Asian culture question - I'm learning - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

engatwork · #1 10-23-2011, 07:27 PM

I have a friend that he and his wife and friends are originally from Vietnam. They have a newborn son and we were invited to the party that had to celebrate the occasion. There was a big spread with lot's of people and plenty to drink. Anyway, at one point during the dinner he invited me to come down to the end of the table where all the guys were sitting and drink with them which I did (shots of Hennesy XO whatever that is). Anyway, after a period of time the wife moved down to our end of the table and sat down next to me. She gave me a kiss shortly after she sat down and one of the host friends said that that was not allowed at the table. Was he serious?

engatwork · #2 10-23-2011, 08:17 PM

We did have some good goat

. Actually all the authentic Vietnamese food was delicious. The wife took a blue berry pie that she fixed today. The berries had been hand picked by yours truely this past summer and put in the freezer

.

kerry · #3 10-23-2011, 08:23 PM

Was he implying that it would have been ok in the bedroom?

The Swede · #4 10-23-2011, 08:28 PM

That may be more of a Vietnam-specific question than Asian.

When I was in Cambodia I never saw public displays of affection. No kissing, hugging or hand holding. Not a lot of smiling in public, but the did when friends and family got together.

Younger women (teen agers) would hold hands, at least in the small villages - walking to school etc. Very serious looking people, but friendly.

engatwork · #5 10-23-2011, 08:28 PM

lol - IDK

After them shots of that Hennesy I could not tell if he was serious or not. I will ask my friend over the next day or so if he was.

Botnst · #6 10-23-2011, 09:22 PM

Just ask. In my experience with cultures foreign to me, a gentle question about cultural characteristics usually led to an interesting conversation and comparisons.

elchivito · #7 10-23-2011, 11:28 PM

Never let a kiss get in the way of a nice glass of Hennessey. It's Cognac, by the way.

chilcutt · #8 10-24-2011, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

I have a friend that he and his wife and friends are originally from Vietnam. They have a newborn son and we were invited to the party that had to celebrate the occasion. There was a big spread with lot's of people and plenty to drink. Anyway, at one point during the dinner he invited me to come down to the end of the table where all the guys were sitting and drink with them which I did (shots of Hennesy XO whatever that is). Anyway, after a period of time the wife moved down to our end of the table and sat down next to me. She gave me a kiss shortly after she sat down and one of the host friends said that that was not allowed at the table. Was he serious?

Next time..take her by the arm, and just say..'Come', unless the husband objects-she will go. Who cares what 'the hosts freind' says, its not his call.
Where are you taking her is the question..I suppose it all depends on how your wife feels...after-all, you are just taking her out to get some fresh air.

"You are just taking her out to get some fresh air," arent you Jim?