Living or even just staying for a short time in a foreign country, can often result in severe cases of 'culture shock'. As a person that has been living out of their 'cultural comfort zone' for a number of years, I am not immune. However, it does not matter whether I agree or disagree with a particular country's policies, laws, sentences or customs. The onus is on me, as the foreigner, to respect and adhere to the country's way of life, regardless of the driving forces - religion, race, tradition or any others.
I have previously written articles on my blog, drawing attention to and sometimes questioning certain laws, punishments and processes in Singapore - ranging in topic, from the MDA (media development authority) strict censorship laws to the extremely harsh sentences for users of 'soft' drugs. This in no way suggests that I am showing disregard for, or in any way disrespecting the position of the Government or their departments' policies. Quite the opposite - if I were to break the law, I would expect to be punished and sentenced accordingly.
This brings me to the heart of this article, and relates to the recent "Sex on the Beach" incident involving a British couple in Dubai.
[FULL STORY AND AUSSIE PETE'S OPINION]