So what is it really like going outside your comfort zone, to destinations where people can’t place you ethnically or religiously based on the way you look or dress or where your skin tone raises curiosity. Often asked “where are you from” meaning what is your ethnic origin, where are your parents from, how did you end up in GB, where did you learn to speak English so well, why do you queue in the EU and not “all other nationalities“. These are common questions some locals want to know, and when your out of the UK you realise people are quite forthcoming with what they have in mind, unlike us Brits they don’t beat around the bush!
There was a time when I use to take offence to being asked where I was from (especially if it’s the first question, I mean like before my name… come on) but now I embrace it as this often instigates dialogue between two (or more) different worlds. For me, it’s about starting a conversation about so many things and feeling confident to leave the other person satisfied with my responses and better informed than they may have been at the start. Having a passion in Geography helps as it comes naturally, but don’t be offended if you meet people who have no idea of countries that mean a great deal to you. I once travelled to east Asia with a friend who hails from the biggest country in Africa which sadly wasn’t known to many of the locals we’d come across. I found my friend repeatedly saying the same sentence with a little frustration. And unfortunately this is expected if you happen to go to places where the locals have not seen anyone that looks like you before, curiosity is natural!
Put yourself in their position, they may be of a certain age, not very well travelled and the only exposure they have had of someone who looks like you is through a third person (TV) and that’s ok because you will leave them with greater knowledge. I recently went to a place in the Balkans where a local hadn’t come across Asian people, so I was their first. This communist country entered the modern world in the mid 90’s and tourism is non-existent, so it’s only fair her reaction to me was one of curiosity. Here, I took out my phone and showed her the map of the world on Google Earth telling her how I came to be in the UK. You don’t have to go through such efforts but a little humility goes a long way. In most cases people are curious to see an unfamiliar tourist hence the stares and often gusty approach to learn more. It’s also likely that your ‘exoticness‘ is cherished, you may be asked to be in selfies so it can be shown to families and the local community. Often people will take pictures without your consent, don’t be too alarmed, it’s a cultural difference where consent around pictures is relatively very new or non existence in some places.
Travelling solo as a South Asian Muslim woman adds a different layer to just travelling as a lone female, particularly if you don’t look ‘stereotypically’ Asian. This can work in your favour and against, if you are light skinned complexion and may not wear a hijab, the assumption is that you are ‘modern’ ‘western’ and even ‘not Muslim‘ because you may not be an obvious Muslim based on your appearance. I have always found this troubling, as I fit the description which makes me feel unease even back in London where people aren’t able to place me ethnically or religiously so will perhaps speak their minds about issues that are sensitive to me (yes, even English people speak their minds sometimes)! Often their negative connotations around religions, Islam, immigrant communities, difference isn’t the greatest ice-breaker but the fact that they are willing to have a conversation means a seed can be planted! Sometimes, you won’t be part of a conversation but may bypass one which makes you feel a little uncomfortable and rightly so! Don’t let these put you off a destination, just remember why you are there in the first place!
My moto for when travelling to non tourist hot spots:
- DON’T TAKE OFFENCE: Any word of advice I can offer anyone travelling outside their comfort zone is to travel with an open mind, this way when you experience the good, the bad and the ugly -you won’t be too phased!
- Expect to repeat yourself: Where you’re from, dietary requirements and what they are etc..
- Don’t go back to places that make you feel unsafe! We all love an adventure but if you genuinely feel unsafe anywhere, my advice is not to go back.
- Talking about your faith -A lot of people shy away from discussing religion abroad, regardless of how much you know it’s likely you know more than them and parting with knowledge is the greatest gift you can give someone as a traveller (ok, maybe after planting trees).
- Google Earth is fantastic, I love maps but who doesn’t!! This is a must have for anyone travelling, will make your chats very informative
- Geography Apps: These are great as you don’t need the internet once installed on your phone. Most come with detailed map of the world, some basic facts and flags. Show locals where they are on the map and places you’ve been to, a great educational tool.
- Translate App: Before going anywhere I try and learn at least a couple of common phrases, it’s important to put a little effort at least. It makes locals feel honoured when they see a foreigner making an effort or putting their language before English. I always think it’s very arrogant of native English speakers to expect everyone in all corners of the world to speak English! Speaking translator apps such as SayHi is great, all you do is speak to it and it speaks back in chosen language. This way you learn to say words phonetically making a greater impression. Google Translator also allows you to take pictures of signs/ images in different languages translating them to English or most common languages on App.
- Camera: Whether on your phone or a Polariod, most locals in my experience love being in pictures whether young or old.
Halal Foodie Travel 