Pardon Mam, but I think it was my turn

No posting from me today (very busy with work and other things) , but I’d like to link you to a fellow Dutch blogger in Beirut who has something to say about assertiveness and standing in line at the check-out counter. It is a classic, and it has happened to me (and most of you I bet) – in one way or another – countless times. Knowing Riemer, he’s a pretty impressive guy with his 6 feet, if I am correct, I can just see him standing there, being shoved aside by a little dainty lady. Check-out line rage at its best.
Enjoy!

The Corniche is being ‘pimped’, and a new barrier is being installed. I was a bit dismayed at first; the new fence seemed way too high for people to sit on, as they used to with the old one. For those unfamiliar with Beirut, a stroll along the beach boulevard at sunset is an absolute ‘must’. It looks a bit like this;

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) That is the same photographer as the one that won the World Press Photo (remember, the girls in the red car, driving through the southern suburbs after the Israeli bombardments?). It was taken on August 11, 2006, during the war. As you can see, even a war did not deter Beirutis from a stroll along the Corniche.

The old barrier was just two bars; an excellent height to sit on. And sit is what the guys do, as they are watching the women walk by. (Photo by John Wreford)

The new barrier is a hefty 5 bars high, and impossible to sit on as the top barrier is moved inwards. However, this evening, I noticed (with relief, I might add) that this barrier provides an even better seat.

In Case You Wonder Why I Live in Beirut

After a two month absence;

“Walaw! What’s this? What took you so long, we we’re getting worried about you”! said the janitor as I left the building to restock my house, depleted of food. “You cannot leave us this long.”

“Sta’anelik. We missed you,” exclaimed the man behind the meat counter of the supermarket. “Guys, she’s back,” and the three men behind the meat counter all came out. “Where were you?”

“Hamde asalemeh. Welcome back,” called out the boy that packs my groceries at the check-out counter. “How are your parents? How’s the family? Everyone’s healthy?”

“Heee, min zamen ma zjitik. I haven’t see you in a while. How are you doing,” said the check-out lady.

“Hala ana mapsout. Ah, I am very happy to see you all healthy again. I was afraid you had left us,” said the old man that sits on a chair on the other side of the street, next to the juice bar.

“Welcome back. It is good to see you again,” said the guard at my work this morning.

None of these people I ever have extensive conversations with. Most of them I only say hi or bye to. But they all noticed I wasn’t there.

And that is why I live in Beirut.

Will Be Back Next Week

Alas, the summer holiday is almost over. It was a good summer, but now it is time to return to Beirut. Post from Lebanon will resume next week.