Post by underwaterrhymes on Aug 28, 2014 17:46:28 GMT -5
A hijab is not necessary, but definitely respectful. It's only necessary to cover your head if you're going into a mosque, however keep your shoulders and legs covered whenever you're out and about.
Post by pantaloons55 on Aug 28, 2014 17:51:01 GMT -5
I don't wear one, but I know women who do. It would be considered respectful, as well as the modest clothing. Nothing offensive with what you've described doing. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Any type of long wide scarf should work to cover your head and hair. You may want to look into some maxi skirts depending on whether you'll be touring any religious sites.
I would buy 1-2 online and buy some at a market when you're there. Do you have a local store that sells them--they would probably be helpful with showing you how to wear them.
You do not have to wear a hijab around the city, only when at a mosque out pf respect. I wear the hijab, not the traditional style, more like a headwrap/ turban, and I get most of mine from H&M and forever 21.
Dress modestly and you'll be fine, I just started covering my hair a year ago, and would regularly go to Egypt with my long hair down and in t-shirts and jeans.
Also, there are kimono style jackets everywhere right now, buy a couple and you can throw them over jeans and a t-shirt or tank and you'll be good. And have a couple of scarves to wrap loosely around your neck if you plan to wear anything scoop or v-neck.
Nothing new to add that hasn't already been said. Modest clothing is great and honestly you don't need to buy a specific hijab that's meant to be one. Any scarf from H&M or even target would work
The only place I had to wear a head covering was in a mosque, but it was more like a gown with a hood attached that the mosque supplied. Definitely a good idea to wear modest clothing. Are you going to be sticking to mainly tourist areas? You will look good compared to many Western tourists who wear shorts and tank tops.
Post by snakeoiltanker on Aug 28, 2014 19:26:13 GMT -5
I went to Egypt in 2009 and I wore a hijab and modest clothing everyday all day. I had read that Cairo was more progressive and I was a little on the fence about wether or not a full head covering was necessary, but like you I had some bright color in my hair, so decided to err on the side of respect with the added benefit of blending in.
I'm so glad that I did. I was thanked many times by people I encountered for wearing the hijab. We were backpacking with no tour guides, and a small budget. We were often the only tourists in the places we would frequent, but we were really embraced by people and it definetly seemed like they appreciated the show of respect. I can't ever talk about our trip to Egypt without saying that I have never been treated more kindly by strangers in my entire life.
I just wore regular scarves all though I did end up buying a pack of pins because I never really got the wrapping down well enough that my scarf wouldn't slip without a pin or two. You can buy special scarfs that are shaped for certain wraps or that have Velcro in them. If I had to do it again I would probably go that route. Just for the convenience of it.
I've traveled to Egypt and Turkey, and would suggest just stick to a scarf. You'll see a lot of women draping those, and at a glance may think you're seeing a hijab. I always kept one on me. I don't think your hair color would make you a target, honestly.
I stuck to long pants and layers up top. Short sleeves were really uncommon. Most skirts were ankle length.
Amman is one of the most progressive cities in the Middle East. You won't need a hijab or to worry about your hair color unless you go to religious places or less populated places. My family has a house there and my white, blond American mom never wore a scarf. She got some looks in certain neighborhoods, but for the most part was fine. That was 15 years ago before my parents divorce. It's more westernized now.
Please tell me you are going to Petra. I spent many summers there and love it. Have a great trip!
As for tying one ( if you need to wear one) just fold whatever scarf you have into a triangle and pin it under your chin with the point towards your back.
How exciting! DH is from Amman. I want to take the girls so bad and also meet the rest of my in-laws. We are hoping to go next year or the year after.
Like the others said. I would just carry it with you at all times in case you feel you need it. I would probably not wear it unless we are in a religious place, but I would also probably ask my husband his opinion before we get to certain places.