Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
Tobus.

I have had occasion to have a knife as my only eating(apart from fingers) tool many a time-----out in the Australian outback for one----- and have been more than happy to do so.However one does not necessarily need to bring those basic conditions home with us, do we?

Every one.

Of course every country has its own way of doing things even down to eating procedures around the table. In my experience there is a surprising similarity around the world when it comes to courtesy and etiquette and as long as you keep your eyes and mind open, little offence will be given and any minor faux pas is politely accepted and often forgiven with good humour.

But as MoR has quite correctly observed, there is nothing silly in asking questions if you want to learn.
U Brits get the table manners nod in the English-speaking world, Jock, but outsiders have to be careful about where and how to use them. With great knowledge comes great responsibility- applies to etiquette as well as to spidey powers (hope you get the movie reference).