Wheat Harvests: Hats

The part of the world that we live in is a mix of different cultures. There are so many people who live in our city that are originally from surrounding countries. I believe I heard somewhere that only about 30% of the population is originally from this country. So, while the country that we currently live in is not all that conservative comparatively, those from surrounding countries bring in their more conservative traditions and attire. We also live in a fairly touristy city. Many people filter through daily from Europe, and they bring with them their liberal, scandalous for this culture, attire. So where does that leave me? What is considered conservative and modest in the States is okay for some of the cultures here, but not for others.

The major issue is the shabab, or young guys. They are not used to seeing girls, so when they do they don't know how to handle themselves. When I go out with Andrew, there is usually no problem except for a lot of staring, but when I go out with my girl friends, it can get a little more uncomfortable (don't worry, it's nothing too bad just lots of people staring and sometimes people saying things to us). I would say that 95% of the local women all cover their heads with a hajab or head scarf. All of those women are also Muslim. Another American girl who lives here and I have been trying to figure out a way to dress modestly in this culture, but also not come across as being a Muslim. Our new solution: hats! We don't wear them all the time. Mainly when we go into more conservative areas of town or go out in the evening together without our husbands. We like to think we are invisible with our hats, unfortunately we are not, but I do think it helps a bit.

Well, all that ranting to say: I am excited about the fact that I just ordered this