Guys - sorry: But I have to comment on what became a 'hit the locals' blog.
How many of you learned the language?
How many of you left the comfort zone of the Oz BBQs, Brit piss-ups, Schweinehaxen feasts and St Paddies days?
In my home country we had lots of Muslim expats, who never bothered to learn our language. It upset us and I swore not to repeat the mistake.
So, I learned the language, asked the locals about their (I don't wanna say 'culture', it has been maligned) customs. I made some great local friends, who appreciated my efforts. I now get invited for weddings, Eid, Iftar dinners, the lot. I have received insights that I wouldn't want to miss in a lifetime. I am still a radical Atheist. Some of my friends don't mind, others find it odd. But they leave me alone about it.
I totally agree: You can't compare this place with a European democracy. Almost all of what has been written in this threat is true. But if you go with the flow you can live damn well and learn a lot. About life, the universe and all the rest. 42.
As they say: You find good people on the rough roads.
