February! Month 6

Nice Baalbek Kitty Drainspout: This piece came down from the top of
 those columns pictured above. (Thanks for photo Amanda!)

How can it already be February?

A year ago I was setting up an application, getting ready to go to the San Francisco Job Fair, not thinking I'd actually receive a job offer...  and a year later I'm in Beirut.
      Culture shock has evolved into hard work, and a good life full of wonderful friends, amazing places to visit, singing, swimming, Skyping, and so much more.
      Last weekend we called Mohammad, the taxi driver we have come to rely on.  He took 6 of us to Spinneys for Big shopping. Most shopping is done just around the neighborhood, in Hamra.  But today we went to J'Neh area, and I had my list. In one hour I did the supermarket sweep; TP, detergent, dish soap, fresh nuts / dried fruits, black olives (you've never tasted better!), long handled broom (at last!), and time to cruise the wine aisles, looking at Lebanese labels from the Bekaa valley.  Wine is big here and so are local breweries, like "961".
Cuz David has done some research and sent me a list of local wines to hunt down.  Bringing home samples for Dad and all to try this summer!
Mohammad returned on cue, helped us hoist our goodies into the back of his van, and then homeward bound, all for under $7 round trip. Our new Mohammad is a godsend.  He has a nice clean vehicle, and has driven us several times, including our first trip to Baalbek.

Did I tell you the story about the "old" or "first" Mohammad? (Don't tell Dad this part)...
The first Mohammad, an elderly 80+ year old taxi driver, picked up 3 of us at the airport in November on our return from Cyprus.  His car was a piece; literally duct taped together.  I was taken aback by the sight, but because the arrangements had been made in advance, we just got in.  On the way home, he fell asleep at the wheel, veered left, and woke up to our cries and the sounds of crushing metal.  In his confusion, he hit reverse and became permanently adhered to the Mercedes that was parallel parked; couldn't move.
      I felt so sorry for Mohammad. He sat in the front seat, head in his hands, shaking and demoralized. Luckily I had a water bottle, and he seemed grateful for a drink.
      The tenants of the high rise building, including the young car owner, were down in a flash to help us out of the taxi.  From there Charlene and I were able to walk home.  As for Mohammad, several of those gathered promised to get him home.  Looked like it was going to take more than a tow truck to separate the two cars.  As for Mohammad's livelihood?  "Don't worry, he'll be driving again in no time", we were "assured". There are no consequences for poor driving in Beirut; no loss that can't be regained by paying a little WSTA (bribe), and you're back on the road.  Because of his age, and the state of his car, I doubted it was going to be any time soon for Mohammad to get back in business.

This weekend we're getting a carload together for Costco.  Not like the Costco you know.  It is a very small store, and has a red lettered Costco banner on the wall to say so, but no membership fees.  It carries a few products that we Americans enjoy, such as Tom's of Maine, and large boxes of breakfast cereal.  But the merchandise is ever changing.  This will be my second trip, so it'll be interesting to see what's there. Last time I found a mattress cover and a large bag of Craisins.  Made my day!