Hi Ghostee,

It sounds like you had a real learning experience there. You know this is the kind of thing we talk about a lot in my classes because as a social worker we are expected to become culturaly competant and to learn how we should act with people of other cultures. Did you know that it is considered very disrespectful to show the bottom of your shoe when with a Japanese. Like if you were sitting down with a Japanese man and you cross your leg over the other leg, the bottom of your show is exposed. I'm not sure why it's disrespectful but one of my instructors told us this story of when he was with a Japanese client and he crossed his leg while they were talking. The man got up and walked out of the room without a word about it when they were previously having a very good conversation.

You learn by experience what to do and what not to do. And I bet they weren't offended simply because they knew that you did not know that part of their culture. And now that you know you know not to make that mistake again. I'm glad to know that you had such a nice visit with them. This was a nice post to read after a very bad day at school.

Love Always
Cindy