Xenophobe's Guide to the Welsh

Author: John Winterson Richards
Publisher: Xenophobe's Guides
ISBN: 9781906042516
Category : National characteristics, Welsh
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Welsh willfulnessThe Welsh are stubborn--very, very stubborn. The Welsh themselves would probably rather say "tenacious," but to anyone on the receiving end a better description might well be "bloody-minded." Proud and proud of itWelsh pride is real pride--the sort of mindless, instinctive, animal pride that requires no justification or excuse. It is simply pride for the sake of pride. Such pride is the only thing one has left when one has been stripped of everything else. It's not unusual to be . . . an actorGiven the propensity of Welsh people of all types to overact at every given opportunity, it is not surprising that those who manage to tone it down a bit have gone on to world fame as actors (or politicians, who are, after all, only an inferior species of actors). Warriors at heartThe Welsh are extremely proficient at rugby. They enjoy it and they take it seriously. This is because rugby--with its physical aggression, tactics, disciplined use of brute force, and organized violence--is the closest thing modern day life can offer to Wales' traditional national sport: war.

Xenophobe's Guide to the English

Author: Antony Miall
Publisher: Xenophobe's Guide
ISBN: 9781906042295
Category : England
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

The Xenophobe's Guide to the Finns

Author: Tarja Moles
Publisher: Oval Projects
ISBN: 1908120363
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 92

Book Description
A guide to understanding the Finns that explores their national characteristics with humour and style.

The Xenophobe's Guide to the Danes

Author: Helen Dyrbye
Publisher: Oval Projects
ISBN: 190812024X
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 89

Book Description
A guide to understanding the Danes that highlights their character and behaviour with warmth and wit.

Xenophobe's Guide to the Swiss

Author: Paul Bilton
Publisher: Xenophobe's Guide
ISBN: 9781906042509
Category : National characteristics, Swiss
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

The Xenophobe's Guide to the Brazilians

Author: Paulo Barauna
Publisher: Oval Projects Ltd
ISBN: 1908120983
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 59

Book Description
What makes Brazilians BRAZILIAN: A witty guide to the beliefs and behaviour that define the Brazilians.

Sightseeing

Author: Rattawut Lapcharoensap
Publisher: Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
ISBN: 1555846734
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 238

Book Description
The national bestseller by the award-winning Thai American author. “A brilliant collection . . . brimming with sharp-clawed survival lessons” (Los Angeles Times). Set in contemporary Thailand, these are generous, radiant tales of family bonds, youthful romance, generational conflicts, and cultural shiftings beneath the glossy surface of a warm, Edenic setting. Written with exceptional acuity, grace, and sophistication, the stories present a nation far removed from its exoticized stereotypes. In the prize-winning opening story “Farangs,” the son of a beachside motel owner commits the cardinal sin of falling for a pretty American tourist. In the novella, “Cockfighter,” a young girl witnesses her proud father’s valiant but foolhardy battle against a local delinquent whose family has a vicious stranglehold on the villagers. Through his vivid assemblage of parents and children, natives and transients, ardent lovers and sworn enemies, Lapcharoensap dares us to look with new eyes at the circumstances that shape our views and the prejudices that form our blind spots. Gorgeous and lush, painful and candid, Sightseeing is an extraordinary reading experience, one that powerfully reveals that when it comes to how we respond to pain, anger, hurt, and love, no place is too far from home. “Lapcharoensap is a commanding, animated tour guide, and a lot more than that—he can write with the bait and the hook of genuine talent . . . [He] has a gift for the detail that catches not only his Thai milieu but teenage life everywhere.” —Darin Strauss, The New York Times Book Review

The Xenophobe's Guide to the Belgians

Author: Antony Mason
Publisher: Oval Projects
ISBN: 1908120096
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 74

Book Description
A guide to understanding the Belgians, best known for their fine chocolate, which reveals a humorous and insightful view of the people.

Xenophobe's Guide to the Germans

Author: Stefan Zeidenitz
Publisher: Xenophobe's Guides
ISBN: 9781906042332
Category : Germans
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

Xenophobe's Guide to the Kiwis

Author: Christine Cole Catley
Publisher: Xenophobe's Guide
ISBN: 9781906042417
Category : National characteristics, New Zealand
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Straight laced and straight faced A good Kiwi bloke plays things down and does not stand on ceremony. The rugby player who scores a try is no longer expected to look as if he is bravely accepting a death sentence but, other than in sport, emotion is not something to be shown in public, and not much in private either. A blokess is allowed more latitude. She is even expected by men to "carry on a bit." Optimists one and all Whether or not there is a need to worry about something, the obliging Kiwis tell one another that it will be "good as gold," "right as rain," and "no prob" (short for problem), usually qualified by one of those great reassurers in any situation, "She'll be right," or "Piece of cake." Good citizenship To Kiwis, politeness is synonymous with warmth and generosity of spirit. Thus North Islanders, when complimented by visitors on their scenery, will ask anxiously, "But have you seen the South Island yet?" They do not want to be seen as hogging the best bits for themselves. Even handed Kiwis love receiving praise about their country. However, since self-deprecation is wired deeply into the national psyche, praise is looked upon suspiciously. Kiwis fear they are being buttered up, or somebody is having them on. Both praise and criticism are reported by the media, and are hotly debated.