American soldiers stationed in Sydney have dinner at a girl friend's house. Australia 1944

The transcript describes a journey to a new country, where the narrator and companions meet locals and experience cultural differences. They are invited to dinner, observe local eating and drinking habits, and note differences in table manners. The narrative concludes with a plan to explore Melbourne.

What was the narrator's concern about refusing dinner invitations?

Describe the dining etiquette that surprised the narrator.