Culture shock — we’ve all experienced this one way or another, or will eventually experience it. Stepping into another country can sometimes feel like you are entering a whole new world. Every country has their own way of living and we should respect their norms that differ from ours. While browsing through the internet, I found out that it is common for Balinese people to eat with their right hand. The right hand is “used to give and receive all good things.” It is also common to wash hands before eating (no-brainer!), but they strictly enforce this… even if you are using utensils to eat. There are usually sinks outside each restaurant for this reason.

In California, where i’m from, people would stare at you disgustingly and confusingly as it can be seen as rude to eat with your hands. When we were children, we would all use our hands to pick up food and eat it.. “finger foods” especially. However, it is the complete apposite in Bali. Most children will be given a fork or spoon to enjoy their meal, while adults eat with their right hand. Some cafe’s do not even offer spoons and forks at the table… you would have to ask for one if needed.

Being in this situation, I might feel out of place. Growing up where this is not normal and looked down upon, I would personally not know how to respond. Of course, to respect the Balinese culture, I would eat with my right hand as well. It may feel a bit weird at first, but then i’m sure it would be quite fun and interesting to take part in their norms. To avoid this culture shock, I would rather just try to “fit in” and be open-minded because travelling is all about learning and growing.