Since we are going to Saudi Arabia, we decided to go and get the black Abaya that I will need to wear. Saudi is one of the strictest (most religious) countries in the world. In Saudi, all women must wear the full black covering over their clothes and a head scarf. Muslim women cover everything except for their eyes. While this is hot and can be seen as being impractical, I completely understand why women their wear these.
In the past, Saudis were nomadic people. As they moved, the various tribes would raid opposing tribes and steal the beautiful women. In order to prevent this, they made all their women cover up. This help protect their family members.
One more reason that women wear the abaya is for modesty. It prevents dressing in inappropriate clothes as well as by helping our brothers flee temptation. Thus, the abaya is in full effect. In countries around the world many Muslims, Christians, and Jewish women still cover up their heads and try to dress really conservatively. Saudi Arabia has just enacted stricter rules than most countries.
Thus, I am at peace with having to wear an abaya. despite the inconvenience. At least we can wear nice and light clothes underneath.
Well, so back to the point. . . since I need an abaya for Saudi Arabia, Chris and I went to the Muslim Quarter in search of one. While we were there we visited the only mosque in Korea plus several shops, bakeries and stores. While we were there Chris bought some Turkish delight as well. For those of you who don't know what it is, it is a jelly fruit candy that is dipped in powdered sugar. He wanted to try it, because it is mentioned several times in the book The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
The location of the mosque is in Itaewon, and we have been near it many times, but this was the first time we went there.
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