Saudi Arabia

TheFlyingCamera said:

While it's not impossible to get visas to go to Syria, at this point in time, as a US Citizen, I would question the wisdom of going there as a tourist, especially if your work has anything to do with the federal government. Jordan is better, if only because they're a more solid ally, but still a bit dubious. That said, there are some magnificent sights to visit in Jordan, and no issues with photographing them.

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Hmm - You know I think that traveling anywhere in the mid-east, you would do well to NOT advertise that you're from the USA. I think that our own government advises against patches and such things on backpacks that identify you as a US citizen.

Dan

TheFlyingCamera said:

Become culturally aware before you go -

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Good advice for anyone traveling to a foreign country. If more people from did that before traveling, perhaps we would be more welcome.

TheFlyingCamera said:

Saudi is still a very conservative muslim nation, and there may well be many taboos that you're unaware of that are things you do on a commonplace basis at home. Don't shake hands (or eat) with the left hand, don't drink alcohol, bring gifts to the home of anyone whose home you are invited to, don't take photos inside a mosque unless it is explicitly permitted, don't photograph women, maintain proper attire (no shorts or t-shirts), etc...

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You know I find it interesting that we need to advise people to not shake with the left hand. As far as I know, that is a breach of etiquette in this country as well.

Different strokes ....

dslater said:

You know I find it interesting that we need to advise people to not shake with the left hand. As far as I know, that is a breach of etiquette in this country as well.

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It may be a breach of etiquette, but as someone who has limited strength, range of movement and dexterity in my right hand, I usually extend my left hand.

IIRC, the "Boy Scout" handshake is left handed as well.

For these reasons, I think the advice is useful.

Matt (hoping I have the chance some time to extend my hand to Dan)

While shaking with the left is considered abnormal here, it will not cause offense. In the middle east, your left hand is the one you use to wipe your backside - to offer your left hand is a vulgar insult.

dslater said:

Hmm - You know I think that traveling anywhere in the mid-east, you would do well to NOT advertise that you're from the USA. I think that our own government advises against patches and such things on backpacks that identify you as a US citizen.

Dan

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Just for the record, I've never had any negative reaction to the news that I am an American, or a Christian here in Yemen. I wouldn't put an American flag on something as many people see that as a symbol of the government, but being an American is not a big deal per se. The things you don't want to do is proclaim the infallibility of the US government, any love for Israel, proclaim that you are an atheist and proud of it, or say anything bad about the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Being an American is a ways down the list on the list of sins here

Isaac

TheFlyingCamera said:

While shaking with the left is considered abnormal here, it will not cause offense. In the middle east, your left hand is the one you use to wipe your backside - to offer your left hand is a vulgar insult.

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Actually, before the invention of TP, that's what everyone did and to offer your left hand was indeed considered offensive.

isaacc7 said:

Just for the record, I've never had any negative reaction to the news that I am an American, or a Christian here in Yemen. I wouldn't put an American flag on something as many people see that as a symbol of the government, but being an American is not a big deal per se. The things you don't want to do is proclaim the infallibility of the US government, any love for Israel, proclaim that you are an atheist and proud of it, or say anything bad about the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Being an American is a ways down the list on the list of sins here

Isaac

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Hmm - I believe the advice isn't given to prevent a negative reaction - it's more to avoid becoming a target for a terrorist kidnapping. So it's more to protect you from that very small minority violent criminal terrorists. AFIK, this isn't really a problem in Yemen.

dslater said:

Hmm - I believe the advice isn't given to prevent a negative reaction - it's more to avoid becoming a target for a terrorist kidnapping. So it's more to protect you from that very small minority violent criminal terrorists. AFIK, this isn't really a problem in Yemen.

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Well, I'd consider being kidnapped a pretty negative reaction, LOL! I think you're right in the fact that the places that Americans can go, it isn't a problem here.

TheFlyingCamera said:

While shaking with the left is considered abnormal here, it will not cause offense. In the middle east, your left hand is the one you use to wipe your backside - to offer your left hand is a vulgar insult.

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My sister in law lived in Saudi for a while and did find it very restrictive for women, but she always said that the men in shops were extremely polite and were really nice and welcoming to her two daughters. The "vulgarity" of the left hand makes sense, what sometimes seem to throw US visitors to Ireland is that over here we call restrooms - toilets, never struck me a vulgar but on my frequent visits to the US and when with US visitors in Ireland I need to remember to use either bathroom or restroom, mind you I never heard of anyone having a rest in that room

David