The way us Arabs travel is very different, I have to say. We either pack too much, stress too much, or get insulted way too much. I bet you anything you can relate to a few of these things on the list. Let's begin:
It all starts with the joy of waiting for your visa
And the never-ending goodbyes at the airport
Not to forget the random security check you're always up against
Because your name sounds a bit too fishy...
Or just because really...
Which makes you think twice about your appearance prior to your arrival to the airport
Or else you'll have to deal with a million people staring at you
But you know traveling together as one big family is a must
As is packing up food for the air...because airplanes & airports have none
Even if it's bound to get taken away
Dealing with that one person who asks you to carry a "couple" kilos for someone living abroad
Having more than twice the number of bags than human heads
Which are all decorated with colored ribbons...
And never within the weight limit
Because carrying gifts back home is obligatory or else your relatives will get mad
As is carrying Arab spices ... because we can't live without them
Because you know you're not Arab if that doesn't happen
You only start to regret it when the smell of zaatar soaks into your clothes in the suitcase
And when having to explain what keshik is in foreign countries
Being the loudest family in the airport is a given...
