Arabic Gestures

Greeting

The most common gesture of greeting - a handshake, followed by a mark of respect and attention, the Arabs press one's right hand to the heart. This is a very old and beautiful gesture, it runs quickly, lightly touching the chest with fingers. If relations are very warm and close, then after exchanging handshakes people embrace, pressing the cheeks to each other. From a distance, seeing his good friend, an Arab raises his hand, palm forward and greets him, waving the hand.


Expression of friendship

In order to express friendship, the Arabs escort their speech with a special gesture: both index fingers of both hands are pressed together with outer sides, the other fingers are clenched. Pressed index finger slightly rubbing against each other. With this gesture the Arab shows how a person is close to him. Index finger are brothers!


Compliment

Arabs are not stingy with the praise, but as far as it is sincere, it's hard to judge. Very often the compliments said to the other party is an ancient oriental tradition. In any case, to hear a good word in one's address is always nice.

The next gesture is used to express admiration for the exterior of his companion, and often refers to women, although often addressed to men. Let's call it the "dimple": the right index finger makes a fast rotation in a clockwise direction on the right cheek in the place of the imaginary dimple - a finger, as it indicates the presence of dimples on the cheek of man, which is very loved by the Arabs. The gesture is accompanied by a number of replicas and compliments to the companion.

Asking again, misunderstanding

Gesture "the lamp" is used when the sides are at any distance from each other. The performance of the gesture is very similar to the process of twisting the lamps, but it is made quickly. Right hand is moving towards the partner and put together in such a way as if someone has a lamp in the hand. With questioning look on the face with the hand it is made a fast rotational-spin clockwise motion.


Annoyance, dissatisfaction

Gesture "click": the tip of the right thumb a little pressed to the tip of the middle finger, index finger at the same time is in the relaxed state. Make any sudden movements with the hand down, with the index finger with a force hits the middle finger. The effect of gesture is that when it is satisfied there is a loud click, even a clap, hand while should not be too tight, otherwise the clap will not work. The sharp movement of the hand can be performed once or several times, depending on the degree of dissatisfaction and frustration, in which the man-more movement, the more people dissatisfied.


Satisfaction

Gesture "angle": the tips of thumb and forefinger of the right hand contact with each other, forming a ring, the other fingers are exposed forward. With the wrist of the hand, top to bottom and from left to right, draw in the air right angle, while the hand itself is at the chest level. The gesture is usually accompanied by satisfaction words.

Belly dance has many roots...

Long before our time, the Egyptians invented such a wonderful art form as a belly dance. It is believed that this dance is traditional for the Middle East. Many people believe that belly dance is merely erotic in nature, but this view is incorrect. Belly Dance in the Middle East is a symbol of love and respect for the person to whom it is intended. The beauty of dance and striking beauty is visible even to those who have a misconception about this form of art.

Images of dancing people can be seen on the frescoes of the ancient temples of Mesopotamia and Egypt. It is believed that they describe the ancient ritual dance on the fertility and the birth of a new life. Priestesses danced in the temples, through their dance appealed to the spirit of the Great Goddess. Some of the movements of oriental dances of those times could be preserved and modern belly dance. Among the Greek manuscripts can be found a description Nile dancers, who used his dances of various kinds shakes and vibration.

In the 80's of 19 century oriental dance, in those times called Salomea Dance, became widespread in Europe. In part this is owing to Mata Hari, who declared herself as the belly dancer (oriental dance).

At the heart of oriental dances are temperament and liberation. Arabic belly dance can be considered as a measure of woman's seductiveness. Having mastered this magnetic dance women feel their female charms. This dance helps a woman to develop femininity and sexuality; philosophy of dance is the love for oneself, self-expression, possession of body and soul. Oriental belly dance is not only a brilliant technique, but also feelings, musicality and artistry.

Until recently, historians were of the opinion that such activities were designed to make a woman more plastic, sexier and more attractive to men, so that in future she could claim to be the favorite wife of the harem and become very rich for the rest of her live.

Oriental dance as a way to improve health and increase vitality: a remedy for depression, a cure for a number of gynecological diseases (are known cases of infertility cures). In belly dance work virtually all muscle groups, in particular, those that are not involved in daily life.

Yemen Travelling

Travelling in Yemen has become a common practice for educated Europeans - one of the poorest countries in the world that was once the richest power during the reign of Queen of Sheba. Caravans of gold, spices and diamonds came through Yemen. From former luxury remained temples, fortresses and millennial ruins - and two Seas, the Red and Arabian, 110 islands and the endless chains of hungry mountain villages.

Even the risk of kidnapping by some tribe doesn't stop the travelers. According to the World Tourism Organization, in 1997, when it was kidnapped a record number of foreigners - 36 people, Yemen attended by the biggest number of tourists - 75 thousand. Revenues from tourism jumped to 69 million dollars, that is 64 per cent more than in 1996. The two most thorough European airlines - Lufthansa German and Dutch KLM - by the end of the year increased the number of flights to Yemen from two to three times a week, and Yemenia Airlines performs flights to London, Rome and Madrid. Hence, it is profitable. The main market for tourism in Yemen is Italy and Germany (leaders), but it appears more interested in Belgium, Britain, France and Spain.


Yemen authorities tried to decrease the risk of kidnaps, but this has not prevented 115 foreigners, among whom were mainly tourists, to be held hostage by armed tribes in the past five years. But they were all released, including British family, whicn was held 2 weeks and then released. In such kidnapping cases no harm is caused to people. For 100 years it no one foreigner has been killed - in contrast to the Egypt. By the hostages, tribal members are treated as guests and are often sent home with a souvenir - a memento of the adventure. Still, the elementary precaution is necessary. It is better to travel in groups with security, to use the services of major travel agencies and avoid risky areas - such as Maarib, Shabwa and Al-Dzhouf. In Sana'a - Yemen's capital since 1993, was kidnapped only one person.


Hotels, however, are not enough. Especially the four-and five-star. Of 229 local hotels only few meet international standards. And the hotel of an international network of "Meridien", which opened in 2000 in Sana'a, didn't change the situation - there is no investments here. The only thing that can really compensate for the lack of comfort are historical monuments and nature reserves, this fabulous open-air museum. Will the tourists - will be money. And the great country of Sheba will be called again, as once, Arabia felix - happy Arabia.

The first Christian church in the world...

Jordanian archaeologists have discovered a church that can be considered the first Christian church in the world. The discovery was made in the village of Rihab, which is located 40 kilometers northeast of the Jordanian capital Amman.

The finding dating from 33 to 70 year AD, is located under the church of St. George in Rihab. In the cave, found under the temple, there is a circular apse, and several stone seats for clergy.

According to archaeologists, the early Christians fled from Jerusalem, where were persecuted and secretly practiced their rites in this underground church. Ministry of Tourism of Jordan has promised that this unique monument can be visited by the tourists.


It should be noted that Jordan and the opening in Rihab was a country on the territory of which were placed first among the extant Christian churches. In particular, in the town of Mafraq in the east is a church built in 230 year - 82 years earlier than the temple in Turkey, which has long been considered the oldest. In addition, in Aqaba were discovered during excavations in the ruins of the ancient church, which also date from the third century.

Medical Tourism in the Middle East

Middle East has all opportunities for the development of medical tourism

Given the rising price of medical care in Europe, America and Asia, the Middle East promises to become a popular destination for travelers wishing to combine rest with treatment. However, according to experts, in order to get the appropriate reputation, the authorities in the region must first improve the environment.

Middle East -is a nominally-named region of West Asia, situated between Europe and Pakistan, usually it is the combination of the Middle East with Iran and Afghanistan. The number of medical centers in the Middle East is constantly increasing, they are known for quality service, good equipment and relatively low prices. The main competitor of Arab clinics at the moment are Asian: tourists prefer to be treated in exotic locations. However, the peculiarity of Eastern culture can not fail to attract new guests. Authorities of the region intend to increase investment in health and medical tourism in particular.

In its turn, the recent publication Nuwire Investors, specializing in information on investments, totaled rating states - leaders of the international medical tourism. First place was awarded to Panama, followed by Brazil, Malaysia, Costa Rica and India.

Water from the Red Sea will be pumped into the Dead Sea

Water from the Red Sea will be pumped into the Dead Sea...

The government of Jordan will perform the "rescue operation" to save the Dead Sea.

The water level in the lowest and most saline body of water on the planet each year goes by 1,2 meters, indicating the impending ecological catastrophe.

To save the Dead Sea the waste salt water will be pumped from desalination complex, carrying out cleaning for a year more than 10 billion cubic meters of water from the Red Sea. Despite 2 years of research, experts can not give an objective assessment of the feasibility and risks of this initiative.

According to ecologists, pumping water from the Red Sea would increase the concentration of salt in it that could harm the unique fauna and flora. Noting that the mixing of 2 types of sea water may disturb the ecological balance and lead to algae in the Dead Sea.

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a young state with a rich history, a bridge between East and West, the sea and desert, - bridge, which never ceases brisk movements in both directions. Jordan - one of the safest and friendliest countries not only in the region, but in the world. To rest in Jordan and travel to the Jordanian cities and beyond may be safely at any time.

Jordan combines oriental exotics with a European style of tourism infrastructure. Kingdom offers many options for tourism: beach recreation departments, health centers, a rich sightseeing program.

The main resorts are located on the Jordanian Red and Dead Seas, including Aqaba (Red Sea), SPA-resort Ma'in (near the Dead Sea), the famous city of Petra, Wadi Rum desert.

Travelers are interested in the monuments of past civilizations, Jordan offers a constellation of legendary attractions from different eras of human history - a constellation which is rightfully crowned Peter, this remarkably preserved in the desert the ancient city, carved directly into the living rock. Peter is not by chance was made by experts between people's organization in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the International Heritage.

The main attraction of modern Jordan - genuine friendliness of its inhabitants, which you can feel if you visit here. You will be happy in any part of this young beautiful country, officially founded by King Abdullah, the first relatively recently, shortly after the First World War, and nearly 46 years managed Abdullah's grandson, King Hussein.

For such a relatively short period, Jordan was able to become stable in all respects,a promising state, the main distinguishing feature of which is always peaceful domestic and foreign policy, coupled with high rates of economic growth.

After the death of King Hussein on Feb. 7, 1999 the new king of Jordan was his son, King Abdullah II. The form of Jordan has been and remains a constitutional monarchy.

Jordanian cuisine is an integral part of Arab culinary tradition, while keeping many of their characteristics. Local cuisine is not so sharp and spicy, as is commonly thought. Throughout the meal added mint, various greens and herbs, lemons all kinds, onions, marinated olives, pine nuts, etc. Among the appetizers are popular all possible versions of salads, meat and vegetable stews, pastries with different fillings, pickles and pickled vegetables. Chocolates made in Jordan are considered among the best in the Arab world. Meals in restaurants and cafes are not expensive. Alcoholoc beverages of local and foreign production can be purchased at any time, except for the Muslim month of fasting.

In Jordan, the tip never required, but there will always be greeted with great appreciation. In hotels and restaurants, you can simply add to the score of approximately 10% of the total cost of dinner, however, more common to give a small tip directly to the waiter.

Photo: You can only photograph people with their consent, and strategic objects (border crossings and airports) is prohibited.

Clothing: Evening in Jordan can be quite chilly, so do not be amiss to take a trip to this hot country and a warm sweater, scarf or shawl. For tours of Jordan will need strong comfortable shoes and clothing sporting type. Women's clothing, if possible, should not be appealing.

Shops:
Souvenirs include totes from Madaba, bottles with colored sand from Petra, crafts from olive wood, pottery and copper utensils, jewelry, Bedouin jewelry from silver, black and more. You can buy cosmetics production on the basis of the Jordanian Dead Sea products.