(abridged)
Don’t Show Up On Time in Venezuela
Who needs a watch? Here’s one place where being early or on time is viewed as being rude. In Venezuela if you are invited over to someone’s home for a meal, it’s recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 later than the requested time. Early or on time guests are viewed as being too eager, even greedy.
to be viewed as ~ рассматривается, считается
Always Use a Knife and Fork in Norway
In Norway, table manners are extremely important. Most meals – including sandwiches – are eaten using utensils.
utensil /juːˈtensl / — tool that is used in the house
Send Your Tooth to the Roof in Greece
Children in Greece don’t expect the Tooth Fairy to cough up money in exchange for a lost tooth. Instead, Greek kids toss their discarded baby teeth onto the roof of their home. This custom is meant to bring good luck and a healthy replacement tooth.
to cough something up = to give something, especially money, unwillingly
to toss = to throw something lightly or carelessly
to discard = to get rid of something that you no longer want or need
Skip the Tab in Turkey
When doing business in Turkey, it’s the custom for your host to pay for your meal. Requests to split the bill will be viewed as a polite gesture, but won’t be accepted. If you would like to pay your fair share, Turks recommend inviting your host to a follow-up meal. At that time, you can reciprocate and extend the same courtesies that were offered to you.
tab = the bill
to split the bill = if you split something, you divide it into parts
fair share ~ справедливая доля
to reciprocate = to behave or feel towards somebody in the same way as they behave or feel towards you
Skip the Salt in Egypt
When tucking into a meal in Egypt, don’t touch the saltshaker. It’s insulting to your host to sprinkle salt on your food. If you have to season your plate, it means that you find the meal’s taste repulsive.
to tuck into = to eat a lot of food, especially when it is done quickly and with enthusiasm
to sprinkle = to shake small pieces of something or drops of a liquid on something
to season = to add salt, pepper, etc. to food in order to give it more flavour
repulsive = causing a feeling of strong dislike; very unpleasant