cultural differences – Katie McCandless

Tipping culture in Amsterdam

KatieJune 21, 2016June 21, 2016

Regardless of what you think of tipping culture in the United States, one of its clear advantages is that the rules are pretty consistent. Expensive, yes, but consistent. Service workers in the Netherlands get paid a livable wage so, in theory, tipping isn’t required. Perhaps if you’re particularly wowed by extraordinary service, you might be moved […]

A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck – an international guide to social awkwardness

KatieMay 20, 2016December 11, 2020

I’m not a big social hugger. I hug my family and loved ones – and of course there are incidental exceptions – but unless you and I have really gone through some shit, I probably don’t want to hug you. The whole notion of body contact greeting makes me feel like an alien from the planet […]