Topics

Jun

Cultural Encounters: The Art of Selling in Southeast Asia

by Meredith Mullins on June 22, 2020

The art of selling
© Meredith Mullins

A Card Made from Elephant Dung, A Rum Cigar, Cobra Whiskey . . . Why Not?

“Mary! Mary! Hello, Mary!”

The cry seemed to leap from the dark beach as our boat got closer to shore. I was being welcomed home at the end of a stunning sunset cruise.

But, wait a minute, I was in Myanmar . . . and I didn’t know a soul. No one except Sandar, that is. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Asia/Cultural Encounters

May

Cultural Sayings or Quarantine Quotes?

by Joyce McGreevy on May 26, 2020

A gate in Istanbul evokes the Turkish proverb, "Kind words can unlock an iron door,” a reminder that in the context of the pandemic, cultural sayings have take on a new relevance as quarantine quotes. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

“Kind words can unlock an iron door.”—Turkish proverb
By doing our best for one another, we’ll get through this.
© Joyce McGreevy

Old Proverbs Help Us Cope with the Pandemic

Anonymous, that endless font of wisdom, once said, “There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” This contemporary proverb appears in busy workplaces and hectic households, wherever humans gamely endeavor to keep life on track—even in crisis.

Anyone experienced a crisis lately? A calamity that’s disrupted your schedule for months? Raise your hand. Oh my, 7.8 billion of you? I thought it was just me. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 2 Comments

Cultural Diversity/Proverbs & Sayings/Secrets to Life/Worldwide Sites

Apr

In a World of Worry?

by Joyce McGreevy on April 28, 2020

A wall with a small opening reminds the author that cross-cultural tips for care can help you stay calm, even when the world is in crisis. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

10 Cross-Cultural Tips for Staying Calm

As sheltering in place continues and some news proves more stress-inducing than helpful, staying calm is not always easy. Happily, there’s a world of ways to maintain equilibrium. Oh, I see: Wherever you live, cross-cultural tips like these can help restore your inner balance.

1. Begin Where East Meets West—Meditation

Meditation’s stress-reduction benefits are backed up by science. While silent meditation works wonders for some, others may prefer guided meditation. The app Ten Percent Happier is geared to skeptics, first timers, and the downright fidgety. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 5 Comments

Clever Ideas/Crossing Cultures/Worldwide Sites

World Views: