I had thought that smoking was not allowed; there are coffee shops where folks smoke regularly, and many restaurants are smoke filled too. Usually you can buy them under the counter at a local convenience store, although there are tabbaconist counters too.
Western non-fiction/fiction do not appear to be banned. Was very surprised to see this book openly displayed in the bargain bin section at a large bookstore:
Music also is readily available. Western rap music, romance, etc is listened to in residence, although openly playing music in public is frowned upon.
we were surprised at the friendliness, openness and generosity of residents here. The religious police (mutawa) have not made their presence known in any way. Although, in one hotel, some teachers had posted an announcement for a Christmas party, and the notices were torn down.
The weather is not hot sultry as I had thought; the afternoons are quite cool, requiring a jacket, and next month I am told will be colder still.
The clothing standards are not as restricted. Foreign women often go without a head covering in the large department stores, and men wear bahama shorts (halfway down the calf) with T-shirts, although that is considered quite informal, and not allowed for university fare.
The crazy traffic was unexpected (no seatbelts either).
I would have to say, also, that I have made more friends in 3 weeks here, than 3 years in Canada. Perhaps social networks homeside are more established, with more impermeable boundaries, and here, most come here unattached, and thus need friendships more. That was also a pleasant surprise.
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