So Scooby - missing home then... could say that there is an easy answer to that - maybe the arab people won't miss one less american in the Middle East.

Seriously - Liana Banana is right - Chill, slow down, practice a few greetings in Arabic, Tagalog and dont let things get to you personaly.

The games site worked well enough for me (buying tickets to the cultural events) and the guy at the City Centre outlet had a great sense of humour despite the fact I did not have my purchase order...

Make the most of being here - sometimes it is easier and more productive to use the system than to fight it.