I do not have access to official statistics. I have only my observations from hours of walking and riding over the streets of Alexandria, Egypt. It appears ninety-nine percent of women cover their bodies from head to toe in public, showing only their hands and faces to the world. In some neighborhoods at least one in ten covers the whole face, leaving just the eyes exposed. Among these, perhaps one quarter wear gloves and dark socks, effectively covering every inch of skin except the eyelids and some flesh around the eyes. I am told the average Muslim woman believes the head and arms should always be covered. It is the individual woman's interpretation of Islam that counts the most, according to my informants. Respect for Allah underlies the covering of every bit of flesh; these women interpret the extra shrouding as extra devotion to God. I should mention there is tremendous variety among the women. Many wear the most beautiful scarves, use eye make-up and combine several colors and patterns in their outfits. The middle-aged women wear flowing robes which are of one piece. The younger wear jeans and silk wraps that cover their hips and buttocks, while still suggesting a feminine figure. The youngest make sure their tops fit snugly around their breasts. It seems acceptable to display what you have in a modest and restrained way. A few dangerous women dispense with the wrapping of the hips and go about with only a scarf and very tight jeans. After weeks of immersion in the Egyptian culture, it seems strange to me when I see a woman go about uncovered. You learn to appreciate the loveliness of the faces and hands. The Western-oriented women begin to look plain and uninteresting and much less mysterious. Occasionally as in the photo above, women reveal themselves---sexuality and all---and it is quite stunning to see, especially in a mature woman with a teenaged daughter by her side.