Very interesting!
Host Country Culture
Outside the formal international diplomatic culture, another circle of customs and attitudes exists at the homes and private gatherings of host country citizens. Remember that as a guest, one is expected to respect the host’s culture. Culture, of course, is unique to each country. Researching publications that describe in detail the particular customs of your new post before your departure will facilitate the transition process.
[Followed by a list of potential Red Flag situations]
I would love to read those “researching publications”…
... some of which I've found following the links on the **Web Site Resources** section
From Protocol and Etiquette Articles - Protocol Professionals, Inc.:
- KING LEAR from London
- MET Opera Simulcasts
- No Angels or Demons–Only Positive Reflections on a Vatican City State Visit
- San Francisco Opera - The Good, The Bad, The Weird
- The Comeback?
- Touring Croatia
- Slovenia is the “New Europe”
- TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE? A Visit to the Russian Federation
- The Silk Road: The Ancient Highway for Globalization
- Tips for the Savvy Traveler (Travel within the United States)
- Cultural and Religious Dietary Rules and Restrictions
- Letter from Cairo
- Chinese Etiquette & Protocol
- Observing Proper Protocol in Morocco
- Cuba is Hot Hot Hot!
- Global Village Etiquette
- The Legal Context of International Commerce
- Observing Proper Protocol in France
It feels so weird to read about “entertaining” as an obligation. Feels so dystopian:
The ambassador fulfills the obligation for formal entertaining for the mission; however, many staff members often have entertaining responsibilities as well. The type of entertaining depends on one’s preferences, purpose, resources, and available facilities.
The book cited on page 18 is available on Internet Archive: