{"title":"Russell Maddicks","description":"\u003cp\u003eRussell Maddicks offers insightful travel guides that delve deeply into the cultural nuances and local customs of Central and South American destinations. His books provide readers with practical advice and rich background information, perfect for travellers seeking to connect authentically with the places they visit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether exploring vibrant cities or remote regions, Maddicks’ writings illuminate the unique traditions and social landscapes that define each country. These guides serve as essential companions for anyone interested in understanding the spirit and daily life of diverse cultures in the Americas.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"guatemala-culture-smart-by-russell-maddicks-9781787023635","title":"Guatemala - Culture Smart!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe largest and most populous Central American country, Guatemala is a land of contrasts and contradictions. It offers great physical beauty alongside ancient Mayan ruins and is unique in Central America in that more than half its population is of indigenous origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday the country reflects a combination of its ancient Mayan heritage, Spanish colonialism, and modern Western influence. \u003cem\u003eCulture Smart! Guatemala\u003c\/em\u003e introduces you to the complexities of Guatemalan society and shows how history has shaped the values and attitudes that you will encounter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt describes different aspects of Guatemalan life, from festivals and cuisine to socializing and doing business. This new and updated edition provides key insights into the minds and hearts of Guatemalans today and offers practical advice on how to make the most of your visit while being an informed and considerate guest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072276381932,"sku":"9781787023635","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6765393482824.jpg?v=1765090666"},{"product_id":"venezuela-culture-smart-by-russell-maddicks-9781857336573","title":"Venezuela - Culture Smart!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most complex countries in Latin America, and one of the least understood, Venezuela is vast, and never dull. Its unique culinary traditions, linguistic quirks, colourful history, and busy annual cycle of festivities are part of a rich cultural heritage left by the Spanish conquistadors and the slaves brought from Africa, combined with elements that can be traced back to the indigenous Amerindian inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVenezuelans are known for being friendly, gregarious, and outgoing. They value family above everything, and love to criticise the status quo. However, they are also fiercely proud and protective of their homeland and react poorly to criticism from outsiders. They are optimistic and forward-looking, quick with a joke, and instantly familiar with strangers. The key to their confidence comes from the large extended family groups they grow up in, and the constant round of birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and holidays that bring them all together for music, dancing, and general merrymaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCulture Smart! Venezuela\u003c\/em\u003e takes you beyond the stereotypical descriptions of a tropical petro-state, famous for its beauty queens and its populist president, to provide you with an insider's understanding of the country and its people. It looks at the historical roots of modern-day social values and attitudes. It offers advice on what to expect and how to build personal ties, and outlines how flexibility and patience are crucial to any business venture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePractical tips, valuable insights, and vital statistics have been marshalled to enable you to get to the heart of this vibrant, sometimes contradictory, and increasingly important country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072390578412,"sku":"9781857336573","price":22.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7750023482849.jpg?v=1765101311"},{"product_id":"mexico-culture-smart-by-russell-maddicks-9781787023420","title":"Mexico - Culture Smart!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centres like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world. This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCulture Smart! Mexico\u003c\/i\u003e takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialise, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There's advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on travelling safely and communicating, providing you with the tools to make the most of your time in Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCulture Smart!\u003c\/i\u003e has come to the rescue of hapless travellers,\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eSunday Times Travel\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries,\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eGlobal Travel\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFull of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas,\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eObserver\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAs useful as they are entertaining,\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eEasy Jet Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOffer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world,\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47461172936940,"sku":"9781787023420","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781787023420-mexico-culture-smart.jpg?v=1774960881"},{"product_id":"costa-rica-culture-smart-by-jane-koutnik-9781787023604","title":"Costa Rica - Culture Smart!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't just see the sights—get to know the people.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCosta Rica is renowned for its tropical beauty and for the warmth of its inhabitants—the \"Ticos.\" With an infectious enthusiasm for life, the Ticos are a proud people who cherish their democracy in a region that has seen generations of political unrest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCosta Rica - Culture Smart!\u003c\/em\u003e explores the complexities of modern life in this lush coastal country. It introduces you to the key historical events that have shaped who the Ticos are today, and describes the values, attitudes, customs, and traditions that you are likely to encounter. You will get an insider's view of the Ticos' home life, how they socialise, how they spend their downtime, and how they do business. This insight will open the door to a far richer experience on the ground, while practical information on getting around and communication will smooth your path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBienvenidos!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHave a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47558914081004,"sku":"9781787023604","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781787023604-costa-rica-culture-smart.jpg?v=1776921133"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/russell-maddicks.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}