We need a picture thread

[dee]

Goddess no, I haven't converted.

Wearing a veil is a strictly personal choice for females. I chose it at first because it afforded a great degree of privacy and respect (Saudi men NEVER look at/speak to a woman, especially a veiled one. It would be very disrespectful.) and now I'm so accustomed to it I feel naked without it. I have rosacea and it looks terrible most of the time, so a veil prevents people from staring like they did in the US. I really enjoy that privacy after years of fielding questions about why my complexion was so red. I occasionally go without (Ric bought me some lovely colored hijabs for my b-day) but most of the time I wear a veil.

Oman is really modern, with a hugely diverse population, so wearing any traditional Muslim garb is strictly personal. I can wear tank tops and shorts if I feel like it. But I feel more comfortable being covered.

[Aaron]

huh. I never knew they wouldn't look at or talk to the ladies. What about when they go out to eat? Like sit down places not fast food kinda places. Like how do you eat with a veil on?

[dee]

Oh yes, it's very disrespectful to look at a woman who isn't related to you. All conversation is directed at the male, unless he gives permission (by either introducing her or including her in the conversation) and even then most men won't look. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as doctors/hospitals, clothing stores, jewelry stores and chocolate shops where the woman is likely to be accompanied only by other women or her man may stay outside. But for the most part, no man ever looks directly at you.

Eating out here in Oman it's regular seating, so if we go out I look like Zoidberg.  You cut tiny bites, carefully lift your veil just a teensy bit, dip your fork low and slip in under the veil. Take the bite off the fork, reverse the process and drop your veil back into place while you chew. And you always drink with a straw. Let me tell you, that's a must! You carefully drag your drink to you, lift your veil just enough to slide the drink under, and drop the veil. Voila! No one sees a thing. In KSA, restaurants are segregated into male/family sections, and all family sections have private tables. Each table is partitioned/curtained off and the waiters knock or ring bells or otherwise request permission to enter. That way ladies can remove their veils to eat if they so desire. It's actually quite civilised and I miss that. I think KSA is the only place that does that, since it has the strictest laws concerning modesty and decorum. Not completely though, as I've only been in the two countries.

Overall, I'd have to say that I enjoy the culture/traditions here in the Middle East. It's really not as bad as westerners like to think.

[Aaron]

That is really impressive to me... eating like that must take a bit longer...

[Goose]

[luna]