Sick Of Being Judged - Page 2 - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

nemesis331 · 01-02-2006, 11:00 AM

i'm going to the middle east sooner or later no matter what people say.

did anybody read the kite runner? it opens your eyes up a little bit to what is really going on in Afghanistan. i thought it was an amazing book and would recommend it to all. I think that no matter where you go, if you use common sense and good judgement you will be fine!

**goyincognito** · 01-02-2006, 11:10 AM

This is definitely an old post but I guess I'll throw in my two cents.

CD,

Many people from the West would never dream of visiting the Middle East, since their perceptions are shaped so strongly by the media in the West; let's face it - people only watch the news because there's violence and chaos happening and, unfortunately for so many Western viewers, that's the only thing that will pique their interest, and thus media outlets are forced to report only bad things to increase their viewership and advertising revenue!

The Middle East IS chaotic in a lot of ways, and there are personal safety precautions one must take, but I personally think people are more afraid of it because it's so exotic and unknown! The culture and history here is way different than ANYWHERE in the world, especially the West, and people always fear what they don't understand.

The biggest thing people don't get about the Middle East? Many of these countries rely heavily (read: 25% of GDP or more in some cases) on tourism! The chances of someone being hit over here in a terrorist attack are a constant concern to keep in the back of one's mind, but so is getting mugged in a big city in Europe or the States! People have to keep their eyes open. If countries in the Middle East lost their ability to attract tourists in spite of the risk of terrorism (which is GREATLY inflated by the media), then their economies would be DEVESTATED. It keeps them afloat!

Unfortunately, few people in N. America have the guts to explore the so-called "war-torn" Middle East and shatter the stereotypes the media gives them, and that will never change so long as the media gets its money by reporting bad things (read: for all eternity). If they would just come over here, they would understand that their fears are blown way out of proportion, and they are missing life and learning experiences that will enrich them in ways nowhere else can!

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-07-2007, 11:59 AM

Hey guys, this is an old thread...but then again I haven't been on the boards for a long time.

I'm planning my ME trip in the Summer and I'm getting similar reactions. Most of it I dont' mind, but when it comes from your parents it sucks because I dont' want my mom to blow a gasket if I'm in the region and there's some bombing in Cairo or something...

How have you guys dealt with family?

And I mean, I do want to go, but I am a little scared. But for now, my wanting to go > being scared...

CB

**space virgin** · 02-07-2007, 12:25 PM

Well, I guess it all depends on your relationship with your parents. Are you afraid that they will actually STOP you from going? Or are you just worried about them worrying about you? If you're over 18, there's nothing anyone can really do to stop you.

Or you can do what I did... just don't tell 'em where you went until you've already returned.

**lost in texas** · 02-07-2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Bacon

I do want to go, but I am a little scared. But for now, my wanting to go > being scared...

Go for it man, don't let the news or other people worry you. I wouldn't want to travel around Iraq or parts of Lebanon right now, but other than that you shouldn't have any trouble. Arabic people are known for their hospitality, and most of the middle east is peaceful and relatively stable. Jordan in particular is a great place to visit- the archaeological sites are incredible, and the people are wonderful too. I've got a couple of good friends there I've kept in touch with.

Good luck!

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-07-2007, 01:16 PM

Thanks guys, that does help.

With my parents, I'm 24 and living on my own, so no problem with gaining permission, but one of the main things is my mom blowing a gasket if there's a suicide bombing somewhere else... i guess education is the key...

Have u guys found a linguistic or cultural challenge in connecting to locals? How many speak English in the different ME countries? I hear its common in Lebanon, especially Beirut

**lost in texas** · 02-07-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Bacon

Have u guys found a linguistic or cultural challenge in connecting to locals? How many speak English in the different ME countries? I hear its common in Lebanon, especially Beirut

Most educated people learn at least a little English in school, so it's not too hard to find. Whenever you're close to tourist or shopping areas, it's more common. Wherever you have lots of oil money, the locals tend to hire out most of the work to people from India/Pakistan and other poorer Asian countries. Because of that almost all the taxi drivers in Dubai speak some English, but it's not as widespread in the less oil-drenched countries like Egypt and Jordan...

It's true everywhere, but basic phrases go a long way in setting people at ease.

**space virgin** · 02-07-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Bacon

one of the main things is my mom blowing a gasket if there's a suicide bombing somewhere else... i guess education is the key...

Does she blow a gasket when she hears about a fatal car crash somewhere in the general vicinity of where you live? Because statistically, and yes it's a cliche, you're far more likely to die in one of those than be a victim of terrorism. Assuming you stay out of Lebanon or Iraq, that is.

**juliagulia** · 02-08-2007, 04:11 PM

I know this is slightly changing the topic, but it made me sick to my stomach when I watched this thing on CNN (or was it FOX?) where they were concerned that Obama's middle name is Hussein, and his last name sounds like Osama. Also that he went to a Muslim/Islamic school when he was younger.

I mean, please, the guy isn't even Muslim (he's Christian), but even if he were, GET OVER IT. A person's heritage doesn't determine their credibility in ANYthing. I thought MLK Jr. went over this...

Anyhow. I'm going to Turkey this summer (although it's only for two-three days, and it's with a tour group). I'm very very excited though.

I hope to go to Eygpt and Iran, though. I have an ex-Uncle who is from Egypt, and my current Uncle is from Iran, and I'm just in love with the Arab culture. The languages, the foods, the architecture (ahh I love mosques).

Anyway. Yay Middle East!

**florencia9699** · 02-09-2007, 06:15 AM

In Beirut you'll find a lot of people who speak English, and even more so that speak French. Beirut is a lovely city.... really the City of Lights of the Middle East. And it's astonnishing to see that, and then turn your head and still see the vestiges of Israeli bombings.

Some Arab phrases that'll help u out (although I swear street vendors know all the languages in the world just to get u to buy anything!!):

Marhaba: hello
Shukran: thank you
Afwan: welcome

I'll ask in my family if anyone remembers "how much does it cost?". It'll come in really handy.... Also take a minute to learn the numbers... they're uber-easy... and sometimes when you really just wanna know the price it's better to look at the tag (if they have it) than ask. If you ask how much something costs it means you're gonna have to buy it... they'll start the bargaining... and particularly in Syria, they'll get offended if you start bargaing and not buy the item in the end.

Remember that althought they read from right to left, the numbers are read from left to right, just like us, so it's really simple once you remember these 10 symbols. And some make sense .... so memorize them!

In Damascus you HAVE to go to the market in the citadel. And there you can buy some f the weirdest things ever and mke great presents to the people back home... The one that struck me the most (and I can't believe that Ian -the guy from Globe Trotter- found it and bought it!!) is the femenine lingerie that plays the happy birthday or Fur Elise on lights that light up like the Christmas tree lights...

**BigE** · 02-10-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florencia9699

In Damascus you HAVE to go to the market in the citadel. And there you can buy some f the weirdest things ever and mke great presents to the people back home... The one that struck me the most (and I can't believe that Ian -the guy from Globe Trotter- found it and bought it!!) is the femenine lingerie that plays the happy birthday or Fur Elise on lights that light up like the Christmas tree lights...

Wow! I really want to see that.

**expatben** · 02-10-2007, 08:41 AM

My Mom is the same way. So I tell her I am going to South America and shes like be careful and its dangerous ect and then I tell her I am going to Bali and she tells me about that night club that was blown up! I just laugh really its all you can do.

**florencia9699** · 02-11-2007, 11:39 AM

Well.. it' always good to know London is so safe no public transportation blew up there....

There are so many things parent's will find to pick on you... if it's not your travelling, then it'll be the mess in your room... if your tidy, it's the friends you have, if your friends are perfect, it's the school grades... there is ALWAYS something... so don't let it get to ya!!

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-23-2007, 12:41 PM

Yeah it's true that more crimes happen over here in North America I guess...

OR... I can lie and NOT tell my mom that I'm going to the ME and tell her, I'm going to some nice safe place, like a French village, where I will eat those torpedo shaped breads and drink wine...

You know I heard somewhere that on average, violent crime rates in Muslim countries are very low compared to Western countries... I wonder if this is true. (Crime being injuries un-related to insurgencies, or state oppression, that is)

**BigE** · 02-23-2007, 12:44 PM

I highly doubt more crimes are committed in North America than anywhere else. It is probable that we prosecute more criminals than anywhere else. Regardless, people are people. They will lie, cheat, steal, etc, to get ahead in life. Just beware.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 02-23-2007, 01:01 PM

It's also likely that crime is under reported by the bulk of non-democratic governments. Many middle eastern countries (and other countries for that matter, not trying to single out the ME) control their press extremely closely as well as most other information that flows in and out. Who do you suppose publishes most statistics that come out of some these countries?

**Canadian Bacon** · 02-23-2007, 01:15 PM

Wow that's true... I never thought of it that way.

But I do remember reading it somewhere that was reputable... maybe its based on UN statistics? I'm too lazy to check

**patchouli Lover** · 02-23-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost in texas

Arabic people are known for their hospitality, and most of the middle east is peaceful and relatively stable.

Arabic people really are awesome. They are some of the sweetest, funniest people I know. My major is Geography and my emphasis is in the ME. I've taken a ton of classes on it by professors who spend a lot of time over there getting to know the people. Also one of my jobs is at a resource center on campus (sort of like a campus run YMCA/boys and girls club) and I deal with a lot of international students, young and old. A good majority are from the ME. I have some what of an Egyptian grandma like woman who always gives me food and asks me how I am doing.

I get really tired of people judging the ME by what they hear on TV and the news. When I tell people that I want to spend some time living in the middle east in the future I get really tired of people's remarks. It makes me want to scream at them to open their mind and not be so damn prejudice!

But then people always fear the unknown. And most really are clueless. They rely too much on what they hear in the media, rather than searching out the truth. I'm hoping to go to Belfast while in Ireland this summer. I haven't made it known but to a few people, but I'm excited. And I figure for those who aren't, well they can screw off.

**space virgin** · 02-23-2007, 11:48 PM

^ I know exactly how you feel... but those reactions aren't surprising on account of (sorry, have to say it) you're in Oklahoma.

**patchouli Lover** · 02-24-2007, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by space virgin

^ I know exactly how you feel... but those reactions aren't surprising on account of (sorry, have to say it) you're in Oklahoma.

LOL.... ya Okies can be sheltered. But actually I also get that same reaction from people in California and 'Vegas when I go home to visit.