A land of mountains, hills, and fertile plains, Romania is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered. It is a rich and complex country: a place whose cities are home to beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scenes; whose people welcome guests warmly into their homes, sharing the best of whatever they have, and party into the night, suffused by Latin joie de vivre. Buffeted over time between three great powers—the West, Russia, and Turkey—Romania betrays the cultural influences of each, and it can be a difficult place to get a handle on. Culture Smart! Romania provides an indispensable tool for the foreign visitor, digging deep behind the clichés, explaining many of the behavioral quirks of the people, smoothing your path toward better understanding, and outlining the many attractions—cultural, social, and geographical—that await you in this underexplored part of Europe.

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken

A land of mountains, hills, and fertile plains, Romania is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered. Despite some unflattering headlines in the Western media, it is a rich and complex country: a place whose cities are home to beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scenes; whose people welcome guests warmly into their homes, sharing the best of whatever they have, and party into the night, suffused by Latin joie de vivre. Since the violent collapse of communism over a quarter of a century ago, Romania has changed dramatically, as its people have embraced freedom, capitalism, and, yes, conspicuous consumption. The horses and carts still trundle the streets, but perhaps now overtaken by an SUV. Small-scale farmers still offer their organic wares, but now may be next to trendy super-clubs. The global economic crisis delivered a reality check, and the Romania emerging from those chastening years puts greater value on stability and civility--encapsulated by the war on corruption and a long-awaited public smoking ban. Buffeted over time between three great powers--the West, Russia, and Turkey--Romania betrays the cultural influences of each, and it can be a difficult place to get a handle on. Culture Smart! Romania provides an indispensable tool for the foreign visitor, digging deep behind the clich�s, explaining many of the behavioral quirks of the people, smoothing your path toward better understanding, and outlining the many attractions--cultural, social, and geographical--that await you in this underexplored part of Europe.

An illuminating and practical guide to Bulgarian culture and society. It will help you turn your visit whether its for business of for pleasure into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: local customs and traditions; the impact of history, religion and politics; the Bulgarians at home, work and play; eating and drinking Bulgarian style; dos, don'ts and taboos; business practices; communication, spoken and unspoken, and many practical tips for managing the unexpected.

A land of mountains, hills, and fertile plains, Romania is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered. Despite some unflattering headlines in the Western media, it is a rich and complex country: a place whose cities are home to beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scenes; whose people welcome guests warmly into their homes, sharing the best of whatever they have, and party into the night, suffused by Latin joie de vivre. Since the violent collapse of communism over a quarter of a century ago, Romania has changed dramatically, as its people have embraced freedom, capitalism, and, yes, conspicuous consumption. The horses and carts still trundle the streets, but perhaps now overtaken by an SUV. Small-scale farmers still offer their organic wares, but now may be next to trendy super-clubs. The global economic crisis delivered a reality check, and the Romania emerging from those chastening years puts greater value on stability and civility--encapsulated by the war on corruption and a long-awaited public smoking ban. Buffeted over time between three great powers--the West, Russia, and Turkey--Romania betrays the cultural influences of each, and it can be a difficult place to get a handle on. Culture Smart! Romania provides an indispensable tool for the foreign visitor, digging deep behind the clichés, explaining many of the behavioral quirks of the people, smoothing your path toward better understanding, and outlining the many attractions--cultural, social, and geographical--that await you in this underexplored part of Europe. --Publisher.

Culture Smart! Norway steers you through the social and professional encounters of your visit to this new culture. By deepening your understanding it will enable you to establish real friendships and business partnerships. Tips on meeting and communicating make socializing a pleasant experience, and chapters on the customs and traditions that form the bedrock of family life give a glimpse inside a Norwegian home. And as well as offering an insight into their values and attitudes, the book describes how the Norwegian commercial world operates—vital information for anyone doing business with one of the world's wealthiest nations. The need to survive in a difficult, isolated terrain and an often harsh climate forged a people who are hardworking and self-sufficient. On first meeting, the Norwegians are serious, polite, law-abiding, and hardy. They are also very private, which can make newcomers feel as if they have come up against a stone wall. Getting to know them takes time, but when you are able to read the signs that take you behind that faÇade you will meet the friendly, fun-loving, family-oriented people hiding on the other side.

Colombia has a spectacular and variant landscape, embracing tropical beaches, highland plateaus, the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, arid deserts, and dense Amazonian jungle. Colombian society is equally diverse. Stylish, cosmopolitan cities coexist with poverty in the beautiful countryside. As a result of the 16th-century Spanish conquest, modern Colombia's multiethnic society is a synthesis of Spanish, indigenous, and African traditions—evident in the music, in the food, and in Barranquilla's famous Carnival. The Colombian people are emerging from decades of crushing civil war and lawlessness with their spirits unbroken. Animated, lighthearted, and ever ready to enjoy the moment, they are looking to the future with hope and are eager to share their rich and beautiful country with the outside world. This pocket-sized book reveals Colombia's key customs and traditions, examines life at home and at work, and introduces some distinct and delicious culinary quirks. There is also advice on safe travel, vital information on how business is done, and how to communicate effectively across the cultural divide.

A comprehensive and engaging new history charting Romania's development over 2000 years from its establishment to the present day.