has a museum in Budapest (the Zhack Unicum museum).

What are notable holidays and festivals in Hungary?

• Hungary's festival is Sziget. Every year in August, famous rock and pop artists meet on Margit Sziget (Margrit Island) in the middle of the Danube. Order your tickets in advance because they sell out quickly every year.
• Hungary's National Day is on August 20, which celebrates the founding of Hungary by Saint Stephen in the year 1000. On the evening of August 20, there is a big firework display at the Danube River in Budapest.
• Republic Day/National Day is on October 23, which commemorates the Hungarian uprising of 1956. There are speeches and exhibitions throughout the country.

What are the remarkable habits in Hungary?

• When you greet, you shake hands. On official occasions, when you greet elderly you bow and give a kiss on both cheeks.
• Toast on health before you start eating.
• Hospitality and socializing with friends and family is a habit. Gatherings with food, red wine or coffee are favorite. It is rude to refuse an offer of food or drinks.
• Hungarians are famous for the bath culture and saunas. Taking a thermal baths is a social activity and a good way to relax.
• Most Hungarians are superstitious and have beliefs it is bad luck to walk under a ladder on Friday the 13^th.

What are the customs in the Netherlands regarding food?

• Broodje kaas - The Dutch often lunch with a cheese sandwich or other cold snacks. Hot lunches are less common. Pre-made sandwiches are made and put in a lunch box and that is what the Dutch have for lunch.
• Beschuit met muisjes of hagelslag - Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) and muisjes (small anise seeds) are popular toppings for sandwiches. Round toast with muisjes is served when a baby is born in the specific colors of the baby's gender.
• Drop is a salty licorice-like candy that many Dutch people like. Many foreigners do not like the  salty licorice, the sweet drop they like better.
• Koffietijd - The Dutch love coffee and often drink it with cake or pastries or one cookie (not two or three) you can take out of the cookiejar and afterwards it closes.
• Frikandel, kroket or bitterbal - A frikandel is a deep-fried meatloaf that is a popular snack or try a bitterbal: small fried veal, beef in a crunchy jacket.
• Stamppot is a traditional stew of potatoes and vegetables, with kale (boerenkool), onion and carrot (hutspot), sourkraut (zuurkool), andijvie, spinach etc etc.

What are notable holidays and festivals in the Netherlands?

• Kringverjaardag - It is a habit to celebrate ones birthday in a circle of chairs. One of my former collegues reminded me of this dutch habit. It goes like this, either it is a dutch party and you bring your own food and often a kring verjaardag. Th -ere is not much swapping of chairs and a lot of talking in the group, less individual talks perhaps with your neighbours sitting on the right and/or left side. 
• Happy birthday - Is wished to everyone attending the kringverjaardag, not only meant for the celebrant.
• Kingsday - It is celebrated the night before the 27th (birthday of the King) and the day itself. The Dutch wear orange and especially in Amsterdam and bigger cities it is celebrated on the streets. For the children in all kind of places there is the Vrijmarkt: second hand stuff is sold on the streets.
• Sinterklaas - Every year on december 5 children get gifts from Sinterklaas (kind of Santa claus) when they have been good children. The gifts are also given after Sinterklaas has entered the Netherlands and you put your shoe near the chimney, with a carrot for his horse and sing a song. The whole Zwarte pieten discussion is mentioned somewhere else.
• Silvester evening in the Netherlands: dinner is shared with family or friends, often at home.
• "Oliebollen" are eaten (fried dough) and champagne will be served at midnight. The last seconds of the former year will be counted out loud. On television there is a broadcast of a old year conference (often by a comedian), that is a dutch tradition.

What are the notable habits in the Netherlands?

• The Dutch have some unique customs and habits that may seem strange to foreigners.
• Gezelligheid - Gezelligheid is an important concept in Dutch culture. It means cosiness: being together, having fun and relaxing. Gezelligheid kent geen tijd is a famous dutch expression. Gezellig he?
• Oranje, oranjegevoel - Orange is the color of the Dutch. The Dutch wear orange on Kingsday and when the dutch football team is playing (high level only).
• Birthday calendar or tiles- Many Dutch people have a birthday calendar hanging on the toilet so they never forget a birthday or a tile with Delfts blauw with a wisdom like sentence for example: Oost, west, thuis, best. East, west, home is the best.
• Zuinigheid - Fruitfullness, the dutch generally don't like to spend more than necessary and will watch de kleintjes (small coins).They pay close attention to their pennies and go dutch or send a tikkie (online share costs or pay back what someone has spent for you).
• Complaining - The Dutch love to complain, and talk negative but that doesn't mean they are unhappy. It's more of a way to connect with each other. Most popular topic is the weather to complain about, it is often too cold, rainy or too hot.
• Cycle - The Dutch cycle, in the rain, with children, doing groceries, everywhere. People sit at the back of the bicycle, with the legs on one side.
• Directness - The Dutch are generally very direct in their communication. They say what they think and like honesty.
• No small talk - The Dutch dislike unnecessary small talk and like to get directly to the point.
• Self-reliance - Dutch people are very self-reliant and like to solve problems themselves. Not to be dependent of another person.
• Dutchies - As a slang term for cannabis joints or blunts, or a few different entities related to Dutch culture and travel. I am refering to this image, one of the Dutchies! Our mascotte.

The Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by 16 countries. Of these 16 countries, 6 are in Europe, 5 are in Africa, 4 are in Asia. The 6 European countries that border the Mediterranean are Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and the island country of Malta and Turkey. The 5 African countries are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco; the 4 Asian countries are Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Cyprus. Since the Mediterranean area is quite big, it is difficult to generalise, but let's try for a change.

To me the Mediterranean is famous for food. Often people speak about the Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet consists food that is found in the region like fresh vegetables, local herbs and spices, fish and seafood, lentils, poultry, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, nuts. Consume with (a moderate amount of) wine and plenty of water.  Many nutrition experts recommend the Mediterranean diet for health reasons. There is hardly any red meat in the diet.

General

• A Mediterranean habit is everything in moderation and it was coined by the Greek philosopher Cleobulus. It is key in living well.
• Everyone eats late.

Habits in Cyprus

• Family is a priority in Cyprus. Parents take care of their children. When parents grow old, children will take care of them. Old people take care of their grandchildren. Family is everything!
• People Cyprus are generally slow and they postpone things until the next day. Nobody is in a hurry and try to enjoy every minute of life.
• The meze is a selection of small dishes, like tapas. The meze is a good formula to enjoy multiple flavors and to socialize over a long meal.
• Some people in Cyprus believe in the evil eye, which brings bad luck, there are charms to keep you protected.

Habits in Egypt

• The hot climate has defined the Egyptians' national character - calmness. People in Egypt like to take it easy. They are often late and spend a lot of time to make a decisions. Non-punctuality and slowness are justified by the habit of living by the "Egyptian time". It is from the Mediterranean habit to relax. Egyptians' favorite word is "Bukra", which means "tomorrow". Which reminds me of mañana mañana.

Habits in France

• Fresh and homemade are the two words that describe home cooking in France. Most meals are freshly prepared meals. Everything made from scratch from salad dressings to bread. It is a daily practice for many Europeans. The French are famous for drinking wine with their dinner. All in moderation, then it is even good for health!

Habits in Israel

• Israeli diet is considered the healthiest of the world. It totally fits the Mediterranean diet, it is the Mediterranean diet! A lot of vegetables, lemon, chickpeas, moderate amounts of dairy and meat, and all with olive oil. All meals are served in small portions. 

Habits in Italy

• I remember my time in Italy with huge meals, of multiple courses, hours and hours spent around the table dining with friends and family. One specific ingredient used in Italy is olive oil. Healthy to the max, used in small portions. 

Habits in Malta 

• Daily life in Malta is very laid back. No one seems to ever be in a rush.
• Many locals enjoy good conversation over a coffee. Malta is a very much family-orientated island, and you can see families spending time together.
• It is too hot during the day, especially in summer, when the sun is high on the horizon, so the shops are closed and people are resting.

Habits in Monaco

• Monacan habits are also connected to food! Daily eating habits reflect a Mediterranean heritage. French and Italian influences can be found in the local recipes. Breakfast is very small, but lunch and dinner often have multiple courses.

Habits in Morocco

• Morocco has a small part of the country, which is on the Mediterranean coast. You will find Mediterranean habits in Morocco. Family is for most Moroccans is the most important element in life. It is family before work, friends and sometimes even marriage. Many Moroccans live with their families before and after marriage. The topic family is a populair topic to talk about. It is normal to inquire about details of family relationships of a person you don't know.
• The people in the country are in general warm, open and do not have any inhibitions. A guest is a gift from Allah. People are likely to invite you to their homes. 
• Dine and feed your guests even if you are starving is a proverb. The people are generous and will likely send you home stuffed and full. 

Habits in Spain

• Flamengo is the example of exercise in a fun way, while dancing. Joy and sorrow threaten to overwhelm you. The raw passion of flamengo can bring you to another world. Get transformed as well and listen to:
• Pata Negra, Blues de la fontera (1987)
• Chambao, Flamenco chill (2002)
• Every one takes naps, the so called siesta. Shops are closed, people eat with family and friends and take a nap afterwards. The nap has the effect that you can't sleep early, so you work until later in the evening, since you had a siesta. You have dinner later and you sleep later.
• Mañana mañana is a word from the Spanish language that means tomorrow and morning. This word describes the period of time between midnight and noon. It means it is done sometime tomorrow, which means no stress. Take it easy. Enjoy life and relax when possible.

Please help me adding

• Algeria
• Libya
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Tunisia

Why habits?

For a while now, I am inspired by all kinds of ways of living... Hence this magazine about Scandanavian Habits. I wish you can add as well. You hear more and more about all kinds of Scandinavian habits. All kind of different habits or way of dealing with life, that are interesting. What do you think?

Habits in Denmark

Hygge

• The danish word Hygge is impossible to translate, same as the dutch word Gezelligheid. What is the difference between Hygge and Gezelligheid, from my point of view? I think Hygge you are. It is a way of life, the way you live your life, instead of a way of making a sort of atmosphere. Gezelligheid can be made or the atmosphere is already with you, and thus as well a part of you. The dutch use the term Gezelligheid more of an atmosphere. It is not a reflection of you. Hygge is a mentality, a part of the danish identity. You will sit cosy at the couch with your thick socks, with a cup of Moon tea, in total harmony with yourself and the surroundings. You are, and you are not making an atmosphere. Not sure if I am right. What do you think?
• "Hygge is een toestand die je ervaart als je in harmonie bent met jezelf, je echtgenoot, de belastingdienst en je ingewanden". - Tove Ditlevsen

Habits in Finland

Jokamiehen oikeudet

• Jokamiehen oikeudet is common in Finland. They have a concept called ‘Everyman’s rights’, it allows everyone to roam freely in nature, camp, eat and pick berries and mushrooms anywhere in forests. How nice is that? As long as it all causes no damage or disturbance to nature or the landowner. 

Sisu

• Sisu is the national character of the people in Finland. It is determination, interior gutts that comes from inside. What else can it be, living in a dark and cold country? Does sisu also apply to where you are from?

Habits in Iceland

• Loud Sniffing - Sniffing in Iceland is not unusual, it's considered normal there. Blowing your nose is seen as impolite.
• Dining etiquette - Talking with your mouth full, reaching out to the other side of the table, on top of someone else’s plate, eating quickly, using toothpicks is considered as normal dining etiquette. Same as obtaining a second without being offered is normal. Leaving the table before everyone is done, and bringing your plate to the kitchen is also normal.
• Soaking in hotsprings - Icelanders take full advantage of their abundant hot springs. Public pools and hot tubs are a common sight, and soaking naked is a daily social activity for many.
• Strong Naming Traditions - Icelanders have patronymic surnames, meaning their last name reflects their father's name.You either have the family name with -son or -daughter (dóttir) behind it.

Habits in Norway

Friluftsliv

• Frilufsliv is the concept of an outdoor lifestyle. Rejuvinate in nature. Go on a date in nature. Walk, hike up the mountain, ski before work. Walking on sundays is a common habit. You get the point. 

Helgefylla, Julebord, Afterski

• Drinking alcohol in Norway is very expensive. So Norwegians specify the time, when alcohol is being consumed. The specific time in the weekends is known as Helgefylla. During holidays, at a Christmas party is Julebord, or after a day of skiing the so called Afterski. We call it Apresski, the drinking after skiing, but can be every day, we don't go skiing that often.... In Norway when it is alcohol-time, a lot goes down the throat. 

Kaffepause

• Coffee is the popular. Norway has a high number of amount of coffee drunk per person every year. Coffee in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, coffee in the evening. Coffee, coffee and coffee. With or without a cinnamon bun.

Kos or koselig

• What is kos? How is it done? It is like hygge, it can be practiced alone or with others. Inside your home or outside your home. In your bed, beside a fire place, on the couch, in a cafe, in the forest, on the beach. Actually anywhere cosy. Add a good book or movie, cookies and a few candles and you are totally koselig.

Habits in Sweden

Dostadning

• Have you heard of the ritual Döstädning? It is called death cleaning. Cleaning everything up, before you die, so others won't be hassled with your mess. It is a good way of saying goodbye to things, to share memories and to give away stuff which are important to you to others you love and share the story behind things. 

Fika

• The Swedisch term Fika is having coffee or tea is a phenomena. It is part of life, an important time of day. Hanging out with friends and get to know each other. A common time to fika is 10 am or 3 pm. You can have tea or coffee or even something else. And a cinnamon bun is part of the deal. Different right? For me, a cinnamon bun is a whole meal. In the Netherlands we have cake when it is someones birthday, or eat a cookie together. Homemade cookies are still special, since not everyone has time to bake. What is your take on Fika?

Fredags mys

• Friday cosy or fredags mys is a popular concept in Sweden. It is eating comfort food, like pizza and chips. Wow, such a nice concept it is the dutch borrel, might be a little the same?

Lagom

• Just read a whole book about the concept of lagom. It is the Swedish way of life. Lagom is a balancing act, it’s a desire for the good doing everything just right. Lagom is an experience, art and a lifestyle. It is the design, interior decoration, architecture and nature.

What are the customs in Belize regarding food?

• In Belize, rice and beans are mainly eaten. In addition, Mexican meat dishes such as tacos, empanadas, tamales are also available everywhere. Turtle and lobster are regularly on the menu. Belizean cuisine is a blend of Mayan, Garifuna, Creole, and European influences.

What are the best recipes in Belize?

• Fry Jacks: deep-fried pieces of dough, often with beans, egg, jam or honey. (In Mexico, they are called Sopapillas).
• Garnaches: deep-fried tortilla topped with beans, cabbage, carrots and cheese.
• Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce, a sauce found on the table everywhere in Belize to spice up the food for Belizeans.

What are the best drinks in Belize?

• A local drink is called Seaweed. A mix of seaweed, milk, sugar and cream.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Belize?

• September celebrations: The vacations begin in Belize on the Battle of St George's Caye Day. For the 10 days that follow, there are celebrations, ceremonies, concerts and carnival parades all over the country.
• Garifuna Settlement Day: This is a celebration of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize on November 19, 1832. Many celebrations with music, dancing and drinking. This festival is celebrated lavishly in Dangriga, Hopkins and Punta Gorda.
• La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge: This is a four-day canoe race on the Macal and Belizer River from San Ignacio to Belize City.

What are the remarkable habits in Belize?

• Especially the people with Mayan ancestry, believe in the power of the full moon. They avoid cutting wood or thatch for their roofs during this time as they believe it weakens the materials. Planting is also done based on the lunar cycle, with the belief that planting close to the full moon leads to better crops.
• It is common to sleep in a hammock. In rural areas it is the way to go.
• Community spirit is an important value in Belize. People help each other.

What are the customs in El Salvador regarding food?

• Although El Salvador's cuisine is often still referred to as "pretty basic," today that is partly obsolete. Many chefs have trained internationally and employ creative cooking techniques around ingredients from around the country.
• Of course, you'll still find traditional corn, beans, plantains and cheese in many dishes.
• You will also find the fried plantain, in many sub-forms, everywhere in El Salvador; certainly on buses, at bus stations and on the streets.

What are the best recipes in El Salvador?

• The "must try" national dish of El Salvador is "pupusas": a type of tortilla/arepa (corn or rice flour dough) filled with cheese and/or beans, seafood, meat and/or vegetables. You often get it served with a coleslaw mix and tomato salsa.
• Tamales, which you find all over Central America-and thus also in El Salvador. Often sold in a roadside stand or around local and regional buses. In El Salvador, tamales are pretty "standard": a cornmeal dough filled with meat, usually chicken or pork. The whole mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed for several hours, until the filling forms a soft but dense "bread.
• Yuca con chicharron: yuca is literally a "starchy root vegetable" and chicharron is fried pork belly with (tasty) bits of crispy skin. The yuca is boiled or fried, topped with pork and served with the same curtido that accompanies pupusas. It is almost always served at room temperature, which is why it is sometimes called a salad.
• Chorilonza: cross between Spanish chorizo and longiza sausages: the spicy chorilonza snack is found mostly on the "Ruta de Flores" (western part El Salvador).
• Ceviche is also widely eaten in El Salvador: raw fish, mussels, clams or shrimp that are "cooked" with acid, usually lime juice and then mixed with fresh shallots and other ingredients.

What are the best drinks in El Salvador?

• Horchata is a sweet, spiced drink in which jicaro seeds are used as a base in El Salvador. The ground seeds are mixed with cocoa, cinnamon and coriander seeds before being mixed with milk or water, vanilla and sugar. It is often served over ice cream.
• Beer from the artisanal Cadejo brewery (Zona Rosa in San Salvador or at El Tunco on the coast) holds its own internationally.
• Like Guatemala, El Salvador produces very good coffee. The rich, volcanic soil and hilly landscapes are a good base for this coffee. Visit a coffee plantation along the Ruta de las Flores and learn about the entire coffee production process.
• Ponche is a simple mixture of milk flavored with cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla. A dash(s) of rum is added; it is a festive drink often encountered in all kinds of celebrations or special occasions.
• Salvadoran rum is inexpensive but often of high quality. The cultivation of sugar cane is important to the Salvadoran economy.
• Popular non-alcoholic drinks include "pinol," roasted ground corn mixed with water, and "tiste," a variation made with cocoa beans and corn.
• You can go anywhere in El Salvador for a fresh liquada or batida; a mix of fruit with water or milk. For health reasons, it is advisable to ask for chilled milk or water from a new, sealed bottle.

What are notable holidays and festivals in El Salvador?

• On January 16, 1992, the Salvadoran government and the FMLN guerrilla signed peace accords in Mexico, ending the brutal armed conflict. Every year on this date they celebrate the "National Day of the Victims of the Armed Conflict."
• As in many other (Catholic) Central American countries, the week around Easter is a real "celebration week" in El Salvador, with many (flower) processions ("alfombra de flores"). Many people are free and visit family or go to the beach.
• Annually on August 31, Las Bolas de Fuego (Balls of Fire) are celebrated in Nejapa, a small municipality just north of San Salvador. Las Bolas de Fuego is both one of the best and craziest festivals in El Salvador. Crowds gather along both sides of the main street and watch as the people of Nejapa hurl flaming (kerosene!) rag balls at each other for a few hours. The more than 100-year-old tradition commemorates the eruption of the volcano El Playón (1658).
• Día de Independencia (Independence Day) is celebrated in El Salvador on September 15. Independence from the Spanish is the focus of this national holiday: parades, fireworks and (lots of) food.
• A young girl's 15th birthday is considered a special date in El Salvador...and is celebrated extensively.

What are the remarkable habits in El Salvador?

• Salvadoran women often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, instead of shaking hands. Men shake hands with other men and women, although they mostly wait for the woman to extend her hand.
• Meals shared together with big families included extended family is a part of the culture.

What are the customs in Mexico regarding food?

• Mexican cuisine is very diverse. Originally a combination of Indian and Spanish traditions. Supplemented in the last century by Asian dishes and American fast food. Traditional Mexican food includes: tortillas, tacos, chili peppers, fresh fruit (mango, banana, pineapple, guava and papaya), chocolate, jumiles (beetles) and chapulines (grasshoppers).
• Characteristic are the many kinds of salsas that you eat together with almost anything. The salsas are hardly ever called spicy, just try for yourself.

What are the best recipes in Mexico?

• Picadillo is a dish from Latin American (and Filipino) cuisine. The dish is made from minced meat and sliced tomatoes or tomato sauce. It is often served with rice, tacos, potatoes or even croquettes.
• Guacamole (Literally it means avocado mousse) is a well-known (dip) sauce, originating in southern Mexico. Besides avocado, the ingredients often include tomato, onion and/or garlic, juice of a lime or lemon, chili pepper (especially jalapeño peppers), coriander leaf and various other spices. It is usually eaten with corn chips, but can be added to almost any Mexican dish.
• Quesadillas are to Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine what "toasts" are to Dutch. Literally, the word means "cheese thingy. They are made from corn or flour tortillas and are popular when combined with spicy salsas, chili sauce or with guacamole. The filling contains at least cheese, sometimes also strips of cooked chicken, chorizo, mushroom or ham, for example.
• Try the real Mexican chili con carne; a stew that traditionally consists of chili pepper, garlic, onion, cumin and minced meat. Usually beans (brown beans, kidney beans, black beans or others) and tomatoes are also added. There are all kinds of variations in which other types of meat or different ingredients are chosen.
• A burrito is a Mexican dish that comes from northern Mexico or southwestern United States of America A burrito consists of a tortilla, usually filled with beans and meat (usually minced meat or chicken, sometimes cheese), and rolled up so that the filling is inside the tortilla. The name "burrito" comes from the Spanish burro, which means donkey. So a burrito is a donkey.

What are the best drinks in Mexico?

• Well-known Mexican drinks/brands are Tia Maria, Kahlua, pina colada, Mezcal and the beer brands Corona and Sol.
• Mexican wine is not yet at a level of quality that it can be exported. Currently, there are nine major wine regions. Baja California is the most well-known. True quality wines are very pricey in Mexico.
• Xocoatl - Chocolate: Centuries before the discovery of the Americas in 1492, cacao (the cacao bean) was being grown in Mexico and Central America. Theobroma cacao means "food of the gods" and that is how it has been used ceremonially for centuries by the Incas and Mayans. The cacao bean comes from a small tree that grows in the tropical jungles of Mexico and Central America. The Mexican Indians were the first people to ever make chocolate from the cacao bean, which was also used as currency to buy and sell things with. Instead of coffee, many Mexicans today still drink chocolate milk or use the Mexican cacao for cacao ceremonies. 
• Drink a Tequila, the famous Mexican alcoholic drink made from the Agave tequilana, a particular Mexican species of agave.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Mexico?

• On average, there are four holidays per month in Mexico. Each day on the calendar is actually a holiday in Mexico. Calendar days are dedicated to saints with names. Also called "name days." It's similar to a birthday. If you as a Mexican have the same name as the saint the day is named after, you are congratulated and receive gifts. For example, June 24 is the name day of San Juan.
• In Mexico, they celebrate the "Day of the Dead" (El Dia de los Muertos). Also called All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. This national holiday is on November 1 and 2, and Mexicans celebrate on this day that the dead come back to earth to visit the living. The dead are then the guests of the living on that day. Cemeteries are crowded, picnics are held at gravesites and skulls are used as decorations. Bakers sell the bread of death on this festive day.
• December 12 is the most important feast in Mexico. Mexicans then celebrate the national feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This patron saint of Mexico is said to have been beheld as a Marian apparition in 1531 by Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Pilgrims in Mexico walk with torches and wear tunic referring to Juan Diego's clothing. Tens of thousands of Mexicans climb the mountain that day to the basilica "Iglesia de Guadalupe" in Mexico City. Throughout the day, Mexico celebrates with music and fireworks.
• Constitution Day is a national holiday in Mexico. Originally, Feb. 5 was the fixed date for this. In 1857 and 1917, Mexican constitutions were adopted on this date. In 2006, it was decided to celebrate it on the first Tuesday of the year.
• On May 5, Mexicans celebrate the day Mexico defeated a French army in the Battle of Puebla.
• The discovery of America by Columbus used to be celebrated grandly in Mexico. However, after 300 years of misery by Europeans, it was decided to celebrate something else on Oct. 12. Today, Mexico celebrates Race Day. This refers to the new race that emerged from Europeans and Indians.

What are the remarkable habits in Mexico?

• Food is important, taking time to share meals together. By preference with the whole family around big tables on sundays with all family included extended family around.
• Politeness, table manners and formalities are normal. It is commont to always greet a person, when you meet. Mexican workplaces tend to be hierarchical, with clear lines of authority. Respect for superiors is crucial.
• Festivities and celebrations are definitely celebrated by Mexicans.
• Sombreros provides shade from the hot Mexican sun, protecting the face and neck. It also holds a significant cultural meaning. The sombrero represents pride in Mexican heritage and traditions. It is also a fashion item.
• Pinatas is more than a fun party decoration. The act of breaking the piñata symbolized triumph over evil or temptation.
• Mariachi is a group of musicians, playing ranchera music. This genre has roots in 18th-century western Mexico.
• Machismo is still very common. The core of the macho culture is of masculinity and dominance by men. Traits like strength, virility, and being the head of the household. 
• Indirect communication is part of the Mexican culture. Don't take "no" at face value, and pay attention to non-verbal cues.