Social Interactions 117One of the Family
Probably one of the most disconcerting events I experienced when
I passed by a friend’s house developed when I was invited for the
afternoon meal. I duly went for lunch, enjoyed the meal, and settled
down for what I thought was going to be a short visit following
the meal. After we had chatted for a few minutes, my hosts (who
followed the Egyptian custom of napping in the afternoon) offered
me a room to take a nap. My initial response was to panic and try to
leave immediately, because I thought I had overstayed my welcome. I
defi nitely had to fi ght the urge to run. In retrospect, I realise that they
simply wanted me to stay for a longer visit, assumed that I followed
their tradition of napping, and were treating me as a family member
and valued friend. I was ‘welcome’ in their home. But to me, since I
was not a house-guest, it was totally unfathomable that I should go
to someone’s house and take a nap.Baksheesh and Tipping
Baksheesh and tipping are two entirely separate things to
Egyptians although Arabic dictionaries and tourist guide
books usually denote them as synonymous. It is especially
difficult around tourist areas to distinguish baksheesh from
tipping. This is compounded by the fact that every local
knows the guide books use the words synonymously.
Baksheesh are technically gifts for the poor, a handout or
alms. Beggars of all ages throughout Egypt approach you saying,
“Baksheesh! Baksheesh!” At first it is very difficult to turn down
someone who looks quite helpless and needy—especially if it
is a ragged, dirty little child. Very rapidly you will be able to
distinguish between the ones that are sent out to hit on any
foreigner who appears from others. Let your conscience be
your guide regarding giving money, but remember one thing:
if you give to one person, you will likely find many others
immediately surrounding you asking for money. If someone
is truly handicapped, you should always give a little something
to help them—this is likely their only means of support.
Tipping, on the other hand, is considered proper and
appropriate for any small service rendered. They have given
you something (a service) and you should reciprocate (a tip).
Most of the time people are quite courteous if you fail to give
them a tip when they deem it appropriate, and simply remind
you with a palm up gesture. If they speak your language,