Originally posted by Scottiedog422 at 25-7-2009 00:07
... to avoid us from really looking stupid ...
Actually your strongest advantage is you LOOK different. It's MUCH harder for ABC's who look local but act and talk foreign.
When you look strange, people immediately ASSUME you're going to be an idiot, so you get huge amounts of credit for doing simple and obvious things - like using chopsticks correctly, or tapping the table when someone pours you a drink, or insisting you pay the bill three times before relenting, etc.
AND, when you look strange, a lot of girls will find you exotic and exciting ...
As long as you're polite and respectful, you'll get along fine, and probably find it easier than back home. If you do make a gaffe, it's easy to laugh it off.