Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Secret Fans


Something to cheer me up on my birthday. Thanks for secret fan(s) sending it to me.

Birthday Boy

Today, the 30th, I am celebrating my 30th birthday of existing on this earth. I hope it hasn't been in vain yet, and that I was able to make a difference (hopefully positive) in your lives.
تقبل التهاني في منزل المعيِّد القائم في الغساني
It will be a duller celebration without all of you, my friends, there abroad. So no big parties to be held, you can go out and dine on my behalf, make sure that you eat meat لحـــــــــــــــــــم.

A Tale Of Two Dogs

تذكرت هذه الحكاية اليوم وتذكرت أيهم معطي معها (أحد زملائي)، لذا قررت أن أسردها مرة أخرى.
تقابل كلبان مرّة، فدار بينهما الحديث التالي (طبعاً النكتة تروى مع تغيير نبرة العو):
الكلب الأول: عو
الكلب الثاني: عو
فرد الأول: عو!
وافق الثاني: عــــــو.
فسأله الأول: عـــو؟
أجابه الثاني: عو
فتعجب الأول: عــــــــــــــــــو!
هز الثاني ذنبه وصرّح: عــو
ثم أردفه بسؤال: عــــــــــو؟
فامتعض الأول مشمئزاً: عــــو؟
فسّر الثاني سؤاله: عو
فقال الأول مزعوجاً: عــــو!!
حاول الثاني أن يطمئن خاطره: عو
لكن الأول أشاح برأسه قائلاً: عو
أعاد الثاني تطييب خاطره: عــــــــــــــــــــو (ماسكاً ذقنه بمخالبه)
هدأ الأول قليلاً وقال: عــــو
الثاني: عــــــــــو...
نبح الأول: عو (وكان يبدو عليه القلق)
بدأ الثاني يخشى عليه وقال: عــــــو!
فرد الأول: عــو
الثاني قال: عو
فأعاد الأول التأكيد: عــو
وهنا قال الثاني: عــــــو (وكأنه لم يقتنع)
الأول: عــو (وهو يحاول ألا يخضع للاستفزاز)
صاح الثاني هنا: عـــــــــــــــو!!!
فأردف الأول فوراً: عـو (وهو يغمز بعينه اليسار)
ساد صمت لبضع ثوانٍ ثم قالا في آن واحد (وهما يقهقهان): عـــــــــــــو
هز الكلب الأول رأسه قائلاً: عــــو
أكد الثاني: عــو
وبعد أن فكر لبرهة قصيرة قال: عــــــــو
فاستطرد الأول: عــــــــو!
هنا استغرب الثاني وقال: عـــــــــو؟؟؟
أجاب الأول وهو غير مصدق: عــــــــو؟
نفى الثاني: عـــو!!
فكر الأول مليّاً قبل أن يقول: عـــــــو..
أجاب الثاني (وعليه علامات الانفعال): عـــــــــو........
هدأه الأول وقال: عـــو
لكن الثاني تابع: عـــــو....
فنطق الأول: عـــــو
وهنا نظر الثاني إلى الأول بعين جانبية وقال: عــــــــــــــو!!!
الأول: عـــو (بلا مبالاة)
الثاني (مستفزاً): عــــــــــــــــو...
الأول: عو
الثاني: عو
الأول: عــو
الثاني: عــو (متململاً)
الأول أردف: عــو!
رد الثاني بسرعة: عــو
الأول (غير مصدقاً): عــــو
الثاني أكد نابحاً: عـــو
وهنا اشتدت وتير الحديث كمايلي
الأول: عو
الثاني: عـــو!!!
الأول: عو
الثاني: عو
الأول (وهو يرفع قدمه اليمنى): عو
الثاني: عو
الأول: عو (بشدة)
الثاني: عــــو (بأعلى صوته)
الأول: عـو
الثاني: عـو
الأول: عو
رد الثاني: عو!
الأول: عو عو
الثاني: منيح اللي غيّرت السيرة.......
انشالله ما نكون ازعجنا قلبكن بهالحديث.... القصة مهداة إلى أيهم معطي

Monday, August 29, 2005

Conference In Lebanon, Day 3

This is the last day of staying before we left next day. There was no conference today, at least for us. Some who are more scientifically oriented opted to attend, the rest of us went on a sightseeing tour to Jbeil (Byblos). It is located 45 miutes driving north of Beirut. The tour guide, a pretty girl, did her best to educate and explain things to us but almost got into a fight with some of us over some historical factoids. No humans were injured. She did a great job in fact and tolerated much of our interruptions and kid-behaving.
Jbeil has an old city, and per the guide is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. the ruins belong to several civilizations, and in it on of the early alphabets were discovered (after Ugarit, in Syria near Lattakia).
The ruins are nice and I took lots of pictures. Lunch was at a quite restaurant overlooking the see and some of the old ruins too.
On the way back, we (meaning the Syrian group) twisted the trip as we would like. I forgot to mention that we had five Egyptian persons with our group who, I believe, were overwhelmed with our hyperactivity and naughtiness. They were quite all the time, and when we had half an hour to go visit the old Souk (Market) in Jbeil, which is a historical one and very authentic looking, they went to pray in the mosque!!! So instead of taking a sea trip and the telefrique to Harisa, we skipped the first and went to Harisa by bus. That didn't bother me a bit, but the reason we did that is the women in our group wanted to have some time for shopping. Which they did afterwards, and me too.
At night we went to a place called Diwan Al-Sultan Ibrahim "ديوان السلطان ابراهيم" a very nice restaurant and excellent food (except Turmus which was not salted and without Cummins). Everyone from the conference has been there, and the whole place was almost booked for us. We were told that at the same time Al-Sanioura (Lebanese prime minister) and Sabah (الشحرورة) were dining at the same time there.
A group was singing, then a belly dancer came, then a folklore group. We danced and did Dabkeh until midnight. I for sure was a center of attention (wink).
Later we finished the night at the Lounge in our hotel where we continued dancing, Dabkeh, and such until a very early hour in the morning.
Next day we left, but alas we learned that they are going to take the rest of the group to a party for Elissa and Fadl Shaaker (I didn't want to write shaker with one "a" so it doesn't get misunderstood).
We thank Pierre Fabre for a very interesting weekend, and until next entry have fun.
And don't forget to comment, even to curse or insult me, because if I see no sign of that I will stop writing. Because I have better things to do..... Maybe not.. Well!

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Conference In Lebanon, Day 2

In the morning, after breakfast (a very nice intercontinental one), we took off to the Beit Al-Tabib. It is a new medical center for conferences and such things. All companies had booths and most had some sort of games and entertainment. A couple had Q&A games after which you can win some kind of prize. Another had a bartentainer (this is a new word I created meaning: a bartender who entertains through playing with bottles and stuff). Another one had some sort of virtual reality or interactive games. There were lots of doctors and I met some more. Everyone loves my dad (then me by proxy -LOL- although I think I deserved some credit).
I attended some lectures; most speakers were from Egypt or France. And it was a good time for a nap for some people. Attendance greatly diminished after lunch, or as time went by. Some apparently really came to attend the conference and were absent most of the time. Not many cared very much for everything as there aren't any CME points required form us.
Lunch was nice. But what was nicer is the ornamentation of the food. There were a couple of watermelons and a pumpkin carved skillfully into roses and different shapes. I have some photos that will take time to get, but will try to get them soon.
Afterwards, we swam for a bit and later were taken to an Italian restaurant called Vinizia. It actually had a small water pathway made specifically with a couple of gondolas. We occupied the upper floor, and the meal was pretty much similar to yesterdays. No sorbet. This is all of course sponsored by the drug company (Pierre Fabre).
Later half our group went back to the hotel, the rest of us were told that we are going to a nightclub. The place was called Buddha Bar. We were about 18 people left and we arrived at midnight. It is a two-story facility; the inside is of red shades and in the middle rests a huge Buddha statue. The lower level serves as a restaurant and the upper seemed like a regular lounge bar, with a D.J. playing some mystic music. Lots of young people were there chatting and drinking. I was thinking to myself that this isn't a night club but rather a mere lounge. After we had our drinks the music type changed and all of s sudden the whole second level changed into a dancing floor. People would dance in the pathways, or inside the loop they are sitting in… quite amazing. We stayed like that until 2:30 AM. But before that, specifically while playing Zorba's dance, a birthday cake arrived carrying two names, the chief drug rep. (who turned out to be a relative of one of the guys I met last week in Lebanon) and mine (his birthday was then, mine was after 4 days, on the 30th). That was a surprise and I rarely get surprised.
To sum up, the day was fun and I will soon add the details of the third (and last) day of that trip.

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Conference In Lebanon, Day 1

As I told you, I was away as a companion to my dad on this trip to Beirut. On Wednesday we got ourselves ready for the trip, in a bus, to cross the borders. An explosion has taken place a couple of days ago, but that didn't seem to deter anyone from going. Our group of Syrian oncologist and companions took off in the afternoon with the sponsoring drug company rep, a female my age from Jordan (definitely with a hyperactive personality), towards the Lebanese borders. I met and got introduced to all the other doctors in the trip, most I didn't know from before, and became good friends quickly. Everyone was so joyous, except one who was reading medical journals all the time, and the trip was spent singing and dancing as in any other normal one. The fact that all of us were doctors didn't prevent us from being teenagers on a school trip. Jokes were shooting all over the place, practical or none, and most were of a heavy nature (من تحت الزنار) and innocent flirting. The borders were no trouble at all, thanks to those guiding us, and we didn't even have to get off the bus.
We arrived at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel. An icon of splendor I thought. The outside is not the fanciest imaginable, but from the inside one is first faced with a huge chandelier above a red-carpeted marble stairway. All kinds of fancy jewelry shops are scattered around, and in the atrium rests a huge lounge with a live band singing nice calm songs.
The service is exceptional, and if you needed a dragon's egg they would get it. The room was spacious with complimentary sweets (baklavas) and fruit (changed daily). Bottled water is free (as opposed to my USA experience), and the view from the room overlooks a beautiful bay, and… the site were Al-Hariri was assassinated. The bathroom (and I know some there are picky about hotels' bathrooms) are to die for (or in). It was spacious, marbled and clean with a shower, a tub, and high quality accessories; I took many pictures of it due to my admiration. Despite all that, we barely spent anytime in the hotel rooms, except to sleep and take showers. We swam in the indoor pool almost everyday, a pleasurable experience. There was a Jacuzzi and a gym that I didn’t use. In the evening time, an employee comes and lights the pool surrounding with candles; the pool itself is surrounded with greens and plants.
At night we were invited to a dinner at the hotel; a fine dining experience. The staff of the sponsoring company was very nice, professional, amicable and friendly; they did all they can to make sure their guests were happy. Our group was not the only one, but there were some from Egypt, France, and Iran too. The table we sat at was huge, fitting 5x8 people, and in the middle, flower petals were thrown. The meal was a five course dinner; we didn't have to choose (and I shouldn't complain) but I got used to ordering my meat the way I want. Medium-well is a bit too much for my taste now, but nevertheless the food was very good. A new thing I learned is that they offer sorbet after a seafood appetizer to get rid of the smell, or the taste. I think I like the USA meat more, but the service in this hotel is superior.
Afterwards we moved to an adjacent lounge, were live music was playing too. We did a bit of dancing and chatting, but the main theme was a guy (my gut feeling tells me with Gulf money) and his… I think, escort, mistress, or something. Anyway, she was overly flirtatious with him to the degree of disgust. She had a baby face and a nice body. Every now and then he would apparently ask her to dance for him, and she would, then we wouldn't… because everyone, including girls, would be looking in her direction watching her jumping and shaking a body under a dress that looks like a slightly long shirt. In one instant she started taking off her jewelry fearing they would fall or fly away as she shakes. The worst thing about this is that the "guy" didn’t seem to be watching her, but enjoys his cigar as if nothing is happening. We heard later that such a service is available for few nights for a good sum of dollars. I am not sure what the package includes. But that definitely was a highlight of the evening.
The conference hasn't started yet, and this is only the beginning. I will follow that with day 2, then day 3.

Friday, August 26, 2005

On Women

Here is something to amuse yourself with before I write about my trip to Lebanon. It is as usual from my previous blog.

On Women, Part 1
What is the theory behind the woman name??The theory behind it is that man was created first, and he called himself a Man.Then he got to meet the female, his other half, and he was so amazed he had to call her a WOW-Man. Thus the word woman came to existance.
pretty cute isn't it?

On Women, part 2
في اللغة العربية كلمة رجل لها جمع من جنسها وهي رجال. أما امرأة فليس لها من جمع من جنسها ولكن من غير جنس، وهي كلمة نساء -التي بدورها ليس لها مفرد على حد علميسوف أصل إلى الاستنتاج التالي: الرجل يقع على أشكال كثيرة، أما المرأة فهي واحدة. يعني كل النساء سواسية، متل بعضأما عن كلمة نساء فهي جمع كمي وليس نوعي!!!!!!!! والعلم عند أهل العلم
مرة دخلت إلى متجر ووجدت فيه كتيباً عنوانه: كل ما عرفه الرجل عن المرأةالكتاب يقع في حوالي 100 صفحة من القطع الصغير........... كلها فارغة

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Give Me A Break

Hi folks,
I will be away until next Saturday in Lebanon. So do not expect any update on the blog until then. But I will try to compensate afterwards.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Map Hunting

I woke up today, again, and as I had nothing significant to do yet I decided to go on a "crusade" to find something. That something is a map of Safita, and specifically a historical map of it.
To give a brief, unreferenced, history of its ruins I will have to describe it a little bit. Others are welcomed to fill some blanks or correct any info. The landmark of Safita is its tower "The Burg البرج ", which sits on one of the hills. The Burg currently serves as a church, it has a main floor, a second floor (mainly unused), and as per one of my relative a basement that is locked and served as a water container or a pool. It is said that in the old days there used to be a third floor (where the current roof stands), but this was damaged in a 1920's earthquake.
The tower, similar to all other castles in the area, was built by the crusaders, and was called "The White Castle". It served as a communication center with other towers or castles in sight. As any tower, it had a wall that surrounds it (a double wall I was told) and the second part was also an earthquake victim it seems. The remaining wall has suffered major violations, whether by the government (by building the post office in front of it) or by residents (by building their homes on and in front of the wall, including one of my aunts house).
My aunt's husband told me once about foreign engineers who had a detailed historical map of Safita and knew things he didn't know of, and other things that no one until now know whether they exist or where (like the escape tunnels from The Burg to other neighboring areas). So I was like, if they have it then we should, and I wanted it.
I started my day by going to the Ministry of Tourism (MT) and asked the information clerk, who was busy talking to friends, about the map. His advice was to go to the public information center as they would have all the maps available. That place was a bit far, so I walked to the neighboring Bureau of Ruins and Museums (BRM) "مديرية الآثار والمتاحف" and I was directed to the third floor (division of engineering) where I waited few minutes for Umm Wael to arrive. Not surprisingly, she had no clue about a map of Safita and suggested I check with the National Museum library. As I walked into the library, not very far from the BRM, I asked a clerk about the map. He opened an index (a hand written (or rotten) index) and attempted looking at some references there. I had a look meanwhile and discovered that they have plenty of references that no one has probably bothered to look at or open its pages, including a whole series on Syria dating from 1900 until now, in French. The final result of the search is that they have some written information but no maps.
I decided to go now to the tourism information desk, and the Bureau of Buildings "مديرية المباني" (per suggestion of Umm Wael). In the meantime I passed by almost all the movie theatres in the area. Cinema Dimashq was undergoing renovations, it only in the past played "the most recent Indian movies". "Most recent" usually means 10-15 years old. On the way was Al-Ahram Theatre playing the only adult "recent" Turkish movie called Mav Mav (blue, blue). It also advertises itself as a theatre for the most recent Arabic, Indian, and American movies. I had one experience with this one, out of curiosity, maybe 14-15 years ago. The ticket was 5 SYP (10 cents), I was offered a soda inside, and the place was full of privates who ran from their service and wanted to hide for the day. 5 SYP was enough to spend the whole day because the show is a continuous mixture of Arabic, American and other movies; all of which make no sense.
The next one was Cinema Dunya, located on a cobble-stoned road. It was playing… I really don't know. The ad was for, I think, two movies at the same time. In one line they present Egyptian actors and in the other the "prettiest hot Hollywood babes" heroes of the famous movie "flamed sex الجنس الملتهب". If any of you have seen this one please let me know.
Finally I arrived to the information desk and asked them about the map. They declined having any and suggested the BRM, which I was just at. I turned my back and started walking towards what is supposed to be the Bureau of Buildings. There was Al-Sufaraa Theatre showing a play by Kanou3 Brothers (الأخوين قنوع) called "A groom on hold عريس مع وقف التنفيذ" and another by Abu 3antar called "A citizen below zero مواطن تحت الصفر", in addition to the most recent Arabic, Indian and American movies.
I didn't find anything called the Bureau of Buildings, but there was the Bureau of Real Estates Affairs "مديرية الشؤون العقارية". Ij tried my luck there asking about the engineers Elias, but no luck. Anyway, in the midst of my search I passed by the Division of Cadastral Survey "قسم المساحة". So I asked about the other question I had (which by the way I asked at all the previous places I visited today), the question is about a detailed map of Damascus and its maps (naming all the streets). I talked with the division director who said that there isn't such a thing, but it is possible that I would find something like that in the Administration of Military Landscape "إدارة المساحة العسكرية".
Here I was already tired and invited to lunch, so I decided to stop my quest and postpone the second part until later. Next step will be asking for Safita's map in Safita itself. This will be in a week time. And I would like to poll you and write in the comment section whether you think I will find it or not. I think I may write a letter to the Secretary of Tourism to explain the poor performance of all these divisions.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Syrian Bumper Stickers

Do you guys remember all these signs on the back of Suzukis and trucks?? LOL
We defy any nation in the world to come up with similar ones. By the way, please add the ones you saw or remeber in the comment section
اتدللع يا كايدهم
عين الحسود فيها عود
لا تلحقني مخطوبة
دلوعة أبو علي
عين الحسود لا تسود
بتلوموني ليه؟

Saturday, August 20, 2005

A Day In Lebanon

So after a good while of intending to go to Lebanon and meet some of Cleveland folks (in fact I have been in touch mainly with Ghunwa and once with Mikhail before he goes back), so after three weeks here I was able to arrange that. Everyone was cautioning me about that because of all the recent events, which didn't mean to me anything. I left on Thursday and came back next day.
The driver I went with said that he will meet me at 10 AM in the morning, in Safita. We left shortly after that. There were three others in the car (a private car, by the way). To give a brief background about him, he is a former (I think still is) member of the famous Syrian intelligence working at an important post at the Syrian-Lebanese borders. He is retired now, but needless to say he knows every single person who works on both sides. That made the border passing so easy, 15 minutes from one side to the other. Of note, almost no other cars were traveling. Those whom he knew he said hi to, but there was one who apparently didn't know him and asked for some kind of documentation. The poor guy he shouldn't have done it. Our driver gave him a lecture that contains subtle threatening that made me somewhat scared, and somewhat amazed (I think I am still expecting to see discipline, although it never existed). Fifty Syrian pounds would solve the biggest trouble and no one even tried to open the trunk. We could have had explosions and drugs with us and no one would have known.
After the borders we drove slowly for a while as the road was so bumpy and being fixed. But then he started driving as if someone was chasing him. Speed was 140 km/hr whether speed limit was 30 or 100. Apparently the maximum speed allowed is infinity (light speed to be scientifically correct). I, sitting in the front, was imagining all kind of accidents happening. I believe I made a dent in the chassis from too much braking on the road, I also believe there was a blood pressure problem.
He kindly dropped me at a beach in Jounieh were I was supposed to meet Ghunwa and others. The place, a very nice one I thought, belonged once to the military but now is open for public. There were plenty of people there swimming (actually swimming, not just lying on the beach) and sun-tanning. The sun was up, and almost no humidity which was nice. Later a couple of friends with family and Ghunwa's arrived and we basically spent the time between being under the sun, in the sea, eating, and chatting. Everyone was very nice and kind and I wouldn't know how to thank them enough. It has been a while since I did any kind of activity, or got "sun-exposed"; the result is that I got tired later and transformed into a red beet.
Afterwards the four of us (me, Ghunwa, and two other friends of her: Nijad and Hadi) went to Harisa via the "Telefrique". The Telefrique (I hope my spelling is right) is a cool way of going from near the sea to the highest point of the mountain in front of the sea. Four can sit in a closed oval "container" that is attached from its top to a long wire that spans the length from bottom to the top. As we arrived we looked around a bit and I lit a candle in tribute to all my grand-parents who passed over the last 9 years. The view form the top is very beautiful as a long section of the cost can be seen.
After that we headed towards Ghunwa's and from there we left to a restaurant in a village called Dhour El-Shweir. It is very elevated (1250 meters above the sea level, I was told). Few others joined us there and the evening was fun. I think I was getting exhausted already as the moment we arrived home I slept readily while others stayed up (bad, bad, bad…). The day was much fun and makes me want to come again to see more of Lebanon, which, maybe to your surprise, I don't know much of.
Nothing was planned for the next day as it was supposed to be the day to depart to Safita again. Nevertheless, I had no clue what time the driver will be there next morning, so I accompanied Ghunwa on her way to Beirut. I got to see the American University in Beirut (AUB) before it was time to leave. I met the driver at a certain place. A taxi has dropped me at the wrong place first, so I had to walk back some; he also tried to fool me I guess as I was paying him, but that got fixed.
The second driver, name is George, had an old Mercedes (by the way, Lebanon must have the highest number of Mercedes and BMW cars per capita in the world). As I rode he tells me that the A/C is not working, it was getting really hot that day. We left at around 1:30 PM. His driving was not better than the first, in fact 10 times worse. Even though he was speeding, I wished he sped more because the more the speed, the cooler the air I got from the window. Soon after taking off he started playing the cassette player. The tape had a party by Ali Dayyoub and Fariha Al-Abdallah. Both were competing in horribleness. Fariha has acclaimed the title "Al-Shahroora" on a recent flyer I saw. As she raises her singing tone, her voice resembles screeching of nails on a green board at school. The songs were those in an Ali Al-Deek style. The driver seemed to be so thrilled, the songs was being repeated on and on. I thought he either was stupid, or was testing to see if I complained or whatever (I think he also is with intelligence: "mokhabarat"). Anyway he asked me, referring to the songs, whether I liked "Tarab". I felt as if an axe hit my head. For those who don't know what tarab is, a good analogy is asking whether I like to listen to big bands music or Frank Sinatra while a Snoop Doggy Dog song is playing.
Anyway, I arrived eventually safe, the borders where not much of a problem too, 15 minutes, and no one bothered to look into my bag again.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Only In Safita



I think they meant "Shoes"

LOL

Adventures Of Ears

This is another entry from the other blog I had. Many of you know that I have a hearing problem, but I am not sure how many know about my hearing aids. The life of a third deaf is interesting, but also difficult at times (by the way Lulu, all of what is here is due to your dad, and I really owe him). I have pasted it with minor editting, hope you like it. :o)

Yesterday I got two new hearing aids. Man, it is like moving to a different world. I can't believe the kind of crap people listen to. All of a sudden I started hearing the slightest clinkings here and there.I got that wooshing blowing sound when I first tried it on. I thought that my bad luck came back again, the aids are not working well. Of course they are okay, that is the air vent sound, said my audiologist. "Air vent" sound?!!!!!!! What the fu** is the air vent sound for? Totally blows my mind. I was happy with my car, it is still new you know; only three years, feels like thirty now. I would probably have to take it to the mechanic. Even the sound of driving on the road is different, background noises are horrible, and the worst of it all... If I am on telephone coil mode I can catch the fluorescent light electricity buzz. So what next??? Intercept my neighbor's phonecalls!!!My voice is so loud I am afraid of talking, it wasn't like that when I had a unilateral analog hearing aid. It feels like a TV set inside my head, if this is what auditory hallucinations sound like they are scary.
I haven't used them yet while eating, that will be a total disaster. Anything that crunches will feel like a screw turning in my ears. So now I can see my food, feel it, smell it, taste it and hear it too. This food sounds delicious.
I feel sorry for people who hear well, they will never be happy, there is always something around them that will drive their attention. They have to live with noise, I don't. They have to listen to bull**it, I don't. They can't isolate themselves from others' conversations, I can. They have to deal with coins clinking in their pockets, I don't. And they are stuck in this world, I have two.
Having normal hearing doesn't make you a good listener, I listen very well, everyone said it. But don't look for an advice because I don't know what the hell you were talking about. Just kidding, not all the time.
Now I can just turn my hearing aids off, and I am back to normal life, a quite life where only important sounds are delivered, those that are strong enough. All those trivial minute sounds are insignificant. I have been living it for more than twenty years and I can still do it. I feel lucky in a way, thanks to God for giving me the gift of not hearing well, at least I have a mean of compensating for it now when I need it. This is how everyone should be born like. Only this way you can get the best of both worlds.
And anyway, what is the worse that can happen?? A police officer at 1200 midnight knocking at your door because the volume is too loud?? Uhhhhh.. Well I take back this statement, it happened once.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Carnival Pictures

These are some pictures form the Carnival. Everything is hand made and usually not sofisticated.
The first two pictures are supposed to be a mockery of Haifa Wehbe and her participation in the currently running very stupid reality show "Al-Wadi". The guy in the second picture should be Haifa!!!!!!!!!!!!




This is a castle, I think... Whatever!

"C"s And "D"s / Carnival Pictures

This is part of the audience at the carnival (occasionally parts of it). I dedicate this to all my Syrian friends in USA who have not come for a long while and are wondering what girls look like these days (I know many of you are drooling already and looking for potentials, LOL).
Disclaimer: There is no intention to humiliate any girl showing in the pictures. Look at this as a guy's thing, all you single Syrians out there I need your support I got prosecuted by the lads.
Enjoy.........









Guys And Others / Carnival Pictures




In order not to be called racist or sexist or pervert or whatever, here are some other pictures that I took at the Carnival. Honestly I didn't see any cute guys, and even if there were any I wouldn't recognize them. So here you are :o)

Marmarita Pictures

This is Marmarita at night, while we played cards. the sky was clear and i can see even the milky way. Not light pollution here. Fog was also sneaking between the building and even our fingers.


In the daylight, from my aunts place, this is the view that can be seen. Usually associated with nice breeze even in the hot summers.

Marmarita / Carnival (read this before the pictures)

So I arrived yesterday to Marmarita. I have to say that the way to Marmarita is quite different from the other roads. The reason is it is located in a tough mountain areas and the roads are a series of blind curves which shows nothing, and anything can be around the corner (animals, people, automotives, nothing… you name it).
My cousin has already reserved a table for us in one of the cafés where the “evening stroll” or Kazdoora happens. The table he wanted on the pavement was occupied “illegally” by some girls, so we were offered a table on the “front line”. Our table was on the street and offered a full unobstructed view of everything that passes in front of us. This is, in case anyone was wondering, people and cars and what’s inside them. There was no menu as they offer one of two things, pizza or shawarma. We had a Hookah (Argileh) and some hot beverages in addition to pizza which wasn’t bad. We sat for almost 3 hours and my cousin would tell me little stories of anyone who passes; I forgot all of them already.
After we went home we got out again and stayed at another café until 2 AM. In the time out between outings I just enjoyed some time with my aunt and cousins, all of whom I haven’t seen for seven years. I also briefly met John Salameh who is an old friend of mine (one year ahead of me in medicine).
By the time we arrived home we decided to play some cards (Morto) and I lost. I think we eventually slept around 4 – 4:30 AM.

Next morning my lovely cousin (another one)بكل وقاحة wakes us up to have coffee with him and his wife. This was around 8 AM. We had no other choice but to get up and have coffee then washed up and had breakfast.
Today is the Carnival for Al-seydeh Eid (عيد السيدة) and everyone is preparing for it. There are lots of parties around this area, and I was torn between going to one in Safita with my cousin Majed, or staying in Marmarita after the Carnival for another party with his siblings. That almost led to a problem that was solved later by deciding to separate.
I also learn today that I have to cut short the time I devoted to myself to go back to Damascus soon (in a couple of days). Grrrrrrrr… Hate it but what can I do.
I had some time with other relatives/acquaintances (including John who advised me to go back to USA).

As per the Carnival, it was anticipated as usual but I think with fewer crowds this year. But anyway, the crowd that was there was enough to have all sorts of people around. There were lots of girls (and guys too, but why shall I talk about them!) strolling or standing to watch, and I can imagine myself hearing Philip saying: صوّر، صوّر (take a picture; he knows what I am talking about). There is one exception, which is that I actually did this time (compared to the first time we used the reference). There were rumors about it not happening, and I think people are starting to get afraid some (that explosions may happen or something of the sort). Nothing happened of course, at least until when we left to Safita.
The Carnival is basically a parade of hand made moving displays. Most are built on tractors or trucks. Others are on feet and are dressed up in all sorts of things. I have pictures of what all was like, which should be published at the end of this blog entry.
Our location was good, the parade started around 5:30 PM but I think arrived after 6 PM to where we were. We had a balcony, unobstructed view; and the best thing was the roof where everything is visible including some photo art pictures I had (silly smiley).
Explanation of what was the parade like can be found in the pictures.

One thing I have to add, there were lots of people there, mostly young. And the thing that drove my attention (if you are less than 18 please click NO, except Lulu) is that every single girl is… bosomy (silly smiley again). This is my rational: if we get a collective population, boob size curve should be a bell-like one (remember statistics), with most averaging a “B” or “C” cup. Well, the curve here is skewed to a degree that most average around a “C” or “D” cup (hardly any “A”s… two silly smileys). So neither anatomically nor statistically this is possible which leaves very few options (can you guess?!!!). This is also evident in the art photos I took (numerous silly smileys) and I apologize in advance to anyone who may get offended but my silliness. It is just innocent fun (funny smiley).

And here are the pictures, I hope you enjoy.

By the way, I have spent a good deal of time to cover this event and really worked my ass off. Thus, any criticism is strongly prohibited (angry smiley).

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Notes Off The Road

Today I drove to Safita in order to have some time for myself, and to celebrate tomorrow the “Virgin Mary’s day” or عيد السيدة in Marmarita, another small village in Syria not so far from Safita. I will talk later about the “time for myself” but I would like to make notes of things on the way here, which is 95% on highways.

Things that shouldn’t be on the highway… but are:
1. Pedestrians
2. Bicycles
3. All drivers and their vehicles

Things that shouldn’t drive on the shoulder… but do:
1. Motorcycles
2. Buses
3. Tractors
4. Vans
5. Cars
Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention that all these were driving on the shoulder… in the opposite direction, in a considerable speed.

Things that shouldn’t happen on the highway… but do
1. Hitch-hiking public transportation
2. Driving at a ridiculously slow speed (especially trailers)
3. Crossing the highway as if it is a neighborhood street
4. Selling goods on the shoulder
5. Double bypassing (bypassing a car that is already bypassing another on a two lane way)

Al-Janneh / Saydnaya

Finally, I get to go to Al-Janneh. For more than four years and I hear people talking about it, how good it is and what an extraordinary restaurant it is. The area of Saydnaya is full of new and old restaurants, some are good, and some are mediocre. But again, food is the only thing that is successful anywhere in the world. And food is what we do for socializing. This is why this time I gained around 7-8 pounds since I arrived (just to give an idea of how active I am).
The place is on the main road after the square. The setting is beautiful. Once we arrived at 2 PM there were barely anyone there, and I started wondering about its popularity. But as I was told to wait and see, the place was totally packed in a matter of one hour and a half. Needless to say, you will definitely recognize three or four tables; even me I saw people that I know. One of them was Randa (a colleague of my brother), and some other doctors and family friends. I didn't expect to see any of MY friends because again, they are all gone (not entirely true because a couple of days ago, a university colleague caught me parking the car and we chatted for half an hour before he tells me his name).
The place had gardens and flowers that were well taken care of. The service I thought is good. Despite the fact that my brother asked me to get an Argileh, I didn't know why as the one in Kan Zaman is even better (especially the one we had in the guys night out). Food was good, and plenty. Each table should seat with it at least four persons who can't afford that kind of luxury because the amount of food that gets thrown away is ridiculous (in case they don't throw it and reuse it, I don't wanna go there again). One exception is the raw kibbe, I think I had much better ones, especially at Adonis in Detroit. The only thing that blew my mind is how much food they have in storage to feed all these people (no less than 1,000) and even more for those coming at dinner time.
We didn't go to Saydnaya's convent but I took a picture of the Sherubs' convent (دير الشيروبيم).

Friday, August 12, 2005

Superstar

Many of you don't (in fact all of you) don't know that I had a non-public blog that I once wrote in only for my own pleasure. I will not make it available but I thought I will plug in some of the things I wrote in it every now and then.
This piece is in Arabic, I am not going to translate it as I think it will lose its originality. You can seek help if you want.
This stupid piece of crap (proud to call it that) was inspired after all the hype surrounding the Superstar thing (which is the Arabic equivalent of the American Idol). In a website an interview with all those who reached the final stage was conducted, all were asked the same questions. I imagined myself one of them and answered the questions according to what I am now (which is not a Superstar). Enjoy........

اليوم قرأت مجموعة مقابلات مع الناجحين في برنامج سوبر ستار ولذا قررت أن أجري نفس المقابلة مع ذاتي
متى بدأت الغناء؟ أنا ما أغني
هل تمتلك أصول الغناء؟ يا أخي ليش حاطط حطاي، قلتلك ما بغنّي
برأيك من هو أفضل مطرب؟ أنا لو كان صوتي حلو، وكنت بغنّي
ومن أفضل مطربة؟ بعدي أنا ما في لا مطرب ولا مطربة
ما هو تفسيرك لكلمة "سوبر ستار"؟ مين هاد سوبر ستار؟
لماذا أحببت المشاركة في سوبر ستار؟ أنا ماني مشارك
ما هي المواهب الأخرى التي تمتلكها؟ ليش شو هي الأولى؟؟؟؟
إذا لم يحالفك الحظ في برنامج سوبر ستار ماذا ستفعل لاحقا؟ صحيح إنك ما تفهم، لك ما قلتلك أنو ماني مشارك
ونشكر الأخ بسام جزيل الشكر لتفضله ببعض من وقته علينا لإجراء هذا اللقاء

Thursday, August 11, 2005

The Four Musketeers

Two days ago my cousin George left towards Germany, where he is supposed to start fellowship training in Surgery. He is one of 29 direct cousins (including me) on my mother's side. But of these four were almost always together for the longest. The four are me, George, my brother Rami, and Tarek. Tarek and George are brothers. I used to take Tarek's side and the other two did the same. I think it must have been six years since we all met. The sad part about this is even with me coming to Syria, this is not likely to happen in the near future as everyone is in a different land.
I am currently here, the only one I may add. At least I had the chance to see George before he left, and Tarek in USA when he arrived there two months ago. My brother is currently in London. The geographical location of Rami and George makes it easier for them to go back and forth, that doesn't mean this is what they will be doing. As far as Tarek, I think it is harder given the trouble he had to go through to arrive where he is right now, and the distance (especially if he is going to experience a trip similar to the one I had).
So here we are all separated, and that troubles me as my dearest friends before I come were them, and those who are in USA. Although I haven't felt this strongly enough yet, but it been only two weeks since I came and it is definitely going to get stronger. I hope that we all are going to find what we wish for in these endeavors and that someday soon we will meet, the four of us, and recall old days.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Mastercard

Super deluxe car wash (Safita): $2.5
Steak au poivre (Safita): $3
Bribing a police officer (Damascus): $1
Nice haircut: $2.5
Driving while AC is not working, outside temperature of 113 degree, and the wind is hot... Priceless

Wings Night

This blog should have been here a week ago, but I somehow forgot about tit. I left it as is. I know now that the guys are true to this ritual, and I am glad.

Today is a sad day. Not that there aren't things that I miss in the States on a daily basis, but Monday has been special. Many know that every Monday after work was a sacred time. Usually four of us (me, Phil, Wael, and Muhannad) would meet in Lakewood's "Winking Lizard" and have our "usual".
The usual is preferred non-alcoholic drink, spinach artichoke dip (AKA spindip), a standard order of some 40-50 wings, and of course… a side dish of French fries.
I was the "CEO", and Phil was my vice. Muhannad is the treasurer; he decides what each one owes. Poor Wael is the only member without a title; after all, we needed laymen for our society.
The last gathering (last Monday) was unusual, and "bisexual". I gave up my position to Phil, which means he would be the one privileged to eat the chip in the dip. I hope you guys are there as I write this now. I miss you all, especially he knows whom. The tradition must be kept and preserved as long as we can. I am looking forward to sitting on my throne again. Meanwhile, I may have to find my own chicken wings place here.

New I.D.

There is a new I.D. card in Syria now; smaller, colored and fits in any wallet. It takes normally few months to get it done. I have no clue why. It must be something related to “national security” as usual. On the other hand if you are a Syrian coming to visit for a limited time, it will be released in a week. Why on earth they can release it in a week when needed and not for everyone. Lots of bureaucracy here.
Of note that I forgot the new photos I got in Damascus before coming here, in addition to the camera, my passports, and possibly other things. I had to wait for them to be sent, as I liked it a lot (I will try to get a digital copy of it). Once I got them I went to the “Saraya” which is the equivalent of the city hall, or federal offices. The Saraya is a very old building in the Saha (or square) of Safita. I was told to go upstairs for the new I.D. application. There were around fifty people standing behind a black iron door that opens every now and then. I had no clue whether this was a prison door or something else (but it seems something else). The fifty were not, of course, standing in a line as in Syria the shortest way between A and B is through a chaotic crowd. All of them had no direct business that they have to do in front of the door, and were waiting only to be called and receive their new I.D. They may not be totally blamed as there are no marked lines, no seats, and no rules to abide by… at least yet.
I felt overwhelmed and returned without even asking a single question. Next day my aunt suggested we go close to the end of working hours when everyone is gone and business is slow, and it was. We asked for the application guy, who was wandering a bit outside his office (or his one out of ten desks in what can be called an office), after which he came. The application was filled quickly, by hand. We promised to bring the passport later so they can start the process quicker (supposedly I am here for a limited time and have to go abroad soon). I haven’t seen yet a single sign of modern technology (except for light bulbs that Edison invented… a hundred years ago).
There were two other documents that we had to do. Finding the clerk in charge was also difficult… I could find a clerk easily but finding the right one can be tricky. So I was told to go after the lady in red (I thought of Chris De Burgh) who was, also, wandering outside (all these clerks are just bored to death, killing time now and hoping no one like me would show up for business). The lady was actually in orange, are she redirected me to three other clerks (before we eventually ended up at her booth).
One of the clerks had to dig into civil records. You must have guessed by now that those records are on paper, hand written and very, I mean reaaaaaaaaaaally very old (almost mummified). The poor guys who had their records at the bottom of the first few pages may not exist, or have any evidence of existence, because the papers are worn, torn, or eaten by moth.
The “lady in red” filled the from; hand written again. And because it was meant to be used abroad it had to be typed, and typing takes place outside the Saraya. How much intelligence it takes to plug a computer and design a program that prints out the paper needed without having to waste valuable time in this? Unbelievable. Anyway, I was looking at the booth and there was a sign, guess what… hand written, that says Marriage and underneath it another word that was sloppily scratched. What happened to good metal title plates, or computer generated signs? Again, unbelievable.
Outside the booth, in the hallway, three or four women sit (clerks who have nothing better to do, waiting for 3:30 PM). They were chatting, laughing, and… throwing unripe grapes on each other in what is supposed to be a government and public building. The some grapes get squashed by people passing by tinting the ground with a beautiful green color.
I smirked and sneered, but cried inside. I tried to look up the word “civilization” in the dictionary but couldn’t find it. Until when then?? And I am still crying.

Sunday, August 07, 2005

P.S. 2

Hi everyone
I made some changes to the blog formatting. Firstly, You don't need to be a blogspot member in order to comment, so you should be able to type your comments directly. Keep them going as they keep me going. Comments will be shown in a pop-up window when attempting to see them.
Secondly, the time format is changed but I still don't know which time zone. I think that wouldn't matter much.
There is an archive link on the right hand side of the blog and through that you can see old entries if they no longer show on the home page.
Until later, have a good day... or night.

Beesso

Saturday, August 06, 2005

The Second Car

Here in Safita my brother left the other car parked awaiting his (or my) return to use it. The car is a 1993 Peugeot, a French make that is very rarely seen in the States. Those of you who know my brother (and he will be reading this now), know what this car has been through. To summarize my experience with it, here is the account of getting it to drive.
The car was parked in a long deserted space under my grandparents’ house. The only thing left, in addition to the car, is cement, sand, stones and bricks; a very dusty environment. The battery was disconnected for conservation purposes, I think, and to hook it again I had to enter the car to open the hood. I had to enter through the passenger door for some technical reasons I not going to fully detail. Once we reconnected the battery, I tried to start it. Nothing happened, then nothing happened, and nothing happened. The battery is almost dead. The only other way was to jump start it from another car. Of course this required pushing the car backward out of the “parking space” as it was front forward. There is no AAA here to call for rescue, everything has to be home made. Luckily enough I had few of my cousins at the car side just in case and they helped in the process.
After getting the car out (shoveling in the process half the sand it has to go over, or through) we attempted jump starting it. Nothing happened, then nothing happened, and nothing happened, but then… something happened. The connecting cables started to smoke, and smoke, and smoke with every time we tried to turn it on. I suggest switching cables but everyone looked at me as if I am an idiot. Anyway, it was an idiot suggestion but I was trying to help only.
The second best thing was to run it down the hill and try to turn it on. The car is manual so that is feasible. I was ran down the steep road next to my grandparents’ house. I think I prayed before that. First of all, it has been ages since I did something like that (driving an automatic, reliable car and all). And secondly, the road is a somewhat convoluting one that barely fits two cars in opposite lanes (but there is no dividing lane of course). The chance of running into another car, or not running at all was real and everyone seemed to be so cool about it. I was even trusted to do that without on site help. Thankfully I didn’t need any and the car started as soon as it went downhill.
Amazingly I have driven it very well that even I was impressed with myself. Looks like this is something like driving a bicycle or swimming, you never forget them no matter how long you don’t do them.
Next was the mechanic work and cleaning, which took around 2 hours to do, or even more. This may not seem like a long time for some basic work up on a car in the States but I was almost the only customer. Cleaning alone took around an hour and a half. It was shampooed about four times inside out and upside down. The poor guys worked so hard on it that it looked like new, almost. And all this is for 2-3 dollars. The cheapest, cheesiest decent cleaning in Cleveland was $5 and lasted 3 minutes at most; I had to finish wiping it afterwards.
The most annoying thing is that every time there is a bump in the road, the car audio console opens. What’s worse is that I don’t know where the car audio is. It is hidden somewhere as it is one of those you can eject, put in your pocket and walk away. I am sure I will be told in time. But for now, I have to pray it continues to run as smoothly as possible. If you go to church tomorrow light a candle for me.

P.S. if any of you like me to talk about a certain subject, I will be more than happy to do that. Just wish and your wishes are true.

Safita (Edited)


So what is Safita? How did it make it to my, and others’, car’s license plate? Safita is my home town. It is located in a very beautiful area occupying about three neighboring hills and surrounded by olive trees. The first hill is “Al-Tal” or “The Hill”, the second is “Al-Burj” or “The Tower”, and the third is a lower hill called “Al-Dahr” literally meaning “The Back”. Its arc-like shape is like a newborn moon. The sea is no more than 16 miles away, and if located on the west side of the town, it can be seen in a clear day just about where the sky meets land in the horizon. As the sun goes south in autumn or around spring, the sun can be seen dipping in the sea as it sets. (the photo shown here is taken by my Dr Antoun Koht - Dr Koht has drove my attention that this picture is of his collection, thus the editting).
Safita is not big relatively speaking, nor is it small. I don’t know its population, but similarly to any other village or town in the area, it grows in the summer and shrinks in the winter. Sounds really like temperature effect. Going from one side to the other takes no more than 7 minutes (no more than five from our house to the farthest relative, just about what it used to take me to get to E-90 exit from Village in the Park).
I was very fond of Safita when I was a kid and still (some of you still think I am a kid). I used to come up with all kind of excuses so I won’t leave. Many memories rest here, most of them I cherish and adore. These were mainly at my grandparents house (both dead now), and my aunts. Our family there is big, and I have no ability, or intention, to know them all. One thing you get with big families is too much family troubles, which can be entertaining sometimes.
We have stayed at my grandparents house previously, but now our own has been in use for three years or so. I think it is occupies one of the best locations in Safita. It stands as the forth floor in a building inside the west side of its arc. When looking out of the balcony, the three hills described above can be seen next to each other in full details. The view is splendid at daytime or nighttime. To the left of the city lies a valley of olive trees that leads the view to the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that at night, lights of northern Lebanese towns can be seen. Almost both ends of Safita can be seen from here. The best thing about the house is the wind chill even in the summer. I would like to attach some photos here when I get my camera because they are worth 1000 words.
But in the winter, the wind is really chilly. Some of the best winter storms happen here with all the wind, rain, lightening, and thunder. Safita has the highest rain precipitation in Syria (I think much lower than how much rain occur in Cleveland in the summer alone).
You don’t really know how much you miss a place or someone until you see them again. And this, I missed a lot.

P.S.

My dear friends... and foes, it gives me great pleasure to read your contribution as comments on my blog. I miss you all, very much. Keep commenting as it is a way of communicating with you. I have been a bit slow recently as I am in Safita now (you all remember my car's license plate), and connection through my laptop is often shaky. You will get some updates later, without photo I might add because as usual I left it in Damascus.
Briefly: It is the first time now I see our new house in Safita. I am very excited. Lulu, I saw your grandmother the other day and she says hi. Today we had my brother's in-laws at lunch. Coffee was served at least twenty times. I met few other relatives, which I knew before, but to my embarassment didn't recognize some. How bad is it not to know your own relative.
It looks like the last picture of me anyone saw here was with no hair, so everyone is amazed at my present look. Once I get drafted to military they should be satisfied.
I will try to email you all soon.
Love you.
Beesso

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Driving

Today is the first time I drive in Damascus. And what do you know about that? My experience is not yet complete as it wasn't very jammed. First of all I have to say that I am glad it was my dad's car because it is automatic. I need a less hostile environment to practice manual 5-speed. I thought New York was similar. It is not. This is 100 times worse. And yes, things have changed since I left. More cars, more pedestrians, and more construction… all of these pose a great danger to someone's life. And here are the hazards of driving here:
Roads: I have to admit that most of the road I drove on or been to yet are in good shape. That alone doesn't make it safe. White and yellow lane separators are almost erased. When they are not, no one obeys their rule. Driving is according to the path of least resistance. If there is a gap you take it; and if not, you try to take one anyway. The best way to follow a line is to aim the front car logo (for example Mercedes-Benz) along the line. Street with two lanes fits three actual cars driving next to each other, three lanes fits four cars, and so forth.
Taxi drivers: they know one rule: the best defense is to attack. The only thing they do is move forward. They don't know what's behind them, to their side, and sometimes in front of them. If you see a taxi driver whose head is beyond the steering wheel, he has myopia and is in need of corrective lenses. Those drive guided by instinct, and the only reason they are safe is either because the others are afraid of them, or because there is really a God.
Pedestrians: is the other major hazard on the road. There must be a law in the Syrian constitution that gives them the right to use the street as if they were a moving vehicle. The pavement is not usually used; people like to squeeze against cars while drivers attempt not to injure them or other cars. The narrower the road the more common this phenomenon is.
Pedestrians crossing streets is considered a stunt. Some attempts were made to prevent people from crossing at inappropriate sections were made. Examples include barb wired fences, additional traffic lights, and more police officers. Barriers and fences have not stopped the human flow through them; the people are used to sadism so minor -or major- injuries are pleasurable. Traffic lights have never been respected, unless there is a police officer near it (hopefully). Today I was the only one stopping at a red light (the intersection of Al-Mezzeh and Al-Umawiyeen Square); after a while I felt there is something wrong with me or that new rules allowing running a red light was issued. Needless to say I ran it after few minutes, and the police squad parking next to the light didn't even blink and eye not only to me but to all the others. In front of our home (Nazlet Al-Ghassani) there is a new traffic light to ease pedestrian crossing. It opens for three seconds (I counted them), which gives you enough time to blink and look right and left (even on a one way road you will never know what comes from the wrong side). Police officers are almost useless. Since the introduction of the biggest breakthrough of communication is Syria (mobile phones) everyone, including police officers, spend their time flirting with their phones and give no attention to what goes around.
Vans and buses: are hazards for both pedestrian and drivers, on the street or the pavement (and possibly at home). Bus drivers would prefer a pedestrian killed rather than being picked by a competing bus, go figure. They also act according to the attack law mentioned above. I forgot to mention the black smoke hazard, which is uglier than Mordor's, which contributes to the famous brownish black cloud overlooking Damascus.

I have not forgotten yet, and promise to update with photos of recent imported cars, some of which you will never, ever drive in USA.

Doctors' Life

Yesterday I was invited to my dad's group of doctors, and others, at dinner. They apparently gather every time at someone's, or one of them invites the others. There is a sense of belonging within the group that reminded me with mine in Cleveland (and vicinity). They are all funny, like to joke (verbal or practical), like to eat, drink, swap mobile photos and jokes, and like to talk. I was the spoiled one being the newcomer and the youngest. But blending was not a real problem, as they were very friendly. I missed my dad's friends.
I have to get used to too much food. Man, it is compulsory to eat. It feels like I got few pounds on so far; it's been only a week since I came and everything is starting to look familiar. The good news is I didn't get the "travelers' diarrhea" yet. LOL (knock wood). Once a Syrian stomach, always a Syrian stomach.
I have also gotten the first proposal to meet someone (with the intention of being my other half). I am sure the doctor was serious about that, and his willingness to arrange "the meeting". So all you single guys over there have to come here, and stop complaining about the lonesomeness. If you know the right people, you have made your first step. Needless to say, I made a joke of the issue and didn't comment anymore (although I was told if things go well, medicine will be a hobby… LOL)
The house we went to, (houses in Damascus are actually apartments), was the forth floor of a building and occupies the roof. This of course means that there is a nice breeze of air most of the time, and plenty of balcony space. Half uncovered and half covered with brick. No noise as we were afar from the main streets; just beautiful.
I forgot to mention that there was a waiter (hired) to serve us. These private services are flourishing here nowadays. The way of life is somewhat changing. Parents are usually working long hours so kids, cooking, cleaning and other household activities are the responsibility of imported labor. The bad news is that some of them are not trustable (remember that they live with families), and language may be a barrier. The good news is children learn other languages (which will never help them) or broken Arabic, LOL.
Well, if after 20 years I will be like this here in Syria, I want that. And hope my friends will be with me too. It is so difficult separating from and meeting new people. I like things to stay put. No matter how many people I know, real friends are few and I am so selfish that I want to keep them for myself.
And by the way, for those of you who know him, I got in touch with John Salameh (from Marmarita) who is an Aventis rep. and got to talk to him as he works with my dad. I am sure Ayham Moty will recognize him.

Monday, August 01, 2005

My First Consult

I got today my first physician-patient encounter. It was a home visit, arranged of course through my dad. It pays to be the son of a doctor. I will not go into details due to confidentiality issues. And no, we don't have HIPAA.
I would only say that it went well, and was a bit more like a geriatric consult as opposed to palliative care.
Finally, I am starting to feel a little important, and helpful.
This feeling didn't last long as I sat with some "wiser" acquaintances later in the day and listened to how corrupt and fraudulent lots of things are in the medical community at least. I may talk about that in more details later.

Miscellaneous News

I talked to George Bahna. Does anyone remember this guy? He is now engaged to another doctor, Wessam Shammas (she is a girl), from Damascus. His previous fiancée has been Leena Aassi, if you remember her too. He has finished OB/GYN and is going to be sent to France to do معيد.
As for Leena Aassi, contrary to the gossip we spread in USA, she is engaged to an engineer (not to Firas Bannout).
I will be giving my first official presentation in a neurology conference in Damascus after 5 weeks. Needless to say I am excited.
Suheil Aji, known for his goat-like distinguished laugh, has done dermatology (everyone I know here has done dermatology for some reason), and volunteered in the police force. I guess that gives him the authority to issue a ticket if you walk in the street with evidence of hair dandruff!!!! Just kidding. I have to call him yet.

Al-Ghassani الغساني

The first thing I wanted to check out of course was Al-Ghassani. For those who do not know it, this is the "hotspot" for young people to go and hang out together in the evenings after the sun sets beyond the horizon. I had, with others, plenty of memories there where our group of guys used to stand at "The Office" and watch, gossip, talk, and of course eat. That was a common daily theme until we left medical school. All those who frequented the place are now in USA except for me back here.

The Office seems to be occupied now by some other youngsters, although I don't remember leasing it to anyone… LOL
Furthermore, there is no one to support me in overtaking the spot. So I just stand pass by and sigh.

Some things, as always, stay the same. Others change. I know some wonder how is it like now and what is it that changed.
To start with, the kiosk (كشك) that sold cigarettes and magazines (owned by a moukhabarat), has moved 12 feet to the right. Instead of it now, there is an… ATM. There is a new sculpture in the small semicircular garden in front of it. The area is more crowded than I remember. Mainly school boys and girls; the place has lost its maturity through teenage invasion. Restaurants are plenty as usual. "La Noisette", and "French Corner" (which is not French and not located around a corner) are still there. One change is that "Why Not" has become "Bella Luna"; I am not sure what kind of restaurant is that. Shawerma "Al-Rahmeh" continues to be busy; the price is still the same but the sandwiches looked smaller. We had some shawerma yesterday for dinner both from this place and "Al-Aghar". Finally, real shawerma. This is the only domain in which I feel superior now. Food.

I wish one day all the guys would gather again in The Office and repeat history. Until then I have to wait…