Juxtaposition

I know that nowadays, most cultures in the world are 'up-to-date' as it were...but there was just something about this lady that caught my attention: the mobile phone, the SLR camera and her body language doesn't seem to fit in with the abaya she is sporting. Let me explain:

Tola and I went to the 'Mall of the Emirates' today (the shopping centre with the indoor ski slope inside) and, upon entry, we were faced with a large sign which prohibited 'kissing or overt displays of affection' and 'non-respectful clothing', amongst others. We both knew these rules before we came to Dubai, along with everyone else, but I guess we'd both assumed that these were 'unwritten' rules and that it was simply looked down upon - not law.

Dubai is strange in that it IS quite liberal along with being quite strict: there are skantily clad models on billboard adverts and one of the slogans in a chocolate shop selling valentine treats was 'In love? Declare it!'...but Tola and I were watching 'The Illusionist' the other night, and when the slow music was building up to the lovers' kiss, there was a sudden change in music and we were shown the main actors putting their clothes BACK on - the sex scene had been all but removed!

I know that owning an SLR and chatting away on a mobile in public are completely different than this, but the modern concept of capturing moments in an instant, and calling up your mate whenever you like seemed like a mile away from much more 'inflexible' ideas...

...and this is why I love this photo - it's blown all my misconceptions out of the water!