The Real Middle East

As I sat here at my desk contemplating a possible trip to Muscat, Oman, I was thinking about what I'd need to pack for the trip. Should I pack my fave treking shirt? Should I pack my plain abaya for roaming the souq? Then, that got me to thinking about the stereotypes that many people have about this region.

I read in the newspaper that Queen Rania of Jordan has been doing a video project on YouTube addressing stereotypes about this part of the world. Here's a sample:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dDNf4Qybqo&feature=channel
The other videos are well worth the time to watch.

When we first moved here, many people asked me, "Aren't you scared?" Well, yeah, I was nervous about moving to a new country. "No, I mean, aren't you scared about being bombed or something?" No, if I was would I move here with my children?

Do I worry about terrorism? No. Do I worry about traffic? Yes. But is bad rush hour traffic a middle eastern stereotype? Probably not. Crazy traffic is just a fact of life when you have so many people and so many construction zones. "Don't men bother you when you go out alone?" No. People are very respectful. But, I do my best to be respectful of them. Do I run around in shorts and a tank top? No, of course not. Do I wear long skirts or comfy pants and a loose comfy but pretty blouse? Sure. Cool and comfy in the hot sun. And comfortable in a conservative culture.

So, as I sit here trying to figure out what to pack besides some money for shopping in the souqs in Muscat (if I get to make the trip), please sit and have a think about the stereotypes regarding this area. Is this region perfect? Of course not - no place is perfect. Well, maybe my parents' house, ha, ha. But, we ALL need to work at bridging the gap of understanding.

And frankly, when I think about the middle east I think about excellent hospitality, great food, amazing 4X4 driving, excellent snorkeling, and yeah, cute camels.

Peace.