No Reservations- Saudi Arabia (Observations)

In this particular episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain travels to Saudi Arabia. His host, a Saudi women, shows him the culture through participating in different activities. In the beginning, she shows Bourdain her home. Interestingly, her home is is decorated with modern furniture and technology such as couches and television. Another shocking observation was when Bourdain's host
took him on a journey to the ocean to catch fish. While there, Bourdain notices that women's standard of dress affects their life on land and also extends to their water outfits. Again, the standard of dress is discussed when Bourdain's host takes him to the mall and explains the importance for style underneath the black cloak. Finally, when Bourdain went to a local fast food restaurant with his host, they discussed separation and the Saudi culture. When entering the restaurant, Bourdain's host signaled to the signs "singles section" and "family section." Interestingly, the singles section is only for men while the family section is for everybody else. Bourdain's host admitted that she never thought anything of the separation, she believed the men are the ones who are being secluded, not women. Overall, Bourdain's episode of No Reservations in Saudi Arabia broke various stereotypes and misconceptions of women and the Saudi culture.