In Saudi Arabia they love Americans, that's why we tell them we’re Canadian. Even that deception doesn’t keep us out of trouble. A matawwa, one of Saudi’s ‘religious police’ (men who patrol the country enforcing religious etiquette), accosts us on the road as we try to enter a cab. This man demands to see our passports, asks about our religious affiliation, and calls over a policeman to detain us while he checks our papers. He’s not happy that Jill wears a veil that covers her face; he suspects she’s trying to impersonate a Muslim. Eventually he leaves as he came, abruptly and without explanation. We continue to explore Riyadh by cab; it’s the only option available to us. Women aren’t allowed to drive cars or ride on public buses.
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