CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATION SPAIN

Known for its history, art, bullfights, flamenco, beaches and many hours of sunshine a year, is Spain, however, not only this, but much more. This land is and has been for millennia one of the cultural centers of Europe. So many of their cities, and even more lost enclaves, home to monuments of exceptional historical and artistic value, not to mention the extraordinary natural beauty with this ancient peninsula that account. It has been used to saturation the topic of "Spain is different", but here the question is: "Spain is different" from what? It's actually different from everything in Europe, the world, and especially themselves. Since it is a country full of contrasts, starting with its climate and diverse landscapes which have led to the epithet "little Europe". Indeed in Spain climates and landscapes are reminiscent of very distant points of Europe or even Africa, not surprising considering it is only separated from Africa by the Strait of Gibraltar. But most special is that all these contrasts, we find sometimes in a very small area, such as the province of Granada, that despite having the highest peak of the peninsula, Mulhacn, covered with perpetual snow , is as far south along the Mediterranean coast facing Africa. This can give us an idea of how to pass in a few kilometers of alpine landscapes African landscapes. In turn, each region, each city within the same region, and sometimes each village, has a reality so different and fascinating. This is due to the rich history of this country and the many ethnic groups who once bringing customs, traditions and diverse art forms that sometimes coalesced into something completely new and indigenous and sometimes remained unchanged for centuries.

In any case it is difficult to explain in brief, all these aspects, so it's best to know Spain will visit and make your own opinion. And if we can be of help, please use our pages, which you may resolve some questions about why "Spain is different".

CANADA Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous Capital: Ottawa Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north Population: 33,212,696 (July 2008 est.) US

Ethnic Make-up: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26% Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Government: constitutional monarchy that is also a parliamentary democracy and a federation A multitude of languages are spoken in Canada. According to the 2006 census, English and French are the preferred language ("home language", or language spoken most often in the home) of 67.1% and 21.5% of the population, respectively. English and French are recognised by the Constitution of Canada as "official languages," which means that all laws of the federal government are enacted in both English and French and that federal government services are required to be available in both languages. The five most widely-spoken non-official languages are Chinese (the home language of 2.6% of Canadians), Punjabi (0.8%), Spanish (0.7%), Italian (0.6%), and Arabic (0.5%).

Canada is culturally diverse. This goes back to the 1890s when it began inviting people from all over the world to settle in the country to help it develop and grow. Canadian immigration policy was historically open, welcoming and egalitarian in its philosophy. This has also manifest into the psyche of the nation where people are encouraged and to retain their cultural identities, traditions, languages and customs. Canadians are generally a tolerant, polite and extremely community-oriented people. Although they are individualistic in terms of their basic cultural traits, they nevertheless place a great deal of emphasis on the individual's responsibility to the community. This is seen as giving balance and a good quality of life. Most Canadians have a strong allegiance to their province or region, sometimes more so than to the country. There are some broad differences between regions, which can generally be summed up as follows: Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland): The people are somewhat reserved and provincial, to the point that they are seen as old-fashioned. Ontario: This is the business hub and the people tend to be business-like and conservative. Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan): The people are open, friendly and relaxed. British Colombia: The people are less conventional. This province is often viewed as the Canada of the future. Quebec: The French region, has a distinct cultural identity. The people are extremely regionalistic/independent. North: The people have a strong pioneer spirit. Customs and Etiquette in Canada

The most common greeting is the handshake. It should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere smile. Wait until invited before using someone's first name although Canadians tend to move to a first-name basis rapidly. French Canadian friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks (once on the left cheek and once on the right). If using French in Quebec always use the formal pronoun "vous" (you) when speaking to someone and do not switch to the informal "tu" unless invited to do so. In general, Canadians give gifts for birthdays and Christmas. If invited to someone's home for dinner, take a box of good chocolates, flowers or a bottle of wine. In Quebec, sending flowers in advance of the dinner party is proper protocol. In Quebec, if you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. Do not give white lilies as they are used at funerals. Do not give cash or money as a present. Gifts are usually opened when received. Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal in Canada. Quebec does see a little more formality. Table manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Wait to be shown to your seat. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. Do not rest your elbows on the table.

Feel free to refuse individual foods or drink without offering an explanation. Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable. In formal situations, the host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. Women may give toasts. Business Etiquette and Protocol Canadian businesspeople often begin relationships in a reserved manner; once people get to know one another is becomes friendly and informal. Canadians appreciate politeness and expect others to adhere to the proper protocol for any given situation. Shake hands with everyone at the meeting upon arrival and departure. Maintain eye contact while shaking hands. Men may offer their hand to a woman without waiting for her to extend hers first. Honorific titles and surnames are usually not used. However, academic titles are important in Quebec and are used with the honorific Monsieur or Madame. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. In Quebec, have one side of your business card translated into French. Hand the card so the French side faces the recipient. Examine any card you receive before putting it in your card case. It is difficult to specify any national trait in terms of communication in Canada due to its regionalism and cultural diversity. However, there are some basic communication styles that are fairly standard across the country. For example, businesspeople are generally polite, easy-going and somewhat informal.

In general, communication is moderately indirect perhaps reflecting an amalgamation of both North American and British tendencies. Although most Canadians can disagree openly when necessary, they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy. Their communication style is essentially pragmatic and relies on common sense. If you come from a culture where communication is very direct, you may wish to soften your demeanour and tone so as not to appear threatening. Communication styles vary most between Anglophone and Francophone parts of the country. Francophones are generally more indirect than Anglophones, although less so than the French. They also tend to be more exuberant than Anglophones. Anglophones do not generally interrupt someone who is speaking. They consider it rude not to let a person complete their thought before entering the discussion. Francophones are more likely to interrupt another speaker. Canadians communicate more by the spoken word rather than non-verbal expressions. Non-verbal expressions are only really used to add emphasis to a message or are part of an individuals personal communication style. Canadians like their space and prefer to be at an arms length when speaking to someone. Canadians are reticent to discuss their personal lives with business associates. They expect people to speak in a straightforward manner and to be able to back up their claims with examples. They do not make exaggerated claims and are suspicious of something that sounds too good to be true.

THAILAND Thai culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism. It has also been influenced by neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar through trade or certain conflicts. In addition, China is very present throughout the number of emigrants from that country. Visual art is traditionally Buddhist. Thai Buddha images are numerous and distinctive styles. And today's art combines elements of traditional art with modern techniques. The literature is heavily influenced by India. The most notable literary work in Thailand is the version of Ramayana called Ramakien, which was written by King Rama I and Rama II. Also include the poetry of Sunthorn Phu. There is no tradition of spoken drama in Thailand, but plays a very important dance. This dance is divided into three categories: Khon, Lakhon and Likay-Khon. In music we can find classical, folk and contemporary pop. Although in practice it is therefore often said that 95% of the Thai population belong to the Theravada Buddhist religion. As minorities could cite the followers of Islam, Christians and Mahayana Buddhists. Thai Theravada Buddhism is highly supported by the government, and the monks of that religion are many state aid, such as free use of public transport. Buddhism in Thailand is heavily influenced by traditional beliefs and have this large number of ancient spirits, which have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology. Most Buddhists have small miniature wooden houses in which they believe that spirits live, and offer them food and drink they are happy. If spirits are not happy, you think you might be chaos. In fact, these houses can be found in public places or on the streets of Thailand, and people can leave offerings. Before he reached just as important to Theravada Buddhism, Brahminical religion of India and Mahayana Buddhism were present mainly in Thailand. Can still be

seen in many sanctuaries were the important role these two religions, and its influence on the folklore and art in general. Definitely one of the biggest attractions is its cuisine of Thailand. It is a cuisine that surprises and like most people. It has the peculiarity of mixing four basic flavors: Sweet (sugar, fruit, sweet pepper Hot (chilli) Sour (vinegar, lime juice, tamarind) Salt (soy sauce, fish sauce) Most of the dishes in Thai cuisine try to combine as many of these flavors. This is carried out using a multitude of herbs, spices and fruit, can cite the chilli, cumin, garlic, ginger, basil, sweet basil, lime, cilantro, pepper, turmeric and shallots . Thai dish of fish curry Dance in Thailand is very important within their culture The most popular sport in Thailand is the professional league football but Thailand does not have much level. Are keen to see European football. Besides soccer as a sport have to Muay Thai popular (Thai boxing), well known internationally. The most important indigenous practice takraw, which is a kind of volleyball played with feet. It is customary in Thailand to use the wai, which is very similar to the Indian gesture of greeting join hands and a slight nod. Not met with physical demonstrations of affection between couples, although it is very normal to see them with friends. It is very common to see friends walking down the street holding hands, being rare to see two people doing different sex. The Thais believe that touching someone's head is a rude gesture, and place the foot at the head of someone, especially if that person belongs to a higher social class. This is because the foot is regarded as the dirtiest part of the body and head the most respected.

All this has great influence in the way of sitting on the floor and your feet can never point to one, must try to hide them. Touching someone with your foot is also very rude. It is considered extremely disrespectful and in bad taste to step on a Thai coin, because the king's head appears in it. When seated in the temple have to be careful to set foot outside the direction of the image of Buddha or religious icons. Home footwear both in temples and in homes in Thailand. There are a lot of Thai customs relating to the special status of monks in Thai society. Given their religious disciplines, the monks are prohibited from any physical contact with any woman. Therefore expected of women with great care to avoid accidental contact occur, in fact several methods used for that not to happen. When women make donations to the monks leave their gifts at the feet of these, or in a fabric that has deposited the monk on the floor or table. The powders or ointments that put the monks to bless the people, are applied to women using the tip of a candle or a stick. Lay persons should sit or stand with their heads in a lower level than that of the monks, which is why the temples there are raised platforms so that they do the ceremonies from there.