Dreamweaverrs Ponderings

 Read here about Two Britons Jailed for Sex on Dubai Beach

Along this subject, there are a few really basic rules of thumb to follow when you travel to another place, even one closer to your own home sometimes. These are sort of no brainers, but obviously not everyone uses their head all the time:

1.    1.    Do a little background research about the place you are going to, ask around, and talk to people who have been there or who are from there. Look it up online. Find out what their rules and standards of behavior are, especially in places known for strict religious or other guidelines, if there is any chance you might be tempted to be affectionate in a public place. Once you are there be observant. If no one else is doing it, it’s a pretty safe bet it’s a no no there. They have their laws for their own reasons. Don’t go over expecting everything to be the same as it is where you came from. You have to respect their rules. You are on their playing field. They have the baseball mitt. They made the rules. This isn’t a case of getting in the umpire’s face because you disagreed with the call. This is a different league.

2.    2.    Sex and relationships are really touchy subjects in many countries in the world. It might be a good idea to behave out in public the way you would want someone behaving in front of your small children and adding in that you are a really, really strict parent. It is a good way to gauge things until you know what each country’s mores and moral laws are. It might save a visit to the local jail too, maybe a really long one. It might even save your life.

3.    3.    If you break their moral code, don’t be surprised if there is a repercussion for actions they deem inappropriate and even illegal. Oh and some of their jail systems aren’t anywhere near as nice as the ones in say, The United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, even though the whole system  needs a major overhaul in those places. You really don’t want to even see some of them, much less experience them as an inmate first hand. They have their own rules and ideas of basic human comforts and necessities for inmates in some of those places too. If you think the rules that put you in there are unfair, wait until you experience the ones inside.

4.    4.    Sometimes even a kiss or holding hands in some countries can land you in major trouble that gets your name into international headlines and makes you look really, hmm how should I say this diplomatically…Oh I guess I won’t because I can’t say it nicely, but you get the gist of my meaning.

5.    5.   If you don’t like their rules, don’t play in their field.”When in Rome…”

6.    6.    Use the three R’s, rules, respect and restraint. It will save you from dealing with the other big R, repercussions.