If you think that you have just one life, think again. There's the life you think you have, the life others think you have and the life you really have- three lives!

Friday, October 13, 2006

Oops I (almost) did it again...

I almost did it again. I almost got really narky when someone told me I look like Nefertitti. But it is Ramadan so I held my tongue, smiled sweetly and said thankyou.

Now, it's not that I don't like Nefertitti or anything like that- it's just that I don't see the resemblance and don't understand why people always tell me that I look like her when they find out my origin is Egyptian.

The same with "exotic". Why do people alwways call me "exotic"? What's so 'exotic' about Egypt? When I think exotic, I think clear blue seas, palm trees and relaxation- not an overcrowded Metro car in downtown Cairo!

I don't know, why don't you guys make up your own minds.

Here is Nefertitti....



Here is my idea of 'exotic'...

And here is me....

What? You can't see the resemblance either? I thought so...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK, please don't go "narky" or whatever, but you DO (seem to) look a bit like Nefertiti (spelling?). It's the eyes (but that's all we can see anyway from the photo, hehe).

And please don't be really mad, but I understand the 'exotic' thing too. It's just that there's something exotic about Egypt - I don't know what it is, exactly; I can't place my finger on it. But every Egyptian I've ever met has a sort of special something. I don't know what it is. Maybe they carry the history of their land with them. But all the Egyptians I met in the States tell me that the Ancient Egyptians weren't the same people that live in Egypt today - that the Arabs migrated much later. Is that true?

Anyway, back to the topic. I only went to Egypt once, when I was 10. And there was something in the air - a magical sensation - sounds soooo cheesy, I know, but it's true. Kind of like the feeling (although it's a very different kind) that I get whenever I go to Jerusalem.

It's almost like you can feel the history in the air. It's a presence!

By the way, I see palm trees and clear skies as so NOT exotic - I see that whole aura as sort of mainstream and commercialized.

But anywho, enough about that! Be happy you're exotic :D And who wouldn't want to look like ancient royalty?

programmer craig said...

You look exotic! Admit it :P

The Usual Suspect said...

Craig
Are you saying I look like two palm trees???

Deenie
I guess the reason that I get so cynical about being likened to Nefertiti or being called exotic is that it's often at really inappropriate times. Like when I've just finished giving a public talk and then someone comes up to me and says "I couldn't listen to a word that you said because I just kept thinking how much you look like Nefertitti", or in a board meeting when someone says "Oh you're from Egypt, no wonder you look so exotic" or at a major conference where I am the guest speaker and the MC introduces me as "the exotic Ms...." Makes me wonder about just how credible I am when people seem to be more focussed on my looks.
But I am proud of my Egyptian heritage- very proud.

programmer craig said...

Don't worry about it, use it! Attractive people get further, especially in managemnet positions, and anything where people skills are required - like public speaking! Really, it's true... there have been many studeies done. Tall men also are more successful than short men. It sucks, and it's unfair... but it's true nontheless :)

Exotic:

1. From another part of the world; foreign: exotic tropical plants in a greenhouse.

2. Intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange.

The Usual Suspect said...

Thanks Craig
I'll settle for the definition that says "intriguingly unusual or different"- I like that one. Never have thought of myself as 'normal' so this fits perfectly!

hipster said...

Just want to let you know that I tend to call those who are beautiful-in a unique & unconventional way-exotic.
Hence, to me, it's a major compliment.

& what is wrong with Mme Nefertiti?She was beautiful:)