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Czech Etiquette
  

Business

Appointments are mandatory and should be made in advance. It is essential to show up on time.

It often takes several meetings to reach an agreement. The first meeting is often scheduled as an introduction so that you can meet your associates and get to know each other.

Presentations should be detailed and accurate, and you should have updated information to back up any claims.

Try to keep direct eye contact throughout the meeting.

Do not schedule meetings on Friday afternoons, as many people leave early for the weekend. Many businesses close for the month of August for vacation.

Dining

When going to a Czech house for a meal, make sure to arrive on time.

Dress modestly but well. Remove your shoes when you enter someone’s home.

The guest of honor is often served first.

Table manners are rather formal. Czechs use the continental style — fork in left hand; knife in the right.

Do not start eating until the host has started. Refuse seconds the first time the host offers, allow them to insist. Be sure to compliment the host on their cooking during the meal.

Gift Giving

When invited to someone’s house, bring a small gift. Flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine or liquor are appropriate gifts.

Be careful when giving flowers, as some people see flowers as having a romantic connotation. They should be given in an odd number, but avoid the number 13, which is considered unlucky.

Gifts are usually opened when received.

Greeting

Initial greetings are very formal. Use direct eye contact and a firm handshake.

Address people by their title and last name. First names are rarely used, except with family and close friends.

 

Beef Goulash

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef

• 2 lbs pork

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 2 teaspoons pickling spice

• 1 cup chopped onions

• 2 (15 ounce) cans of diced
   stewed tomatoes

• 1 (14 ounce) bottle ketchup

• 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red peppers

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon whiskey

Directions:

1. Chop meat into ½ inch cubes.

2. Heat oil in large stew pot on
    high heat.

3. Combine beef and pork and
    begin to brown on all sides.

4. When meat is browned add
    onion and enough water to
    cover the meat and onions
    mixture.

5. Tie pickling spices in
    cheesecloth or use a metal
    tea ball (1/2 full, as spices will
    expand during cooking).

6. Drop cheesecloth or tea ball
    into meat mixture.

7. Simmer for 45 minutes.

8. Add ingredients from cans,
    diced tomatoes, tomato soup,
    and ketchup and stir mixture
    well.

9. Add all the spices as
    measured, the vinegar, and
    the whiskey.

10. Turn heat to a low setting
      and simmer for 1 hour with
      lid on the pot.

11. Check and stir frequently to
      prevent the bottom from
      burning.

12. After 1 hour remove the
      pickling spice container,
      serve over egg noodles
      (optional).