10 Sudan Society Rules

First published February 9, 2010

Ready to go to the market

2 weeks in-country and we're learning a few tips about how the culture works here in Khartoum. Granted, since we're foreigners we could dress however we wanted, but the idea here is to earn their respect and thus a place in their community. So we gladly align ourselves with the following guidelines (for the womenfolk):

1. Wear a headscarf in all public areas.
2. Do not keep prolonged eye contact with men even in conversations.
3. Skirts are to the ankles.
4. Shirts are below the bum and sleeves are passed the elbows. (Sudanese men love elbows.)
5. Never buy tea from the tea lady who sits under the tree.
6. Girls must always outnumber guys in a group when in public or sit separately.
7. "Loose hair; loose morals." Hair should be clipped up.
8. Ironing is a must. Wrinkles and sloppiness are not appreciated.
9 The shinier the bling, the better for special occasions.
10. Flip flops are considered bathroom shoes.

Bonus tip:  Never cross your legs.  It's seductive.

Eat your heart out,  Jackie O.!