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In Medias Res II

PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:23 am


Still a pseudo Jew too!

Just really busy, and leaving for Egypt and Jordan soon.

Any thoughts on the safety of Jews in Egypt?

Also, has anyone seen the Japanese version of Fiddler on the Roof?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VELpkz4WBZY&watch_response
PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:07 pm


Well you got it covered already, don't mention the Jew thing and tell them you're Canadian.

LordNeuf
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kingpinsqeezels

PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:34 pm


Word up! I hope you have fun. In Egypt, no wondering off! If you're going to Jordan I do hope that you'll visit Petra. I bet it's awesome.

I'd suggest dressing modestly in both countries if you don't already. Maybe even a loosely wrap head scarf if you feel the need. It certainly isn't mandatory, but it might help disguise the uncultured American stereotype.
PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 2:33 pm


Jordan gives me the freaks. For an Isrealian it's a hostile country. We aren't even allowed to visit there abroad.

Hope you'll enjoy your stay there.

Tachi


darkphoenix1247
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:13 pm


Glad to hear you're okay, and I hope you stay safe in your travels- please keep us posted!
PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:20 pm


Good luck and have safe travels!

ffdarkangel


Divash
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:11 am


It's a predominantly Muslim area. A head scarf, whether partial or total, would go a long way towards gaining you the respect of those you travel with and among -- better if it covers all the hair, ears, and neck as well. Trousers or skirts should cover the full leg, to the ankle or to the top of the shoe/sandal. Shirts should not expose the chest below the collarbone, or the arm above the wrist. All attire should be loose so that it doesn't showcase your curves. Makeup should be left at home, because that's frequently assumed to belong only to prostitutes. Sandals are fine. Basically, show only your face, hands, and feet. Otherwise, you may be mistaken for a prostitute, and they don't treat those very well over there.

As a bonus, this modest attire will also keep you from sunburn. Also, the looseness of the clothing you should wear will keep the air flowing nicely around you, so that you don't get a sweat rash from the rubbing of tight fabrics against your skin. Take along sunscreen anyway, though, because your face, hands, and feet will need it.

According to Maimonides and to Rav Yoseif Karo (Joseph Caro), a Jew is permitted to enter a mosque by Jewish law and even to pray there, but according to Muslim law, no non-Muslim is permitted inside. Stay respectfully outdoors and enjoy the scenery, unless you really must use the bathroom; if so, at least stay out of the worship spaces and the wudu room (ritual washing).

Do not say you're Canadian (even though it's Eddie Izzard's advice, which is usually quite good). Socially it may not make much of a difference, but if you say it in earshot of anyone who has a right to demand your passport, and you're proven a liar, it could be seen as an attempt at fraud or espionage, and it won't go well with you.

Check what sort of wall outlets are in Egypt and Jordan, and buy adaptors so you can recharge your cameras, rental cellphones, and other electronic devices.

Friday is the Muslim holy day. Wear your best clothing on Friday to honor your host country, and on Shabbat to honor your Judaism (in training). If someone wishes you salaam aleykum, wish them "wa-aleykum es-salaam." That is, wah-ah-LAY-koom es-sah-LAHM, and it means "upon you, peace." Practice until you sound fluent in that phrase, at least.

If you hear someone shouting "Yallah!" it means "by Allah," and is also shorthand for "hurry UP, for the love of G*D!" so either put some speed on, or step out of the way.

Always carry your passport, other identification, and a little money in a pouch around your neck, and a little more money in a hidden pocket of your clothing. Best, keep it under your clothing, and only pull out a little at a time while in your hotel room or in a bathroom to make it more accessible.

Read this and other sites concerning travel tips for women, and also make sure your other family members read similar material. Not only you and your mother, but also your father and brother, should know the special perils for women in certain areas of the world.

Show obvious respect for your parents. Do as they say, don't make faces, better yet call them sir and ma'am, offer to help them and do things for them in public. Not only is that what the Torah and Talmud suggest for children (of any age, as long as one's parents are living), but showing any level of disrespect for them is a sure path to losing any respect you may have gotten from your host country. Respect for parents is HUGE over there, and we could learn a thing or three from them.
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:52 am


Divash

Do not say you're Canadian (even though it's Eddie Izzard's advice, which is usually quite good). Socially it may not make much of a difference, but if you say it in earshot of anyone who has a right to demand your passport, and you're proven a liar, it could be seen as an attempt at fraud or espionage, and it won't go well with you.


No no, Divash, she's from Ontario... She really IS a Canadian.

LordNeuf
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Behatzlacha-S

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PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:56 pm


I've had some bad experiences with non-Israeli Middle Eastern countries. I was in Jericho, which strictly speaking is withing Israeli borders, but is still very Muslim. Don't ask how I got up there, just take this advice: Never ask your muslim taxi driver if he knows a good place to get shawarma near Ein Gedi.

I swear, the evil looks I got were amazing. I had taken off my kippah, so they wouldn't neccessarily think I'm Jewish, and I was travelling with Muslims, but the taxi driver still warned me to keep an eye on the car in case they planted a bomb while we ate! I wolfed down my suprisingly nice kebab, and legged it to the nearest Israeli checkpoint while my taxi driver had an arguement (I didn't enquire what about) with the local garrison of soldiers.

Palestine... its not my favourite.

P.S. The walls of Jericho may have been destroyed, but I can now report it has new ones patrolled by Palestinian soldiers in dashing purple uniforms.
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:30 pm


Thanks you guys!

Thanks Divash, It actually won't be warm in the middle of December, and it's going to be cold in the desert in Jordan overnight XD

I read that a headscarf is not necessary and may be a sign of disrespect if it's wrapped improperly.

I'm not going with family, my parents wouldn't go near Muslim countries!

that's crazy, Behatzlacha-S D:

In Medias Res II


Behatzlacha-S

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:31 am


When I first went on this I thought it was about Portal :p
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