Question answered by Ahmed Roushdy, Middle East/Africa Coordinator at PTPI’s Middle East/Africa office in Cairo.
3. The author writes primarily of his observations of Australian culture and people, rarely speaking with or quoting Australians. Would you like this book if it were written about your own country?
In my opinion, to be able to understand and grasp the culture, values and norms of any country, we have to sit down with different groups of people of this country to be able to really determine and analyze the country we are visiting. I personally do this when I get to travel – I just enjoy riding a cab and talking to the driver about everything from politics and economics to some fun things to do while visiting. One great value is to have a friend or someone locally to take you around, they know best. How can you meet locals if you are visiting somewhere new? (Maybe join or start a PTPI Chapter in your community or attend a conference or event anywhere in the world – PTPI supporters from different parts of the world attend PTPI programs. This is a great way to meet people from different countries and cultures or apply for a homestay program if you are part of a chapter).
If this book was written about my country (Egypt), I think it would have had irrelevant information. In Egypt and throughout the Middle East, an integral part of our culture and the way to really understand it is through the people. You can talk with anyone on the streets, in your hotel, the taxi driver or just shop sellers. We are considered friendly, helpful and generous. (It is known that if you are with an Arab, you don’t have to worry about the bill.) What I am sure about is when you get to travel to Egypt or the Middle East, you will be integrated into the culture and become very interactive with the people, because it is part of our own culture to welcome foreigners, give them guidance and start long conversations, so be ready.
The opinions expressed by PTPI staff and other book club members are entirely their own and are not necessarily the views of People to People International or that of PTPI’s Officers, Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.