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| Goat herders in the streets of Cairo, Egypt. |
People
Since there are so many people packed together in the Middle East, part of everyday activity is being compassionate and kind to others to make the best of a crowded life (except during rush hour!). From what I have read, this region is a huge melting pot. There are many different religious and ethnic groups in The Middle East. Individuals try not to judge others based on their differences.
In the Middle East, women are inferior to men. In Judaism and Islam, women are not allowed to pray alongside men, if they are allowed to pray at all. Muslim women must wear full body cover and a veil, but in some cases women are allowed to wear a hijab and leave their faces uncovered.
Jewish women, especially within the Sephardic group, are expected to dress modestly and often cover their hair.
In the Middle East, women are inferior to men. In Judaism and Islam, women are not allowed to pray alongside men, if they are allowed to pray at all. Muslim women must wear full body cover and a veil, but in some cases women are allowed to wear a hijab and leave their faces uncovered.
Jewish women, especially within the Sephardic group, are expected to dress modestly and often cover their hair.
Transportation
Throughout my research I have found that in the Middle East, the growing population demands a huge array of complicated transportation systems. Each day people use trolleys, buses, taxis, cars, boats and even camels to travel their various routes. I had better be prepared for a lot of competition when it comes to getting a ride.The metro system is the most reliable transportation method in Cairo and is used most often. The buses are usually crowded, inaccurate, and often late. I have also heard there are many taxis, but judging from travel websites, it doesn't seem like a good idea to take one since the drivers like to rip off tourists!
Changes to Adapt to On My Trip
It seems extremely hard to adapt to the Middle East after living in the United States for so long. The Middle East's stand on environmental issues is supposed to be close to that of Mexico's, so the government does not enforce emission laws like we do in the United States. Several health websites recommend being prepared for the huge amount of air pollution.
The temperature is close to Atlanta's temperature, so it will be easy to pack. I will need sunscreen because it is the desert and the sun can become quite hot.
I am excited about trying Middle Eastern cuisine. The food should be easy to adapt to, but if all else fails, there are fast food chains posted throughout the world including Mecca, Jerusalem, and Cairo. I can't wait to have a Sausage Egg McMuffin by the Grand Pyramids of Giza.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Israel is a high security war zone. Apparently, the country is subject to terrorist attacks, foreign attack, and religious-based rioting. Since the Israeli government has such a hard time with violence in their country, they formed the IDF who has defended them through five wars. The IDF is a heavily armed military force whose sole purpose is to protect the state of Israel. It is also used as border patrol and officers are posted at checkpoints all along the border. Just because you are an American foreigner doesn't mean you get to pass into the country easily. In fact most Americans are interrogated for long periods or have technological equipment confiscated before they can enter the country.
Daily Life In Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Travel sites say daily life in Egypt's cities is fast and crowded, but for travelers who know how to get around, it is a culturally rich and beautiful place. Pollution is a main factor in Egypt, and if you are coming out of New York, Cairo would make your city seem sanitary. Various websites state that living in one of Egypt's cities for one year, will take six months of recovery for your lungs. The streets are supposed to be crowded with people, cars, and street vendors, making living in Egypt a hazard to your health.
Israel
Israel is a country teeming with religion and war. In order to deal with everyday life, people must follow their religion dutifully, and stay aware of riots and war. According to various websites, there are so many religious sites that are equally important to a Jews, Muslims, and Christians that the different religions try to claim these sights as their own, causing riots and retaliation. Most Israelis have to right in the middle of these conflicts.
82% of all Israel is Jewish. 16% is Muslim, with the remaining 2% of the population being Christian. Within the Jewish majority are ethnic divisions between the Ashkenasim (Jews of European descent), the Sephardic (Jews of Mediterranean descent), and Oriental (Jews from Africa and Asia). There are many struggles within the three groups over religious practices, jobs, money, and educational opportunities.
82% of all Israel is Jewish. 16% is Muslim, with the remaining 2% of the population being Christian. Within the Jewish majority are ethnic divisions between the Ashkenasim (Jews of European descent), the Sephardic (Jews of Mediterranean descent), and Oriental (Jews from Africa and Asia). There are many struggles within the three groups over religious practices, jobs, money, and educational opportunities.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's everyday life is by far the most different from the other countries. The majority of Saudi Arabia is desert, and the rest is urban areas. Along with Israel Saudi Arabia has stood as a home for terrorists. There are also many religious sites but less conflict over them. Mecca is home to some of these sites, and contains the Al-Haram mosque, the holiest mosque in the world. Daily life for Saudi Arabians is similar to that of Egyptians. There are more nomads in Saudi Arabia than in Egypt, but they live the same way. City life in Saudi Arabia is also very similar to Egypt's, being equally polluted.
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| Israeli Defense Forces at work in Gaza. |
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| Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall |
Jerusalem as a whole is a disputed holy territory between Jews and Muslims. For hundreds of years, Muslims and Jews have been fighting for rights to this land. Two examples of this age-old conflict are the Haram al Sharif (or Dome of the Rock), and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
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| A Muslim worshipper at the Dome of the Rock |
The Dome of the Rock is the third holiest site on Earth to Muslims because it is the place where Muhammad was deemed to have jumped to the heavens on his horse. The only problem with the temple to Jews, is that the 35 acre complex is covering what is believed to be the ruins of the Second Temple which is supposed to be the site where King David kept the Ark of the Covenant and where Abraham almost sacrificed his son, Isaac.
Today the Palestinians control the running of the Dome of the Rock, but Israeli soldiers control all of the security, including every entrance and all video surveillance. Though this would seem like a compromise, there is much tension and distrust over the well being and security of such an important monument to both religions.
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| Services at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre |
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is supposedly built over the site where Jesus' resurrection took place. Because the conflicts between the Israelis and the Palestinians have been so violent for so long, the Christian population has dwindled down to 2% overall. Since there are so few Christians in Jerusalem, there is almost no representation for this holy site in the middle of most negotiations between Muslims and Jews.
