Religious sensitivity !

Secular Australia is very open minded when it comes to matters of religion.  Many Christians openly wear a crucifix and Islamic head scarves are common sights on our streets.  It is not uncommon for Buddhist small businesses to have a religious offering displayed in their store.  This religious sensitivity is not always reciprocated overseas.

A British woman arriving in Sri Lanka was arrested as she went through customs because she had a tattoo of the Buddha seated on a Lotus leaf on her right arm.   Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country and they take their religion so seriously that this tattoo was considered an insult.   She was arrested - detained - and quickly deported.

Many Australians would consider such a tattoo as a normal form of adornment.  In fact, some would see it as a mark of respect rather than a hostile challenge, but religious sensitivity is very much in the eye of the beholder and what is acceptable in Australia could be totally unacceptable elsewhere.

Australians considering overseas travel would be well advised to learn a little about the laws and customs of the countries they intend to visit.   What is quite acceptable in Australia in the way of casual attire may be deemed insultingly immodest is many middle eastern countries and in many parts of the world a woman with uncovered hair breaks a local taboo.

It is far safer to " fit in " and observe local customs.  To be aware of what is required is to avoid problems that can quickly spin out of control in countries with religious tensions.  It requires sensitivity to judge that what is acceptable in the tourist district of some cities may not be so acceptable if that same tourist diverges into a visit to country regions.   In some areas, there are sharp differences in the lifestyles that are separated by very short distances.

Holiday travel can be one of life's pleasures, but the reverse applies if a tourist gets into trouble far from home and lacks an understanding of what has offended his or her hosts.  In most cases the problem could have been avoided by using sensitivity and common sense.    That old saying of " When in Rome, do as the Romans do " - certainly applies.