Great Expectations

What am I expecting to see when I get to Lebanon?

First of all, nice weather. Second, lots of people, very fashion-conscious people. They should all be speaking Arabic (or maybe Armenian?). Most of them will probably be incredibly hospitable. I hear everything is expensive. Other than that, I'm not sure what it will be like. Will everyone want to speak English with me? Hopefully not. I'm also thinking there will be a fair amount of misunderstandings.

The differences in cross-gender relationships are probably too extensive to encapsulate. I'll just try to observe and react as appropriate.

Will I be able to find my way around the city, or will I be stuck on the campus at the American University of Beirut, wishing I were brave enough to go out? Will I be able to find groceries, etc.? So many things to think about, but they are not occupying too much of my brain power because I am trying to get things wrapped up here. I will be posting pictures regularly, but you do not want to see what my house looks like right now.

The anthropologist in me wants to find out whether I have hidden expectations that will be proven wrong. What will thrill and shock me? ;-)

This time next week, I should be in Beirut! :-)