1. Skip the metal-embossed clothing items (belts, too!). The metal detectors will beep. You will be flagged. You will be patted down. Save yourself some time and pack it rather than wear it that day. 2. Your liquid items must be in 3 oz. bottles. It doesn’t work if it’s a 6 oz. bottle only half full. Security will frown and will make you pitch it. Trust me on this...
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I sat on a small rope-woven stool sipping steaming, sticky sweet tea as sweat trickled down the side of my left temple. My Nubian neighbor smiled at me and said in a very dramatic voice, “We shall call you “Noor” for you are the “light” of the village. I paused. I was so moved by her statement. These beautiful and kind women had...
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Welcome Basket-This tried, but true way to introduce yourself is always a good idea. Regardless of the theme you choose, include your name, phone number, and a list of some of your favorite places (with addresses) to eat, shop, visit. Tea Invitation-I know that this is usually saved for little girls’ birthday parties, but inviting an other-culture friend over...
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This book is my chance to sit down with you over a cup of your favorite caffeine and give you a glimpse into life in the Middle East. You’ll meet my friends, get snapshots of everyday life and also receive Culture Cues for how to interact with your other-culture neighbors. Here’s the Introduction: __________________________ My host smiled, stretched out...
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It’s kind of an odd title for a post, but I’ve had to ponder this exact thing many times here in the Middle East. In my home culture, a friend might say, “Hey, you guys doing anything Friday night? Why don’t you come over?” I say yes or no and then we go from there. That’s that. It’s not like that here. In Middle Eastern...
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In our Nubian village where we live, we have discovered a number of beliefs that the local people hold in regard to medical treatments and overall health. For instance, if you are overheated, you should drink steaming hot tea to cool down. If you drink ice cold water, you will get a cold. Babies shouldn’t bathe before the age of one. And any other malady,...
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