http://www.arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=58147&d=28&m=1&y=2005
Friday, 28, January, 2005 (17, Dhul Hijjah, 1425)
Saudis Have No Reason to Feel Annoyed When Foreigners Treat Them
Differently
Safinaz Z. Murshid, Arab News
I have finally been back to Cairo after four years. Egypt is a place you
like completely or dislike in the same way. For me, it has always had a special
place in my heart. The country and the people are certainly different from the
rest of the world. Cairo is a city that never sleeps and Egyptians are
acclaimed for their wittiness. Even the overcrowding and traffic jams add a
unique flavor to the place.
I was so overwhelmed by my feelings as I set my foot on Egyptian soil
that I promised to reunite my memories with my vision. On my way to the hotel,
my eyes were wandering to catch a glimpse of the people and the streets. My
first impression was that not much had changed since my last visit.
I checked into the hotel and then took a hotel cab. I had no intention of
wasting any time. On my way to a shisha cafe I knew very well, the cab driver
asked the usual question: "So where are you from? Saudi?" Next thing I knew the
fare for a 10-minute drive was over 40 Egyptian pounds. My sister quickly
pulled the money out of her purse and handed it to the driver. The last thing
she wanted was an argument on our first day out. Again, I assured myself,
saying not much had changed. I am not a first timer in Cairo and I certainly
know how to handle this.
During the very few days I spent in Cairo, I had to face similar
situations. Prices were doubled or even tripled when I was recognized as a
Saudi. Although it may feel unnatural, we sometimes switch to the Egyptian
dialect or let our Egyptian friends speak for us in order to get a reasonable
price. For one like me who loves Egyptians, I find this awfully unfair. And
sadly, Egypt is not the only place where this happens. Perhaps Saudis in other
countries too experience similar problems.
It is so ironic realizing that we are looked at as gold mines or oil
wells and it is just assumed that every Saudi lives in an extravagant way. No
one seems to be aware that a sizable proportion of our society lives below the
poverty line. We are still considered millionaires with money to burn - or at
least throw away. Even by our neighbors who should know better. On second
thought, however, speaking frankly, Saudis themselves have gone a long way in
creating this image.
We have all seen individuals who work hard throughout the year and spend
very little so that they can travel lavishly when the time comes. I have
absolutely no objection to treating oneself, especially on a vacation, but
sometimes people take it to extremes. Take leaving huge tips for example or
thinking that any problem can be solved by money.
On more than one occasion, I noticed that when the service was bad and
one wanted to complain the first sentence is "I am paying good money for this
you know; I am not getting it for free" or "Just tell me how much and let's get
it over with." Saudis also reserve tables in cafes and restaurants in strange
ways. A table is reserved with money per hour with a late show or no shows at
all. What matters after all is the name tag of the person on the table.
Before I went to Cairo this time, a friend gave me the number of a person
who provides a unique service. "Just give her the passports and she will do the
stamping for you so you don't have to wait in line. A 200 pound tip will do."
Now why on earth would I consider such a service? Would it make me less of a
person if I stood in line with other people? Apparently, some ask for such
services.
Traveling is at the top of my leisure activities. Seeing different
places, getting to know other cultures and meeting new people - these are all
fascinating to me. To others, I have noticed, traveling is a chance to show off
and brag. Egypt is very popular with this group and Egypt's standard of living
seems to encourage show-offs and braggarts. As I am writing, I recall the Saudi
man who was cruising down one of Cairo's main streets in his Maybach with a
huge Saudi flag hung on the back of the car. How I wish that that flag had been
there only for patriotic reasons.
We naturally feel annoyed when we are treated differently but the truth
is, most of us want to be treated differently. Some really enjoy creating these
wasteful image of us and our world, believing that doing so will make us
important and envied. All of us of course pay the price for the behavior of the
few. In any case, the next time we complain of being ripped off, we should stop
and consider why.
* * *
(Safinaz Z. Murshid is a Saudi writer. She is based in Riyadh.)
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