April 14, 2003

Not All Bad in Bethlehem

[Bethlehem, West Bank] I'll be honest with you -- Palestine isn't the greatest place in the world to live. The "situation" here leaves a heck of a lot to be desired. That said, the West Bank is not all bad. It is the kindness of the people, of course, that makes it so nice. (Well, the good people and the good food.)

Between hamburgers (excellent!), Aaron shows me a new strum. Now I practice it every day -- and I still don't have it.
That means that I have one standard strum and can play three chords.
Aaron, JZ, Usama, Victor, Hana, Gida, Abeer, and Liz are all better guitarists than I am.

On my lucky days, I get invited to eat traditional Palestinian food.
Abu Shaddy always makes sure his wife prepares a good meal -- we had chicken, malfoof, salad,
and white butter from their new goats. Excellent!

Or maybe Iyad and I will get a spicy chicken sandwich at the Happy Family in Beit Sahour. Excellent!

There's nothing like a picnic with Daher and Liz on the Nassar Land.
It always tastes good outdoors. Excellent!

Or eating grilled chicken and listening to George and Wisam on the Oude. Excellent!