Pleasant surprises
Lebanon, Short Essay, 10/20/1997

Since Lebanon is so small (10425 km2), you can't walk in the street without meeting someone you know. Disappointed? Don't be.

I assure you it's a very pleasant rule. I say "rule" because it really is one. It could be your best friend, for example. You'll stop to greet him and end-up half an hour late for your appointment but what the heck. It could also be your mom's friend. Oh! This might be embarrassing. She'll notice you before you notice her and will call your name from the other end of the street. Knowing that it would be impolite not to acknowledge her, you'll be forced to greet her back and everyone would discover that "Luluuuu" is actually you. You'll finally end up with a half a kilo of red lipstick on your embarrassed cheek.

But don't worry, it could have been worse. Take, for example, the case where you see your old math teacher coming towards you. You'll be obliged to blindly cross the street to avoid him, at the risk of being hit by a car, and pretend that you're looking at that green blouse in the vitrina.

But, hey, it's not that bad. I'm being too cynical here. In fact, this can sometimes be very pleasant--except maybe when you skip work pretending you're sick and you meet your boss. Sometimes you might see someone that you really like or miss. It's very nice. Furthermore, you always feel secure and at home. You're never alone and never lonely in the street. I guess this is a good advantage. So, if you just manage to avoid people that you dislike, you¹ll like the streets of Lebanon.

Previous Stories:
  Hello? ! i'm speaking on the cellular   (10/15/1997)
  A sandwich as a symbol of Lebanese national identity   (10/8/1997)
  Palestinian and Israeli children make effort for peace   (10/8/1997)

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