Dressed for Success

Even before arriving in Saudi Arabia, we were very careful to navigate the social norms and behaviors of Western women coming into an Islamic society. Our first day was definitely a trial run and as to be expected, we weren't perfect the first time around....

Never ones to draw attention to ourselves we discovered that everyone in the restaurant where we dined for lunch - including the other western women-was staring at us. We had been told by hotel staff that we did not need to wear abayas inside the hotel walls. We asked Alejandro to confirm this with restaurant staff and were told that we should, indeed, be wearing them. Big Oops! We felt quite embarrassed and concerned that we had unintentionally broken a social norm that may have made those around us uncomfortable.

Thus began our first day robed in abayas and head scarves. . . .

Our overall experience has prompted much discussion within our group with each of the women having a very different perspective. Some of us were very self aware and uncomfortable while others felt more integrated. Overall our initial first impressions of the abaya include:

• They are super comfortable
• We don't need to wear sunscreen
• There is no need to think about what we are wearing!
• We can eat as much delicious Mediterranean food as we want!

Tomorrow we are visiting a women's university. It will be a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the women behind the abaya.....