Have you ever paid any attention to airport signs while traveling throughout the country? Sometimes they can tell you a little something about that city or region, or principal airline. Take for example the Miami International Airport, the gateway to Latin America. The signs at MIA are in both English and Spanish. What about DTW, where I am presently awaiting a connecting flight, on my way to SITE International? The airport signs in this motor city are in both English and Japanese. Speaking of Japanese, do you know that to slurp your noodles in Japan is a compliment to the chef?

Whether traveling overseas or hosting visitors, here are a few tips on international dining etiquette.

- In China it is considered rude to finish everything on your plate as your host will feel that they did not give you enough food and you are still hungry.

- Asking a chef for ketchup in France would be an insult as it would be interpreted that you do not like the food.

- Dining in the Middle East? Eat with your right hand only as the left hand is considered unclean.

- In Poland it is a bad omen when eating a whole fish to turn it over. According to the old wives’ tale, turning over the fish turns over the fisherman’s boat.

For many, cocktail functions provide the opportunity to network and meet new people. If attending a reception at which there are few if any tables, do not try to juggle handling your drink as well as a plate of food. Opt for one or the other. However, if handling food, particularly finger foods, hold the plate in your right hand in order to pick up your food with the left. In this way you will be able to switch the plate to your left hand if approached by someone, with the right one remaining clean you will be ready to shake hands.