When in Rome

You know what they say - when in Rome, do as the Romans do. But when you're in Russia, you need to do as the Russians do. And in Italy, you should do as the Italians do ... you get the idea.

When flying the nest and travelling to new places, you need to know the ins and outs of international dining etiquette. You might be used to eating your fries with your hands and using nothing but your fork to eat your meal, but in some parts of the globe, these table manners are going to get you nothing but dirty looks. Get yourself clued up on how to use your cutlery, what to eat and where it's OK to get a little bit messy.

Never mix your vodka

Vodka is drunk neat in Russia - no chasers, no mixers and no retching after taking a shot. Unless of course, you're mixing your vodka with beer and creating a "Yorsh." Adding anything else to vodka is thought to spoil the drinks purity. It's also good to note that turning down a drink in Russia is considered one of the rudest mistakes you could make. There, the offering of a beverage is a sign of friendship and trust. Line your stomach and get drinking.

Don't drink a cappuccino after noon

Ordering a cappuccino after noon is like shouting, "I'm a tourist" from the top of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa when in Italy. The locals believe that it will upset your stomach and fill you up too much. Don't worry, though, if you're craving caffeine, espresso is welcomed all day long.

Sometimes, it's good to Slurp

In Japan, it's good form to start slurping your food - especially when you're eating a bowl of noodles. In fact, the louder you slurp, the bigger compliment you are giving. By noisily sucking upon your noodles in a Lady and the Tramp fashion, you'll be letting the chef know your appreciation for the dish. Drinking the soup straight out of the bowl is going to send the same signal.

Let it all out

When dining in China, it's considered a compliment to belch when eating your meal. It shows the chef that you're happily content with your meal - creating a bit of a mess around your plate shows the same. But don't finish it all, by leaving some food leftover you'll be telling your host that they have given you more than enough.

Don't eat with your hands

In Chile, eating with your hands is strictly forbidden. The rules are much more formal and European at this end of the country. So get used to holding your knife and fork with both hands.

Use your knife AND fork

In England, you hold the fork in the left hand, and the knife in the right hand. No switching or putting one or the other down while you're eating. Using only one hand is considered rude. And don't even think about resting your elbows on the table.

Only eat with your right hand

When in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa, make sure that you eat your meals using only your right hand. The left hand is associated with bodily functions that are unappetizing to think about over dinner. Your left hand's the dirty one, no matter how much you wash it. You left-handed folks can eat with your left-hand; just make sure that your right one remains out of use.

Your turn to foot the bill

In Turkey, if you ask a party of people out to a restaurant, you're going to be given the bill. The person who extends the invitation to a restaurant has to pay. So unless you're prepared to cough up the Lira from your wallet, it's probably best to keep quiet.

Eat the lot

If you leave food on your plate in Germany, be prepared for some sideways glances. You need to eat it all if you want to keep your host and chef happy. So no grabbing a Five Guys before heading over to their house.

Waste not, want not

In the Middle East, you should be honored if someone offers you a prime choice of meat. When speaking of "prime," however, we're not talking their finest cut of meat. Oh no, we're talking head, eyes and offal - anything that would usually cause your stomach to churn. Eat up.

email: meganreb@buffalo.edu