abc...on the street corner

#4

This is a funny story, I think you'll enjoy it.

This happened yesterday afternoon when I was leaving the internet cafe that I usually go to. Upon exiting said cafe, I was confronted by the most adorable little girl looking for spare cash...nothing too unusal about it, it happens everywhere and I've actually seen this girl (whose name is Heendy) a handful of times prior. She had a companion this time though, and he was her adorable counterpart. I usually make small talk while I'm walking with them, and then apologize for not having any money - and be on my way. Welllll yesterday was different...the little boy started pointing at my iPod, and I was assuming they wanted to listen to it...soooo in the matter of minutes, I went from unnoticed bystander, to a much more prestigious title: "American Ambassador of Music to Egyptian Kids." This is a big title to have bestowed upon me, and I took it as such. Read on for how the events unfolded. I know, the suspense is thick.

Soooo scrolling through all the songs, I HAD to find a song that conveyed a cultured American musical experience, yet kid friendly.

The Turtles: "It Aint Me Babe"...Nah, too depressing. PASS
Elvis: "Houndog"...perhaps.
Survivor: "Eye of the Tiger" Nahh that's Johnny G's theme song. PASS
Elton John: He's not even American...PASS
Lipps Inc: "Funkytown" wait, who the hell put that on my iPod? PASS
The Bee Gees: "Disco Inferno" Whoa - wait a minute...American Disco is about as embarrasing, as Egypt's 6 day war with Isreal...some things are just better left untouched. PASS
The Jackson 5: "ABC" BINGO!!!

Minutes later, I had 3 booties shaking on the street corner...2 Egyptian, and 1 American. It looked as if I passed my first test as Ambassador, and I do believe I will retain my new post. As I took out my wallet, to pay them for their over-the-top cuteness to the whole situation, I slowly mouthed in English that "in a few years, that little boy that was just singing that tune is going to write a song called "Bille Jean"...it's gonna change the way you think about life!" (I felt like Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future & that one scene where he was at his parents prom) They grabbed the cash, and scattered...but is was no doubt to the beat of "ABC"

Saw the museum today, it was neat...really great looking building, and I was about a foot away from 9 of the most important men in Egyptian history. It was special to think that these men were responsible for playing out such strange dramas to extremely excessive extents, and to this day, we gawk over how interesting they are. Man can fool man to such great proportions, and it was quite evident this afternoon.


I also recorded a live action scene of Kabeer and I crossing the street...you'll understand/appreciate it when you see it. You haven't crossed a street until you cross a street in Cairo. I'm surprised they haven't made a "Fear Factor" challenge of it.

Ummm. Tomorrow...The Citadel, and the Khan el Kahilil (sp) souk...I'm looking to spend good cash on a chess board, so I best be gettin' plenty of rest, and prepare my game face for some cut-throat bargaining.

Climate: 100% better than yesterday. Sunny, a bit chilly.
Eating: Lebanese fish
Listening: Mark Farina "Dream Machine"
Wishing: I hadn't admitted to having "Funkytown" on my iPod