Peter Rhodes on Islam, culture shock and a warning about pee in the sea
When the Bayeux Tapestry is loaned to the British Museum next year, England's fabulous Sutton Hoo horde will be on loan to France. Some British experts say that, for historical and technical accuracy, the tapestry should be known as the Canterbury Embroidery. But what if this provoked the French to rename England's treasure as the Sutton Hoo La La? I really ought to get out more.
Once, in a sunny December, I crossed the causeway from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. Talk about culture shock. Saudi felt stern and disciplined; no women were to be seen. In Bahrain, in total contrast, the hotel lobby was decorated for Christmas and in Santa's grotto champagne was served by smiling waitresses in Xmas-themed mini skirts.
I cannot imagine two more different Muslim states. I was reminded of that contrast recently when 53 per cent of Britons in a YouGov survey said Islam was not compatible with British values. It depends entirely on what you understand by British and Islamic values. Some Islamic traditions, including hospitality, education, strong family life and no-nonsense law and order, are widely admired. And if our political system were to produce something called The Muslim Party, as I suggested recently, who knows how many non-Muslims might support it?
Here's something to worry you on holiday. If you believe everything you read, in some resorts tourists face criminal charges if they are caught urinating in the sea. Today's online reports seem to originate in a BBC dispatch last year which told us: “In some areas of Spain, authorities are warning that if you do a wee in the sea you could be fined.”
Really? Could such a thing happen? If you're looking for proof of the story, you may well find a 2024 local-newspaper website which claims: “An Exmouth resident has become the first person to be fined for urinating in the sea under new legislation to protect rivers and seas from pollution.” Case proven?
Not exactly. Read it more carefully and you'll find that the Exmouth report was published on April 1st and the offender was “an avid sea swimmer” called Penny Spender.
I doubt if anyone will ever be arrested for a discreet pee in the briny, or even the swimming pool. (But not from the diving board, obviously.)
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