Social Interactions 119A final example relates to children. Once I was busily
taking pictures around Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and, since you
should always ask people if it is OK, I asked some children
if I could take their pictures. All children love to have their
picture taken (though women usually don’t) and so, of
course, they posed. Afterwards, they surrounded me asking
for baksheesh. A nearby shopkeeper saw them around me
and came out yelling at them to leave me alone. I insisted
to the shopkeeper that they had given me something (their
picture) and I wanted to give them something back. At first,
he still did not want me to give them anything because they
were ‘begging’, but finally he understood (I think) that it was
really only reciprocation on my part.
Gifts
Gifts are a tough one. Knowing who to give gifts and what
to give sometimes seems challenging. Several occasions
warrant small gifts. When leaving for Egypt, take small gifts
for special people you will meet in Egypt. Gifts should be
nice, but need not be terribly expensive. If you come from
a particular region known for a special product, something
along these lines would be quite acceptable. For example, I
am from Texas, so I usually take along a variety of Texana
gifts ranging from coffee-table books to trivets decorated
with Texas wildflowers for special occasions. Fine writing
pens are always a safe gift for men.
It is also a generally accepted practice to take something
to your hostess when being entertained at someone’s home.
Taking flowers is a custom in many parts of the United States
and other Western countries, but probably best avoided in
Egypt unless it is something you absolutely know the hostess
would like. Unfortunately, until you have been there quite a
long time, you probably won’t know the protocol regarding
colour, flower variety or arrangement, and you could
easily go to one of the local flower stands and get a funeral
arrangement as a wedding or table arrangement. Sweets,
candy or nuts are a good bet. Most sweet shops will package
your gift in a box with a nice ribbon for you to take to your
hostess. By the way, do not take something perishable or you