Watch out! A Girl on the Loose

Even though I've lived all my life in the Middle East, but I still got a cultural shock from what I was faced with today:

1. I was asked to prove that my maternal-uncle is really my uncle not some random stranger I'm planning to travel with (along with my mom, grandma, and cousin!!!)
2. I was told my dad has to approve of me leaving the country to go to another for only a matter of 10 days (on a religious mission, not even simply tourism)
3. I was told that dad has to specify that my uncle will be responsible for me during my travel (can't these people count the number of departure and entry stamps on my passport from different countries, yes I do travel alone!!!)

I know that I always preach about not complaining about other countries rules, I always feel if I don't like it, then I might as well stay in mine; but this is actually taking it to another level of annoyance. I understand their rules specifies a "mehrem" but treating me as a minor and someone who's passive in the whole process of mobility across boarders is actually very degrading.

I just felt like venting...didn't make me feel much better though...I'm out!