176 
SURVIVAL ON LAND AND SEA 
boil them first. In the rural districts it is also difficult to get 
dried vegetables owing to a lack of dehydrating equipment. 
“You may be shocked to see beets, turnips, and potatoes dis- 
played in their natural state, with bits of garden soil still cling- 
ing to them. Yet when mashed and properly prepared, these 
vegetables can be quite palatable. The natives seem to thrive 
on them. 
“In churches and auditoriums and other public places you will 
often see women surreptitiously slipping their feet out of their 
shoes and wiggling their toes. This is strictly a feminine pre- 
rogative, and has no religious significance. Do not attempt 
to imitate them. Always be tactful. If, for example, you notice 
that your Aunt Beulah has had her extra chin removed by plastic 
surgery, don’t congratulate her. This operation is known as 
‘losing face’ and the natives are very sensitive about it. 
“But after all, the best way to understand the Americans is 
to settle down and actually live with them. They are really a 
very friendly people despite the apparent ferocity of their hand- 
shakes and their violent back-slapping. They mean well. 
Remember their civilization is much younger than that of Europe 
and Asia. They are just great big overgrown children at heart 
and should be treated as such.” 
