Cultural Lesson #1

Jordan, in many ways is a liberal country as far as women’s rights and their position in society.

I see women on the streets in hijabs and in full Saudi abayas, some women even wear socks and gloves so that not one piece of their body shows except their eyes.

On the hand, many young women simply wear a hijab with jeans and shirts. And they are often tight tight jeans. Generally Jordanian women cover their arms and their legs.

Other young women do not cover their hair.

And, of course, there's the International women that wear pretty much anything except shorts and tank tops.

Men and women are seen on the street together and in the shops and restaurants. They usually are not holding hands or hugging and kissing.

Young unmarried women live with their parents and don't date. 

One of the school's male teachers came with us to an overnight outing. None of the women teachers came. We were told that it would not be possible for the women to stay away from home at night, particularly if men were around.

Men and women do not sleep together before marriage. If they do, it is a big secret.

This past week a female member of the International community at school decided to have a male friend to her hotel room, presumably to spend the night.  At midnight, the young Egyptian who handed out keys, cleaned as needed and generally watched out for the tenants, came to the room. He told the visitor that he had to leave.  "This is forbidden." 

The visitor explained that he and his lady friend were just studying.  The "concierge" replied, "then go to a cafe." And repeated "this is forbidden."  And thus the evening ended.

Jordan is a liberal country, yes, in many ways, compared to other parts of the world,  but certain behavior is "forbidden."