Journals

Cant believe I spent the whole day just downloading HBR journals from the online library, with a substantial part of the time just figuring out how to navigate around the website. These are half the required readings for my next 2 modules which starts next week. Its going to be a very taxing sem, coz ALL the assignments are groupwork and discussion based. Think I really prefer maths-based modules like Econs/Finance/Accounting. Looking out for my thesis journals at the same time, and reading is just not my cup of tea.

I was a zombie at class today, and once u lose concentration at a language class, that's it. The topic was on practices in different countries and the need to take off shoes when visiting. In some countries you do not have to remove your shoes while visiting. Somehow, the discussion evolved to taking off socks as well.

I was completely thrown offguard when Ihsan nudged me and whispered that my teacher had asked if it is true that I take off my socks when visiting, and I realized the whole class was looking at me. Huh, I must have been daydreaming.. so I just replied a feeble " huh? yes.." and the everyone else looked very surprised and amused.

My teacher then asked me in a bewildered tone why we have to take off socks? Is it a tradition? My classmates asked if it is rude when the guests do not take off socks when visiting a Chinese home? In my dazzled state, i was like huh? huh? What's wrong with taking off socks? No, it wasnt a tradition, and no, its not rude if you leave socks on... but why is it that we take off socks? I dont think I would be able to explain in Swedish even if there is a reason anyway, but truth is I had no answers to that. Ihsan said he had noticed I took off my socks when we were at Susanne's place.. but I had never thought it was a big deal.

OK, from now on, I will be extra conscious when I visit someone else's place. But then, why do we have to leave socks on ?!