| What to expect in Syria: |
| Whether it's morning, noon, or night...expect to be offered Turkish coffee when you're at someone's house (or even if you stop by a friend's shop). When you want to show disapproval, instead of shaking your head back and forth, in Syria, raising your eyebrows and saying "tsk" would suffice. When shopping in stores, expect the owner of the store to be over your head and offering you his help even though you never asked him for it. Or better yet....don't be surprised if he offers his opinion about an article of clothing and how it looks on you. When you're at someone's house, be careful not to show your admiration towards a specific item in the house because the host might be feel obligated to tell you to take it. Women/girls usually greet each other by kissing each other on both cheeks. Don't be surprised if you see grown men walking down the street arm in arm...it's not what you think. In the summer, expect to see people still walking in the streets and shops still open at 3 a.m. Don't be surprised if you hear a bunch of cars beeping at night...it's one of the traditions of a Syrian wedding. Bargain, bargain, bargain!!! (even with taxi drivers) Never show you're fom America when shopping. Fast food in Syria include hot falafel and shawerma sandwiches. |