se distance, and in some social situations, may talk from across the room. Ironically enough, although they are actively involved with others, they will resist crowds in enclosed spaces. They communicate both verbally and nonverbally, and in conversations, they will constantly gesture with their hands. Pointing at another person is considered to be impolite, and unlike the United States, the "thumbs up" sign is offensive. Also, when sitting, it is offensive to show the bottom of your foot.
             Gesturing with the left hand should be completely avoided, because they believe the left hand is unclean. The loose fitting clothes worn by men and women of Egypt in almost all Arab countries are well adapted to the hot climate. The various layers provide insulation against the heat, and their movement gives a cooling effect. Most of the local men wear a long white gown, and a head cloth. Women in Egypt wear loose baggy trousers and when they go out, they wear a black cloak, which covers them from head to foot. The Islamic religion requires women to cover their hair in public. Most women wear veils, and some wear masks. Since the right hand is always preferred over the left, eating is always done with the right hand, even if a person is left-handed. The left hand should only be used when handling something that is considered unclean. During the religious holiday Ramadan (the Muslim month of fasting), no eating, drinking or smoking in public is allowed from sunrise to sunset. In Egypt, as in all Muslim countries, this is strictly enforced. If a restaurant is open during this time, the government will shut it down. The Islamic calendar uses lunar months of 28 days, so an Islamic year of 12 months is 354 days long instead of 365. When scheduling appointments, it is wise to only schedule one in a day as one could possibly show up late or not at all because punctuality is not an important issue. Egypt is also a male dominating society. Boys and girls re...