I had also worked in the Middle East. I was in Iran in 1980 when the American hostages were been held, and was working in Oman in 1982 and 83.
Although Oman is located right beside Saudi Arabia, and they are both Muslim, the differences between them are almost like day and night. You did not have any of the restrictions that you find in Saudi. They had liqueur stores and bars in all of the hotels. Women did not have to cover up, and they could work and drive. One could buy gold crucifixes in the markets, and there were Christian churches.
I was also in the Philippines. Away from Manila, that place is like the Wild West. There are guns everywhere. Small stores have armed guards. Banks had guards armed with M16s sitting at tables just outside of the main door, with signs reading “Please check your guns before entering the Bank”. On News Years it seemed that everyone was firing their guns into the air. It sounded just a major war was going on. Oh yes, guns were often used to settle minor disputes.
As was said in the Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home (Canada).
|
23-10-05, 15:19
Hybrid Mode
