Rules n' such

Some of you have asked about the rules. Here's a brief list of things I have to constantly think about.

• Must be in before dark
• Always have your elbowscovered
• Wear long skirts or leggings that can cover your ankles
• Don’t smile or laugh a lot when you’re talking to a man, so they don’t see you as flirtatious
• Never walk alone to work or other places
• No staring at men in the eyes
• Never initiate conversations with men and engage them
• Don’t play with your hair in public
• Be careful with how you position your feet (showing the soles of your feet to someone is offensive)
• Don’t run or hurry
• Only run in the park where women can run for exercise
• Don’t play soccer with the cute kids 
• These kids are allowed to be outside after dark. Think about this: they're half my age and they have a later curfew. Never thought I would want to switch places with an eight-year-old before)
• Always take your shoes off before entering a house or office.
• Don’t forget to carry your Visa on you at all times
• Never ride in a taxi by yourself
• Don’t shake anyone’s hand (yea, definitely learned that one the first weekend I was here)

The whole goal in upholding the rules and dressing appropriately is to avoid culturally offending anyone. For women visiting this culture, you want to be seen as a respectable woman. That's what I'm trying to do, despite my mistakes here and there. Wish me luck.