Nuances

There are a few nuances here that many may not know about the Middle East. Things I have noticed that I didn't know beforehand. I will try to take pictures of the concrete examples to make this post a little more interesting.


- Women who are covered have very few ways in which to express themselves. I have noticed that one of the most varying things about the women here are their shoes. Shoes are things in which they delight because they can really show their personality through their feet.


- As much as they delight in criticizing the US, they love Americans. Everyday has become a hassle in running errands because I am stopped by many trying to start up conversations that almost always end in some sort of invitation to coffee, shisha, or dinner.


- They do the kiss on the cheek thing here, but it is much more intense. Between recent acquaintances it is one on the left, two on the right. For good friends it is one on the left, and three on the right. If you have a best friend, it is one on the left, and four to five on the right depending on the degrees of friendship. And it is not just cheek to cheek it is full on lip to cheek contact. I felt violated my first time.


- The only sort of popular clothing is that with English script on it which results in many people wearing shirts that are highly inappropriate, or highly Christian. One was wearing a shirt that said (I apologize for the explicitness of this, but it is the truth) "Bukkake ruined my carpet". They are horrified when we inform them the true meaning of the words. Others wear alcohol brand shirts, and I have seen a fair share of "FUMC" or "First Baptist" shirts from donations.


- I have drunk more soda than I ever have here.


- My reoccurring meal is a grilled chicken sandwich with hummus, chili sauce, pickled cabbage, tomatoes and sesame sauce with a freshly made banana, milk and strawberry smoothie. It is delicious. I am tired of it.


- John Cena, Robin Williams, and Obama are all extremely popular here.


- Everything is knock-off