Saudi Society

My sister-in-law and i were talking the other day about the Saudi society, and how she was having trouble adjusting (she's European, and she's been here for only a year or so).. and i was trying as much as i can to explain to her a few things..

Being not much of a fan myself of the Saudi culture, mentality, society and traditions, conversations like this tend to show me how much i like/hate certain things.. here are a few things that i truly do appreciate about certain saudi traditions..

- segragation of sexes: I know this sounds weird coming from me, but there are certain places where men and women should NOT be allowed to mingle.. e.g. GYMS. I'm sorry, but it feels really weird when ur trying to work out ur gluteal muscles (a.k.a. ass!) and u basically look like something out of a black rap video, and there's a GUY next to u.. umm.. thanks, but no thanks.. i'll pass

- the norm is having groups of just girls hanging out in public places: this way, you get to hang out more often and therefore be closer to your "girlfriends".. i mean, no matter how "cool" and "laidback" you are, there are certain things that can NOT be discussed in front of guys.. and let's be real, 20 years from now, how likely is it that you'll still be friends with those guys? on the other hands, girlfriends last a lifetime.. :) all i'm trying to say is, this "style" of socializing offers a better bonding between girlfriends.. something i found missing in many other cultures..

- wearing an Abaya and Tarha: yes, again, coming from me, this is odd. It does have an advantage though... you get to wear what you want to wear under it, not what your girlfriends think is cool, what guys think is hot, bla bla bla.. so basically, if you're a person who likes to take care of herself and dress nicely and fix her hair even under the Abaya and Tarha, congratulations! you will never run into a rut where you'll stop dressing nicely and hang out in a bathrobe all day long at home.. this might have the opposite effect though.. that since no one sees what you're wearing, you'll dress like crap all the time.. :/ depends on your personality i guess.. And just to clarify one thing, i do NOT agree on the concept of the Abaya, i think it's a horrible idea that makes what Mao did to the Chinese sound "nice" and "logical".. but this is called looking at the silver lining i guess..