We found Thomas Swick's traveling-abroad tips in this Sunday's Chronicle both cute and informative. But since we're stricken with a crippling fear of any existence east of (the) 5, we were left starving for a few answers as to why.

Such as:

-- In Japan, don't blow your nose.
-- In Spain, don't pick up your paper napkin if you drop it at the bar.
-- In Vatican City, don't correct the pope. (Impossible.)
-- In India, don't look to your left before crossing the street.
-- And whatever you do, wherever you go, never say you don't like soccer. (What is this soccer we keep hearing about?)

Any help with the above would be greatly appreciated. Also, Swick had some minor but glaring omissions:

-- In every country, Tevas are an affront.
-- If you're visiting abroad from Vanderbilt or ASU, don't feel required to blow every guy at your youth hostel.
-- If you're from the USA, do whatever the hell you want.