Poetically perfect.

I've found myself waxing poetically in my head on this vacation. Sitting on a beach I sigh to myself knowing that it is (really really) poetically perfect. The sun melts away anything else I try to summon to trump the perfectness. Even going to the grocery store produces a wisp of amusement and something to learn. I store away these days of my brain being challenged by language and culture. Sitting in the garden on yet another sunny morning gives me the simplest vacation pleausure. I like the combo of tea and roses. There is even a term for the morning sitting and drinking of coffee(tea)..but I can't even begin to spell it here!!


(the last beach we went to...I took this pic!)

So, oh yeah, tomorrow I'm going to be hauled off to another amazing beach...oh poo, huh?

There are the tiny things too...I get to receive sneaked eye winks from my husband and focus on the cutest little things that make me remember back to the first time I really knew I loved him (it was on vacation in New Orleans!) These little things and the overall comfortableness of vacation fills some gaps in the relationship with happy memories.

Yes, we will be returning to the states....but not until I get to fill my brain with tons more poetically perfect moments.

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more observed things:

- 3 huge bags with tons of fresh (field->truck->store shelf) vegetables and fruits only cost $15. I AM LOVING IT.
- My man2ousheh quest (man2ousheh cup 2008?) is continuing and so far the local shop is winning like 6-0
- Every third car here is a BMW or a Mercedes.
- Every third car here contains a majority of the assholes on the roads
- Clothing is expensive here, but you can find really unique pieces
- I didn't bring enough dress clothes. In fact, I'm at the point where I'm sick of every single piece of limited clothing I brought and now my jeans don't fit (in a fresh vegetable awesome way!).
- The Frenchy types of people here have just the right amount of Lebanese with still the hint of pretentiousness. I'm more amused than offended :D
- Hearing the song "Jump" by Kriss Kross sung in French was so hilarious. (hearing the song come on the very next day the very first time I hit play was destiny?)
- I say in my brain the French word, but all that comes out is gooooooo
(remember the episode of Friends where Phoebe was trying to teach Joey? I feel like Joey!)
- We are really getting blessed with all the kind wishes from people
- Knowing how many times to kiss a person hello can never be learned...unless you vocally state your intentions. (it's usually three kisses hello and one goodbye?)
- I fully apologize to any shop owners yesterday and today who jabbered away at me in Arabic and I couldn't even guess at what they were saying. I mumbled stuff and walked away - they must have thought horrible things!
- I don't think my adorable red manicured nails will last another day
- I almost got an adorable kitty caught for me...poor thing was trapped under a car but remained just out of reach
- Within the group of friends nothing can get planned more than 15 mins in advance. Except designated BEACH DAYS.
- Networking ("friend of friend" / "second cousin thrice removed") is an art form here. I swear everyone is only 3 degrees away from each other in this country.
- I've obtained acceptable accent status. woo hoo!

Jukebox Friday - Unofficial summer songs 2008

I know it is 3am where you are, but WAKE UP. It is Jukebox Friday and I've found myself at a computer with abilities to pull vids from youtube. Isn't it exciting? Yes, I know all y'all are snoring away.... Oh fine, on to the musak.

Muse, Starlight

...this has become the go-to song when driving back up the mountain. It's grown on me.

Nena, 99 Luftballoons

...I played this song a lot when I was in Germany (lame, I know), and I've traveled with it ever since. Plus there seems to be a lot of German themes here in Lebanon.
1. Soccer Eurocup - GO GERMANY ALL THE WAY! The German flag is flying everywhere here...never knew soccer could be so much fun. Plus we are now in an area where we can get the games in the same time-zone (well, close enough anyway)
2. My poor German skin that I've managed to baby enough so it hasn't burned. Yet.
3. We went and saw "Das Leben der Anderen" which was so good. I can't stop recommending it!

So that's that. Happy Jukebox Friday - I'm headed back out to do vacation-y things.

Oh Happy Day!!!

For those wanting an update...

Downtown Beirut had become "tentown" with people setting up tents and constricting downtown travel/business to oppose and protest the government.

As of today in Beirut, the tents are being dismantled and people/press have gathered to watch it....ummm peacefully! Finally, and most importantly, preparations are being executed at the parlimant for the "elections" on Sunday.

So according to the news, the agreement was reached around midnight last night as follows:
- Current government resigns
- "Election" of the new President on Sunday apparently
- Dismantlement of the tents in downtown
- Creation of a National Unity Government
- Session by Parliamant to approve the new Election Law to the election of parliamant members

Cross your fingers, but it appears we will be able to go to Lebanon!

Planz

*does happy dance*

Depart June 15 Chicago to London. Spend 12 hours in London on June 16 (ahem, sleeping). Depart London to Beirut on the eve of June 16 and arrive in Beirut at 4:30in the morning on June 17. Lebanon: June 17-July 10.

Depart Lebanon July 10 and arrive in London around noon. Spend one week between London and Paris. Depart Paris July 18 back to Chicago.

I'm so excited!!!!!




....and I thought I'd post the goodness that is the Daily Show: