About Hospitality

Did you know that guest and host are cognates, they stem from the same Indo-European root word (ghos-ti) that originated among the nomadic people in the steppe region of Eurasia, probably referring to hospitality between strangers. The roles were not distinguished but seen as a part of the same process that ensured peaceful passing through other tribes' territory, as well as assistance when needed. So, better be a good host today, because today's guest could be tomorrow's host. Roles can be reversed any time.

Yes, the topic today is Australian hospitality or the lack of it, actually. Disclaimer. This is my own opinion and not necessarily the truth. There are naturally other opinions, too. But let us start with facts about hospitality around the globe.

China meets Australia

In Korea people encourage their guests and friends to eat more and more, they want the other person to eat more than they do. In China and Korea people may greet each other by saying "did you already eat rice?" and this may lead to sharing the meal in case the other person hasn't eaten yet. (Or not, as the one who uttered the question is expected to pay for the expenses in case the other hasn't eaten yet and wants to go for a meal).

I heard in India it can be even offensive if you don't take a second serving of the meal provided, because it means that you are telling without words that the food wasn't good..

In Russia they don't just serve you little something with tea, it's a feast whenever you visit someone.

Spanish people seem to wish to share their snacks, even if it's only a chocolate bar.

In Karelian (eastern Finnish) culture (which is unfortunately dying out) the hostess started to prepare a very time-consuming dish when guests arrived because they wanted them to stay longer.

In Kazakhstan people believe guests are sent by God and they must be treated accordingly.

In Australia- well, we need to remember that the same root word that gave us "guest" also gave us words like hostility and hostile. I've never been in a place that's less hospitable. People have so much but are reluctant to share it with others if it's not absolutely necessary. Here you'll hardly ever hear anyone ask you to take second servings, more likely people are hinting that you ate too much to start with. (Well, it could be true as I really eat too much for my own good). Where the hell are those loyal, fair and hospitable Australians the legends tell us about? Maybe in the outback where I haven't dared to go?

I mean, seriously, who invites people to their house and gives them moldy and damp pillows and duvets, poorly washed towels and not enough to eat. My mother used to say that if she didn't prepare enough food for our guests, then she must go without herself. Australians are lovely and friendly on the surface especially so if their occupation requires it, customer service is always extremely good but this one little thing about hospitality really damages the good image. I can't think of sitting on my sofa and eating my chocolate alone and not even offer it to my guests but maybe it's me who's odd. Could be.