There is one advantage of being a woman in Islamic countries, ‘no touchie the lady’. In every country except Turkey, I noticed that those insistent male vendors keep a bit of distance from female tourists. Touching a non-relative female is forbidden. 🥰
Next: love the practical cotton one-piece; Djelabba in Morocco, who knows what name in others. We bought one each in Morocco to wear evenings when we were breaking fast (it was Ramadan) with families.
Next,next: Brilliant to buy small artistic carpets and quality papyrus art. You will look at them *every single day* and have warm memories. Buying from a shop vendor or maker-coop seems to be best for quality. We have done a lot of tea drinking and carpet gazing. 🤣
I have no idea how you found the energy to author a daily report with your very full agenda. Wowzer!!
That's the stressful aspect of travel,but also what gives it that edge of excitement. The risk. Even on a domestic level when trains get cancelled or buses don't turn up it's "think on your feet time". Totally secure travel can make you feel you might as well have stayed at home! Now you can relax and do things you want to at your own pace and time,and Mrs Zoll too.
Interesting peeks into daily economical life here. I was also impressed with the metal Singer sewing machine the tailor was using. I'll bet it's a hundred years old and still works like new. And thank you for the pictures of the galabeyas. So comfortable in hot, dry climates. Do you think some places in the desert portions of the US will adopt them? One thing about them is they protect women from being targets of unwanted touching.
Great points Sue. The fact is the garment is perfectly suited for living in the desert which is what Egypt is. And if I were a woman living there I would certainly keep my head and face covered to protect them from the desiccation of the Simoon, the dreaded desert wind storm. Even if there’s no strong wind the dry air and dust are tough on the skin.
True, dry air can suck the moisture out of your whole body, not just your skin, faster than you can recognize at the time. Suddenly you feel lethargic and parched. I especially experienced this in Tucson, AZ. I've spent most of my life in the Great Basin and there's a huge difference in that climate and living on the coast. In fact, you can feel it subtly just by passing over the Pacific Crest of the Sierra Nevada.
Thanks Paul. Always so nice to have your comments. I had to correct the emailed version to point out that it was actually the Brilliant Wife who negotiated the carpet deal!
Lots to cover here!
First: the souvenir scrum.
There is one advantage of being a woman in Islamic countries, ‘no touchie the lady’. In every country except Turkey, I noticed that those insistent male vendors keep a bit of distance from female tourists. Touching a non-relative female is forbidden. 🥰
Next: love the practical cotton one-piece; Djelabba in Morocco, who knows what name in others. We bought one each in Morocco to wear evenings when we were breaking fast (it was Ramadan) with families.
Next,next: Brilliant to buy small artistic carpets and quality papyrus art. You will look at them *every single day* and have warm memories. Buying from a shop vendor or maker-coop seems to be best for quality. We have done a lot of tea drinking and carpet gazing. 🤣
I have no idea how you found the energy to author a daily report with your very full agenda. Wowzer!!
Always happy to be your behind the scenes helper! You guys make it enjoyable!!! ❤️ glad the updates were helpful!!
Thanks again Sonya!
That's the stressful aspect of travel,but also what gives it that edge of excitement. The risk. Even on a domestic level when trains get cancelled or buses don't turn up it's "think on your feet time". Totally secure travel can make you feel you might as well have stayed at home! Now you can relax and do things you want to at your own pace and time,and Mrs Zoll too.
So true Jane! Who wants boring?
Interesting peeks into daily economical life here. I was also impressed with the metal Singer sewing machine the tailor was using. I'll bet it's a hundred years old and still works like new. And thank you for the pictures of the galabeyas. So comfortable in hot, dry climates. Do you think some places in the desert portions of the US will adopt them? One thing about them is they protect women from being targets of unwanted touching.
Great points Sue. The fact is the garment is perfectly suited for living in the desert which is what Egypt is. And if I were a woman living there I would certainly keep my head and face covered to protect them from the desiccation of the Simoon, the dreaded desert wind storm. Even if there’s no strong wind the dry air and dust are tough on the skin.
True, dry air can suck the moisture out of your whole body, not just your skin, faster than you can recognize at the time. Suddenly you feel lethargic and parched. I especially experienced this in Tucson, AZ. I've spent most of my life in the Great Basin and there's a huge difference in that climate and living on the coast. In fact, you can feel it subtly just by passing over the Pacific Crest of the Sierra Nevada.
As always David a great essay on part of your trip. And I also got a nice company to be a travel guide if I ever make it across the "Big Ditch"
Thanks Paul. Always so nice to have your comments. I had to correct the emailed version to point out that it was actually the Brilliant Wife who negotiated the carpet deal!