Don't Believe What You Read

Perhaps sensing my discomfort, N's husband, the only man present, makes an effort to welcome me.

In the company, now, of both a native and an expat (A), I broach the subject of Oman taboos that I had read about on the internet. They laugh at me.

Taboo one: Only use your right hand. The reality: my host holds his beverage in his left hand. Sure, if you're meeting someone, extend your right hand, as you would in the U.S., but otherwise...don't sweat it.

Taboo two: Don't expose the bottoms of your feet. The reality: rubbish. If you're wearing shoes, act naturally. On the other hand, if you're at someone's home, eating on the floor, barefoot, don't stick your feet out. But that's common sense anywhere.

Taboo three: Don't discuss pet dogs: Omani don't care for them. The reality: A owns three dogs. My host owns two.

Taboo four: Muslims don't consume alcohol. The reality? Who knows. A confides that her husband enjoys his wine when at home. But that's an N of one.

Dinner is served, buffet-style. Having spent a large portion of my existence in Minnesota, where spices are outlawed, I savor the mint, cumin, tumeric, etc.,

A and one of her sisters-in-law (who resembles Selma Hayek) and I engage in a fun conversation while eating: I asked them about the discernable differences between peoples of different Arab nations. I've struck oil. I learn that men's head garb differs by nation. I now know that Kuwaiti women can be identified by their aggressive walk. And Saudi women act coquettish (not in a good way). And, this catty little nugget: Dubai women wear their hair in only two hairstyles: parted on the side and swept down across their forehead, or swept up across their forehead, 80's hair-band style (A and Selma clearly disapprove of these hairstyles). I will test their observations tomorrow.