Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LL Moonmanhead]

I've booked my flight to Jordan in July, going to travel around there for a bit and then into Lebanon, Syria and Turkey before heading home. Anyone got any tips/experiences they could share with me?

I'm approaching this with mild trepidation obviously, but thats half of the reason i want to check it out. Some people have said the people over there are very welcoming and i'll have a fantastic time.

Before anyone asks me why i'm posting this on here, i've just posted the above on the lonely planet forum as well, but i don't fancy waiting four days for a half hearted/no response.

[John Henry]

Um, keep the American Flag patch off your backpack, and don't wear the Star of David around your neck?

[Zark]

I am assuming you are male - if not, I wouldn't recommend traveling in the region alone. If female - a small group together would be okay.

I worked in Sauidi Arabia for five years - and passed through several of the Arab states in the region. I worked those five years with many Jordanians and Syrians. (Turks - I don't know about - and have no experience with) I'll try to make a few generalizations.

You will find the Arab culture very hospitable. There is a requirement in the culture that they make a visitor comfortable. Don't be surprised if you are invited to someone's home.

While LLMoon's suggestion is a good one - you might be surprised to know that most Arabs I have ever met liked Americans and are able to tell the difference between you and your government. (something, sadly, many Europeans and other Westerners are not able to do)

As the culture/religion (except maybe a bit in Lebanon) prohibits the chasing of women - other pass times take up the spare time in the culture. Hanging about in tea houses, heated debate/discussion, staying out all night - just talking with the guys, sports, etc. It tends to be a homo-social culture - with the guys hanging out with the guys - the girls with the girls.

In the more conservative Arab cultures - (you'll know when) - it would not be wise to make ANY comment about a person's female relatives - not even an innocent enquiry about their occupation or status or whereabouts . . .

Generally the culture is quite emotional. Debating/discussion can become quite loud and heated - but that is all it is - debate - and generally in good spirit.

Do a web search and learn more about the culture - it will be important in socializing with the local folks and understanding where they are coming from. It will be easy to make a few friends - who will seriously be interested in your well being - and the success of your travels.

Greetings can become extended - Westerners are often thought of as being shallow because of our quick greetings and then moving on to business.

My experience was that most Arabs are very well educated (will depend on the area/country) and intelligent people. It will be easy to be misled that your culture is close to theirs - but in fact, you will find the culture of this part of the world (Far East) - much closer to Western culture.

Final note: People there can shock you with their value systems - don't assume a cordial encounter means you are relating well. A very good friend of mine (Iraqi surprisingly enough), USA Ph.D., many years in the States, many years around foreigners - not a devout Muslim, cordial, family man - when speaking hypothetically about his daughter going to school in the States - I asked him what would happen if his daughter were to be "corrupted" by Western values and became s*xually active with a boyfriend - he stated that he would have to consider "killing her" due to the disgrace that would be visited upon his reputation. The man is still my friend, but I have given up many illusions about all of us (even the well educated and well traveled) coming from a common value system. Needless to say – he ended up sending his daughter to women��s university in Jordan – not the USA. Most people who have spent significant time in the Middle East - will have similar stories. Frankly, I couldn't even begin to comprehend my friend's thinking.

That's my experience/opinion - for whatever it is worth.

[JacktheCat]

Go with an open mind and a cautious nature.

Arabs are perhaps the most friendly people in the world to strangers and outsiders. Very warm and hospitable. I guess something to do with their long history as traders and travellers.

Just dress conservatively and keep your political views to yourself and try not to stick out as an American.

Also, if you will be travelling through Israel, make sure the Israelis don't stamp your passport as most countries in the ME won't allow you in with an Israeli stamp in your passport. And Israel might not let you in with a Syrian stamp in your passport.

[LL Moonmanhead]