09/02/2003
part-time domestic help $25
delivery service $2
tipping the shisha guy$3
never scrubbing your toilet, cooking your meals, folding your laundry,
mopping your floor, going to the store, or waiting for restaurant service
priceless
I have brought a little Egypt to Beirut. I have introduced my new colleagues to the world of home delivery, house cleaners and strategically doled out baksheesh.
I have groceries, water and take-out food delivered. I hired a cleaner, who also cooks once a week for me (his specialty is French pastry). I also tipped a shisha guy to keep us in coals the whole evening at a very busy restaurant.
The returning teachers were amazed.
I had a party last night and had a variety of appetizers delivered from "La Ploca", a restaurant located downtown (ten minute taxi away). I had beer, rum, vodka, ice and mixers delivered from "Scoure", a local grocer. I had bread, cups and napkins delivered by a boy who hangs out next to "Mr. Swarma". Teachers that have been here for years never knew these places delivered. I didn't see any signs to the contrary so I assumed that for a couple of dollars anybody delivers.
I am also the first on-campus teacher to have domestic help. I even had to arrange special security clearance for him to gain access at the front gate. (I'm still working on getting him his own key.) And, yes, it's a him. He comes highly recommended. He is the Lebanese husband of a Philipino wife. (For my Cairo friends, his wife is the local "Carmen".) She is the full time nanny/house helper for an ACS couple and two kids.
So, once again, I have found the easy life. Of course, I shouldn't be sharing any of this with friends that are state-side. I might lose their pity. Wait until they hear about my weekends on the beaches of Cyprus for about a hundred bucks.
from Easy Street,
Stu