Local Customs in the Middle East

We asked our driver about some of the local customs in Jordan and the Middle East. Here are a few that we haven’t discussed with you all yet:

• The Muslim custom is to pray 5 times per day. The local mosques all have speakers that project prayers and readings from the Koran starting at about 4am.
• Almost everyone learns at least one other language during their schooling.
• The Jordanians buy their olives from roadside stands right off of the tree and then can (or jar) them at home with water, lemon, and spices. Our driver bought about 60 kilos of olives last year just for his family of two small daughters. Olives are eaten at every meal in Jordan (including breakfast).
• They also buy items like tomatoes in bulk. They would never just buy 3 tomatoes. They buy a large box full and whatever they don’t use right away goes into the freezer for cooking later.
• Public displays of affection are looked down upon but it is not uncommon for woman to hold hands with other woman and men to hold hands with other men as a form of friendship.
• Dinner times outside the US usually don’t start until 8pm or later