Interesting, as from my perspective the difference in rituals is one of the most fascinating things about travel, particularly when it's cultures that are far removed from your own.
Two summers ago I participated in the Mongol Rally (http://www.theadventurists.com/the-adventures/mongol-rally). Getting to connect and hang out with locals along the way (particularly in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Siberia, Mongolia, etc) was one of the highlights of the trip.
In addition, the fact people are "fundamentally the same" is actually something I derive a lot of pleasure from, given it continues to reinforce the base "good" that we all have in us (despite what the MSM might otherwise tell us).