Male / Female Relations

So I am sure that I will comment more on this later, but as I just saw a perfect example of it so its current now. So as you may know, Mauritania is an Islamic country and that makes for some interesting male / female dynamics. Most notorious is the subservant role women typically play and the mulafas that they wear (the giant pieces of cloth that cover their bodies and faces). However a lesser known characteristic in of interpersonal relations in Mauritania is the relationships amongst men, particularly men hold hands. As I started writing this I saw a two men walk into our compound holding hands and they were soon joined by a third and a fourth who approached from opposite directions, making a total of four men holding each other's hands while they were just talking. Then after a few minutes the two men who approached from opposite directions continued on their way, but continued to hold hands with the other two until they had pulled the group into a line. Then let go when they could no longer hold on. Anytime you go out to the market, you will see something like this. Men will walk through the market holding hands. Basically, because men are not allowed to touch women who they are not married to, their only physical contact is with other men. This becomes particularly interesting when you see men who are clearly gay by western standards (I'm told homosexuality "doesn't exist" here).
Another interesting thing that I have asked about but have not been able to get clear answers on is the process of men going from being single to being married. Safe to not much happens on the first date. ;) I'll get back to you on that when I learn more.

I would love to post pictures but Mauritanians are not keen about having their picture taken. One of the other volunteers said he asked about it and was told that they are worried that their picture will end up in national geographic, which is actually a fairly legitimate concern. I think they also see it as an invasion of their privacy. Once I am settled with my home stay family and then at post and get to know people I expect I will be permitted to take pictures, but until then you will have to imagine your own pictures of Mauritanian people.

On another unrelated yet also related note, it seems that as a general rule most of the girls in my group have chosen to hang onto their boyfriends while most of the guys have chosen to end their relationships before coming here. Its... interesting that it ended up that way.

On a totally unrelated note, I am playing the guitar in a PCV talent show tomorrow (I started learning on monday) and I am getting a Kaftan tailor made because I won the PCV "Price is Right." It should be ready in about a week and I will send pictures if I have internet. Peace.