In the United States, friends can be close, constant, intense, generous, and real, yet fade away in a shorttime if circumstances change. Neither side feels hurt by this. Both may exchange Christ- mas greetings for a year or two, perhaps a few letters for a while then no more. If the same two people meet again by chance, even years later, they pick up the friendship where it left out and are de- lighted. In the United States, you can feel free to visit people's homes, share their holidays, enjoy their lives without fear that you are tak ing on a lastinS obligation (负担). Do not hesitate to accept hospi tality (热情款待) because you can't give it in return. No one will expect you to do so for they know you are far from home. Americans will enjoy welcoming you and be pleased if you accept their hospi tality easily. Once you arrive there, the welcome will be full, warm and re al. Most visitors find themselves readily invited into many homes there. In some countries it is considered inhospitable to entertain (招待) at home, offering what is felt as only home-cooked food, not " doing something for your guest". It is felt that restaurant entertaining shows more respect and welcome. Or for other different reasons, such as crowded space, language difficulties, or family custom, out- siders are not invited into homes. In the United States, both methods are used, but it is often considered more friendly to invite a person to one's home than to go to a public place, except in purely business relationships. So, if your host or hostess___, do not feel that you are being shown inferior (差的,低级的 ) treatment. Don't feel neglected (被轻视的) if you do not find flowers a- waiting you in your hotel room, either. Flowers are very expensive there, hotel delivery is uncertain, arrival times are delayed, changed, or canceled (取消)-so flowers are not customarily sent as a welcoming touch. Please do not feel unwanted! Outward signsvary in different lands, the inward welcome is what matters, and this will be real. |