Ayahuasca Ceremony

Travelling solo … as far as you want to



“But I just want to kiss you, why can’t I?” he said, looking at me with his big, chocolate-brown eyes.

This guy had followed me from a café in Marrakech back to my hotel. Twenty years ago this might have been a little tempting but several very good reasons why I should resist sprang to mind: you are old enough to be my son, I am not interested, I am married, we are in a Muslim culture and, last but not least, this is ridiculous! But I wanted to make it clear that, although I was on my own, I was not a sex tourist, so I said, “I don’t want to kiss you and you should respect me.” (“But thanks for flattering a 40-something-year-old by asking,” I thought.)

Solo travel as a blonde female has its ups and downs but I have to say, in my experience, it has, for the most part, been an up, especially in Muslim countries. In a foreign culture, we are on our guard more than at home and often perceive situations as being more dangerous than they really are. However, most of the time, as long as you have a good attitude, act like you know what you are doing and have a sense of humour, you will go far. Or at least, as far as you want to …

Having travelled in many Muslim cultures in the past five years – from Iran to Jordan, Egypt to Mali and Morocco – I have to admit I love travelling in these places alone. I feel like I am part of one big family. People chat openly to me, they invite me home for dinner or a mint tea, and both men and women look after me (whether I need looking after or not!) Once, I was on a train in Morocco fast asleep and a young couple woke me just to show me photos of their family and to share their food. On the same train, a man gave me his SIM card to use in my mobile. In Mali, I was invited home for a Muslim feast called Tabaski, where a goat is slaughtered and eaten. On an overnight train ride in Egypt, an old woman vigilantly whacked the Egyptian guy who was sleeping in the seat beside me just to warn him off thinking that so much as an arm hair of his could touch me. In Iran, I was spontaneously given gifts in a rug shop. Hospitality and caring for your neighbour is a strong part of the Muslim culture. I am treated with respect, consideration and, sometimes, just plain curiosity!

A little understanding goes a long way when travelling and trying to understand cultural differences. In Muslim cultures, males and females are kept fairly separate until marriage. They see Western movies and European tourists and make assumptions about us and our sexual habits. They see Western females in skimpy clothing. They see Western couples openly showing affection, holding hands and hugging. Being human, Muslim guys probably just want a little of that action, and who can blame them!

The oldest trick in the book of wearing a wedding ring and saying you are married doesn’t seem to fool anyone these days, whether it is true or not. My advice to anyone travelling in the Muslim world: dress conservatively, behave appropriately, don’t flirt, be respectful and, most importantly, maintain a sense of humour. A smile, a courteous but firm ‘No thanks’ and a joke will get you out of most uncomfortable situations.

Julie Paterson
www.VenusAdventures.Travel