The deceptive power of the thobe
Having been in the Middle East for 8 months now, I should really talk about the Thobe - the traditional male dress in this part of the world. There is certainly a magical power attached to this simple garment and the head dress which accompanies it. It seems to give the men who wear it a certain authority, a mystery, a power and a magnetism which, when combined with the scent of the Oudh perfume many of them wear is really quite alluring! They keep their thobes beautifully pressed and pristine white and are so smart every day, wearing cuff links and starched collars. It is amazing how ordinary the very same guys look without it. One of my dearest colleagues (who will remain nameless for obvious reasons) went from all conquering Bedouin Sheikh to New York cabbie in one easy step - simply by changing his regal thobe to jeans and T-shirt!! What a crushing blow!!! He was a mere mortal after all. But still, at work, in his thobe, he is all powerful. ...