陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作，惊天是星期五下午，陈豪正在跟美国同事Amy聊天。

(Office ambience)

A: 陈豪，do you have any plans for the weekend?

C: 这个周末还真有活动。我们老板夫妇请我到他们家去玩儿，我没告诉你吗？说实话，I am a little nervous.

A: What are you nervous about?

C: 我怕自己会有失礼的地方。唉，你给我讲讲，在西方，去别人家作客有什么需要注意的吧。

A: Do you have gift for your hosts?

C: 礼物，可我不知道买什么呀。

A: Here's what I do. I take a gift with me when I know my hosts' taste and hobbies.

C: 那要是不知道他有什么爱好呢？

A: When I don't have a clue, I pay attention to what they like while I am there. Then I send a special gift after the visit.

C: 我怕吃不惯他们家的饭，所以准备自己带饭去。

A: Unless you have food allergies or need to follow a special diet that would be rude. The rule is to "make do".

C: 我倒是没有食物过敏。那要是不爱吃呢？

A: If there is something you don't like, don't let your hosts know. Have a little bit of everything to be polite but fill up on the things you like.

C: 你说得有道理，我可以每样儿都尝点，哪个合胃口就多吃点儿。你放心，不好吃我也不会告诉他们的。还有Amy, can I take my dog Freckles?

A: 绝对不行. Unless they invite Freckles, ask your neighbors if they could look after him.

C: 那我到他们家能看电视吗？

A: They may ask if you want to watch television and if you have any favorite shows. 不过，要是没人问你，那他们看什么，你就应该跟着看什么。

C: 他们睡觉以后我能看吗？

A: I hate to disappoint you, but if your hosts go to bed, you should retire to your room.

C: 我要是不困呢？

A: Take something to read. It's much more courteous to read quietly in your room than to stay up with the televising blaring.

C: Amy, 我还有什么地方需要注意吗？

A: Don't forget when the visit is over to send a handwritten thank you note?

C: 一定要手写吗？我能不能写个e-mail，表示感谢呢？

A: 绝对不行。E-mail is too impersonal.

C: 可我没有像样的卡片和信封呀。

A: Then buy some and take it with you along with a pen and some stamps. You can write the note before you leave their house and mail it on your way back home.

C: 我还以为这个周末可以好好放松一下呢。看来我得随时注意，做个好客人，可别闹什么笑话。

A: 没错。还有就是要enjoy yourself。