Is it possible to travel the world and truly experience other cultures sober?

On of my major aspirations in life is to travel the world for extended periods of time and experience many different world cultures. As I understand it, in many cultures alcoholic beverages are of great cultural significance. I mean when France and Italy are mentioned wine comes to mind, when Ireland is brought up it's beer, etc. I've also heard that in some second and third world countries beer and wine are some of the primary beverages and in some cases the only safe beverages to drink. Any input on this topic would be greatly appreciated.Is it possible to travel the world and truly experience other cultures sober?I dare say that in most countries you will find a small minority of the population are drunkards.

Big difference between "of great cultural significance" and "the only beverage available."
Big difference between "SOME of the primary beverages" and "the only beverages."

In some cultures (notably Islamic) you will find yourself in deep trouble if you ever appear in public while intoxicated!Is it possible to travel the world and truly experience other cultures sober?not really they smell funny booze makes them eccentric or original or some other Hemingway lieIs it possible to travel the world and truly experience other cultures sober?I don't drink at all. I live in the US but have traveled fairly extensively in Europe including France, Italy and the UK.

It is true that people in these countries drink and that drinking is part of the cultural climate, but I have never felt that I could not fully appreciate the culture unless I drank alcohol. I have never felt "left out" in Italy because I didn't drink, or unwelcome at a bistro in Paris; it has not been an issue at all. I will admit that before I did this traveling I was apprehensive, but in reality it has never been a problem.

As far as alcoholic beverages being the only 'safe' ones to drink...in most European countries the tap water is totally safe. Soft drinks and bottled water are commonly available too. The only problem is that soft drinks and bottled water will cost as much as alcoholic beverages, and if you want tap water you have to ask for it specifically.

Bottom line: drinking alcohol is not a necessary part of the enjoyment of world travel.