Brave Iranian Women Let Their Hijabs Down For Photos

Your typical Facebook page is filled with women taking selfies--every public and private place has turned into a makeshift studio for the technologically advanced generations.  Smiling faces and the latest hairstyles are displayed by women globally.  However, some women's selfies show perfect makeup and beautiful headscarves instead of curls and hair dye.  Unable to have their hair flowing free in the wind, my Moslema sisters express themselves in other creative ways.  

An inspirational Facebook page, My Stealthy Freedom, has become a place where women in Iran have posted pictures of themselve.s  Iran is a country in which most women cover their hair with a hijab, a scarf, out of religious and cultural duty.  It has been the norm for centuries in almost all countries that practice Islam. In some countries it is considered illegal to be seen publicly (or by others outside of your family) without.

When My Stealthy Freedom debuted in May, 2014, it took the world by surprise.  Originated by one woman who was brave enough to post her own photo on her own Facebook page, MSF became the venue for other Iranian women to express themselves.  Many don't show their faces.  Some include quotes.  

Some believe that 2009's Green Revolution was the catalyst of such behaviors. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have all helped young Iranians spread their messages and show the story of what is actually happening in their nation.  Many say that they don't put their pictures on the page for political reasons.  For some, it is about choice.  Regardless of each woman's motivation for her post, it seems that these women are being supported by strangers worldwide.

"We are from Syria and we heard the voice of Iranian women. women have the right to decide for themselves and make their own choices."

The page has over a half a million likes from all over the world.  Some include messages from Iranian men as well.

"I owe you all an apology. I apologize to all of you who dance and laugh stealthily and whose freedom has to be stealth. I owe you all an apology for ruining even your stealth moments of freedom by my looks or wordsP.S: I know this page is not the proper place to say that I am sorry; but believe me, I could think of no other way"

This man shows support for the women.  Doing so can have serious consequences.

"Dear admin,I appreciate your creativity and your beautiful idea. As a man, I would like to kindly ask you to do me a favor. Now that you have found such a great number of audience, make use of the opportunity and send a message to my nation’s men as well. A message of kindness toward Iranian women. Remind them of the fact that the women they see on streets are not only flesh and blood and the fragile sex; Remind them that they are human-beings as well. Remind them that we, the men, should be their supporters and protectors and not the reason of their stress and fear. Remind them that all those women on the streets have got enough to fear ( the morality police officers); it is not fair to treat them in a way that makes them be scared of the ordinary men too. Remind them that women need men’s support and men need women’s in order to make this nation a better place"

Some fear that these photos can be tracked down by "the moral police".  In Iran, a woman can be be given 70 lashes or 60 days in prison for being without hijab in public.  These fearless and brave ladies risk their freedom and their lives for something that other women take for granted.  We complain about our bad hair days and how the weather will affect it.  We worry about the wind and the sun and the rain touching our hair. In a not so distant nation, women look forward to the time that this can happen for them, albeit in secret.

10 Reasons to Give a Czech Guy (or His Slovak Brothers) a Chance

Living in a bigger city in the Czech Republic will introduce you to many different nationalities within the Expat community. 
Since the population of potential suitors originating from everywhere but Czech Republic has increased throughout the region, it seems that the ancestors of said West-Slavic tribes are becoming overlooked and depreciating within the dating market.

Sure, you can choose from the beautiful Italian programmer in Brno or the very hip and collective Australian who teaches English in Prague.  Before you rule out Stanislav, Petr, or Radek, keep the following things in mind:

 1. He  is Thoughtful 
When asked the question, "How are You?", Czech guys only ask this question if they really want to know the answer.  They remember the little things that you tell them and put forth much effort once they begin relationships.                              
                                
2. He Loves His Hobbies.
 Every Czech person has a hobby that they are awesome at. Most Americans think of extracurricular activities as something that you do after school.  Whether it's running or fishing or art, Czech men take their hobbies seriously and usually excel at one or two things outside of their certified professions.

3. You wont be stuck inside playing Halo for dates. 
Most guys in Czech Republic like some sort of outdoors something or other.  Now that the weather is warmer, you will find everyone outdoors.  Even in the winter, many Czech men take advantage of the natural beauty of the mountains by going skiing and snowboarding.   Finding a guy who prefers sitting at home and playing Wii or his guitar all day every day is quite rare.

4. They are a nation of pretty people.
Czechs are insanely attractive.  Let's face it.  Websites of a certain nature bank on the fact that they have symmetric faces
 (based on the Golden Ratio),  take pride in being fit, and never wearing baseball caps.

5. Most Czech guys, at the very least, can make toast.
Being invited for dinner by a  Czech man could end up with you being surprised with three course meals and recipes that have been passed down from this mother and grandmother.

6. ...and understand how to set a table for tea.
Gender roles do not limit tea and coffee etiquette in Czech Republic.  Being invited to a house for coffee or tea will mean that you will ACTUALLY be served coffee or tea (with various options of tea, of course) at a properly set table that includes teapots, teacups, saucers, and little snacks.

7.  He likes to time travel.
Slavic men are like gentlemen of yesteryear with their sentiments and behaviors.  It is not surprising to have a man help you put your coat on, hold the door for you, find it disrespectful to look at a watch or cell phone while in your company, and walk you home regardless of weather or time. 

8. He is supportive.
Like most men, he is eager to help.  If you have a hair brained idea, he will talk you through the steps that you need to do in order to make those dreams come true.  Is a language barrier a problem?  Don't worry.  Knowing that a "Foreigner" is interested in his language and culture will bring out his sympathetic side and earn you respect.  Within a few months time, you will have  the basics down with his thoughtful ways of helping you remember vocabulary.

9. They are direct.
This goes hand in hand with #1.  If they don't like something, Czech men will tell you.  There is no sparing of feelings when discussing sensitive topics.  If you ask a guy if your butt looks big and he responds with a "yes", you are probably dating a Czech dude.

10.  They have a strong sense of family.
It is not unusual to hear a 40 year old man ( or one in his twenties or thirties either) say he is leaving town for the weekend to spend time with his mother.   Holidays are spent with extended families.  If you are invited home, consider yourself lucky and appreciated enough to meet everyone whom he holds dear to his heart.

So, if you happen to turn the head of a Branislav or a Libor, you may want to answer with "Ano" when he asks you if he can buy you jednou pivo.

50 pounds or pay up...

Tonight I am preparing myself for yet another global expedition.  This time I am going "home".  Really I am not sure what this word even means.  Since birth, I've been a nohmad.  Whenever the chance to settle down comes, I get a bit jumpy and the itch to travel gets to my skin.

Tomorrow I return to the US for a little while.  This trip was a bit unexpected but long overdue.  I told myself that I would travel light but find myself attempting to stuff everything that I own into a blue rucksack and a red duffle bag with wheels.  Surprisingly, I still own too many things.  I spent the last two days downsizing my worldly possessions--dividing everything into keep, throwaway, and donate piles.  My flatmate's scale is broken so I cannot check, but I am pretty sure that my bags exceed the airline limits.

I know that I should be happy to see my parents and my friends from school, but for some reason a wave of sadness hit me a few hours ago.  Every time I leave I try to prepare myself mentally, as if it is the last time that I will see my flat, my friends, and my neighborhood.  It's always so hard to say goodbye--even if for a few weeks.  It should be so much easier for me.  After all, I've been doing this since birth basically.

It's icy out and the forecast predicts snow...truly wonderful weather to travel in.  The ironic thing is that I will be landing into a crazy winter wonderland.  I have no idea what to expect when I get there.  Everyone tells me that I should be excited.  America is wonderful and so much fun.  Yes, this is true.  For me however, I anticipate the high cost of everything and the lack of public transport and the calm way of life that I have grown accustomed to.  I really should be more positive about this trip and look on the bright side of it all.  

Back to packing and cleaning and then an early night in bed.  Tomorrow shall be a long day.

theExpatGirl.