No Reservations

I have never seen No Reservations before and I found it extremely interesting and intriguing how Anthony Bourdain explores the cultures of other countries through food. I believe that the focus of this episode is to open a window through which non-Muslims can view a culture that they do not fully understand. The episode opens when Bourdain is first welcomed into Danya's house. She explains that she is just like westerners, pointing out to Bourdain her collection of dvd's, her flat screen television and her couches. Making this connection is key in order for outsiders to relate and in order for them to begin to understand that Islam is a religion and like any religion, is divided into many variations. There are many instances in which Bourdain tries to illustrate the fact that all of Saudi Arabia does not follow strict Muslim rule and that they are just like any other population of people with a set of beliefs. He comments on the fact that they are people, they have a sense of humor, and that outsiders' perceptions are skewed. Bourdain talks to Danya and Danya reveals that she does not feel that as a woman she is segregated from men but that the men are segregated from the women. Bourdain focuses on emerging  himself in the culture and he purchases a white robe that men in Saudi Arabia wear. He wears it around, stating that he feels free. Perhaps this is to highlight the idea that the women in Saudi Arabia feel free though from our perspective they seem oppressed. Bourdain discusses that there is a bigger picture that is not seen by outside populations which is why the perception of Saudis and Islam is so skewed.