Cultural Clash

We received an email from the university title "Building our community's culture" and it talked about dress and conduct code. The emailed reminded of an article I read in a Jeddah magazine.

The article was called Cultural Clash and it listed main differences between the "West and Jeddah" Here are a few of my favorite.

"

- Soles of feet: The sole of your foot is found to be culturally offensive if it is facing an individual .

(This should be true anywhere in the world...who wants to see yucky feet?!!!)

-Single's section: You're not married, which means you're.....yes, single. But that doesn't mean you can sit in the "single's section" in restaurants if you are a women. The single section normally refers to men without any female companions. Women always get the luxury of sitting in the "Families" section which is usually more comfortable and better laid out anyway.

-Driving: the authorities are always thinking of different ideas to improve the driving around Jeddah, but until then, just take with a pinch of salt, it's just the way people drive! You may see a few heated arguments  but it will very rarely get into a full on brawl unlike the West!

(remind self to take salt next time we go to Jeddah)

-If they flash you, they are not giving way! : In the West, you're normally flashed at by another vehicle if they want to give you way. Here, it's the opposite, you could translate it to "Don't you dare!"

(my translation is "Get out of the way!!)

- Hand in hand: You may have seen this many at time; men walking hand in hand, this just means friendship here. "

I will like to add my own here... Women do not smile at men. You know, when you are walking and someone comes in the opposite direction, and you try to smile to break the awkward situation, trust me... it doesn't make it better.