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Expat Panda

A south african teacher's adventures in & out of the global classroom

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About Expat Panda

Expat Panda is a space for all sorts of stories. Sometimes they are about adventure or chaotic mishaps, but often they are really just musings about a crazy South African teacher, living in Abu Dhabi and trying to love life as much as possible.

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Let’s talk about traveling to a place with a dress code 🤐 . . Generally western female travellers are terrified of travelling to Iran. That is because of people’s perceptions of Iran, who have usually only seen women wearing the black floor length black “Chador” on International News channels 😕 . . Iranian law dictates that women should cover their hair and wear loose, long clothes that covers the body including arms and legs. Which means that all you need is a scarf over your head covering your hair (not completely if you don't want to) and a knee-long coat or top over your jeans or trousers and you will be fine. I packed colourful long, loose dresses and encountered no problems 😇 . . This was the first country I’d ever been to where I was conscious of how I dressed and packed. How do you feel about traveling somewhere with a dress code? I personally believe that it is entirely appropriate and important to respect the laws of hospitality and pay due deference to the host country BUT some travellers feel upset that their freedom of choice is taken away from them. What do you think? 🤷🏾‍♀️

When you travel to a place that’s a bit difficult to go to (well if you have a passport from a 3rd world country, that’s most places 🙈), you don’t just want to see the usual stuff on the tourist radar... sometimes you want to go off the beaten path and see the hidden gems 💎 . . So when I heard from an Iranian local about this bright pink lake in Shiraz, I knew I HAD to visit this natural wonder. This seasonal lake is pink due to the high salt concentrations that result in it’s unusual colour in summer 🌞 It is GORGEOUS 😍 . . I have nothing against guidebooks and tourist websites but I get most of my travel info from peoples’ personal experiences; either through honest blogs or word of mouth. I’m rarely disappointed and certainly wasn’t in this case! 😀 Shoutout to the kind Iranian doctor who pointed this lake out to me from the plane window and explained why I should visit it 😇 . . Where do you get most of your information from when you travel? 🤔🤔🤔

I have never had people express so many opinions about my travels as when I decided to travel to Iran 🇮🇷 Everyone seemed to have something to say about it, with responses ranging from “That is amazing, I would totally join you if I didn’t have a U.S. passport,” to “You’re going there? What sort of death wish do you have?” 🙈 . . Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, hosts nineteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and boasts beautiful landscapes stretching from dense rain forests to snowcapped mountains to desert basins. If you’re following my insta stories you’ll know that I’m having a fantastic time with no threat of danger AT ALL. The city of Shiraz has exceeded my expectations in just 24 hours 😯 I’m loving the hospitable people, succulent food, resplendent architecture and natural wonders – pandas, how can you not add Iran to your travel itinerary? 🤔

It’s time to... GUESS PANDA’S DESTINATION 🌍 I’m off on a quick trip later today and I think this destination is going to be a challenge for you guys to figure out... let’s see if I’m wrong🤔 . . This country is somewhat controversial and despite its close proximity to the UAE, is often overlooked as a getaway destination. Why? Because although it offers visa on arrival to 180 countries, that list excludes those with “privileged passports” 🙊 . . I don’t know a single person in my life who has visited this country (it’s surprising because I know lots of well-traveled people) and I’m packing very specific clothes since this country has a dress code for men AND women 🧕🏽 . . Despite my apprehension (there’s no accommodation options on booking.com or Airbnb, nowhere would exchange my money to the currency, nor could I find a travel insurance to cover me) I am beyond excited for the splendid architecture, historical sites and exotic food 🥘 . . So pandas... let’s hear those guesses?? 😬

Did you know that not every woman living in the Middle East is oppressed? 😧 . . That we are allowed to drive, wear swimsuits, eat whatever we like and actually receive preferential treatment? 🤔 . . I’ve collaborated with 5 other female bloggers living in the Middle East to ask them ALL the questions you ever wanted to know about being a female in this controversial region! 👩🏾 . . Thanks to @geltats, @the_wanderlusting_hijabi, @kristinewanders, @kdeange & @jaina.mistry for contributing to this piece 📝 . . Link is in my bio! 🔛🔝

You have to love before you hurt break before you heal. . This is how it works. . This is how you become whole again. 💛

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