I've been living in Lebanon for close to two years now. In that time I've tried really hard to shove myself into Arab culture. Can I call myself Lebanese yet?, I think I can finally make a case for my cause.
- First I can say, ana libneiniyyeh, (I am Lebanese for those of you who are not as libneiniyyeh as I am).
- I have finally figured out the combination of appliances I can use at one time without blowing the electricity. 2 ACs -OR- 1 AC and the Hot Water Heater (and we should probably turn off some lights), the hairdryer and NOTHING else.
- I can finally tell the difference between gunshots and fireworks.
- I ate kibbeh nayyeh (raw minced beef) the other day and liked it.
- I have mastered the missed call and rarely use any cell phone credit.
- I've been hit by a moped.
- I usually eat lunch around 2...which maybe isn't quite late enough to be considered Lebanese but pretty late for Americans.
- Yalla, habibi, shou, and anjad are part of my everyday vocabulary.
- Also I've started to say things like, "That movie was really nice", "I will pass by your home later.", and "as you like" This may not sound weird to the Lebanese reading this blog but as my roommates often remind me we don't say these things in America.
- I am always at least a few minutes late.
- I kiss people when leaving them. (This is anjad one of my favorite things about Lebanon!)
- I don't let people cut in front of me in line anymore.
- Oh and I just dyed my "blonde" hair brown.
So there you have it. What do you think Lebnannis, can I call myself Lebanese yet?
