Today was our first official day at work, my first Liberian meal, and my first conversation with the Lebanese owner of the local Stop & Shop (yes, it's really called that, and no, it's nothing like its sister supermarkets in the U.S.). The Ministry of Health in Liberia is an exciting place to be, as people there strive to rebuild health systems and reconnect services throughout the country. The building looks and functions much differently than an American office would: there are no fancy elevators, few signs or posters promoting some big event/function/meeting, and people who walk by in the halls generally smile or say hello without exception. Liberians are very welcoming, and many people I met today shared with me their hope that I am enjoying their country. The friendliness and thoughtfulness extended to me today felt completely genuine and was really wonderful.
When we realized we had a short window for lunch today, one of our colleagues took us to the Canteen, the in-house cafeteria, where one can have a full lunch for about $1.50. We tried "foo-foo," which consisted of cassava, upon which we poured some fried fish sitting in broth. I typically enjoy a good fish stew, but soon learned that the Liberians leave bones in most of the meat and fish they prepare, so that made lunch a bit of a minefield.
And in preparation for the last meal of the day, my housemates and I stopped by the supermarket, where we roamed the few aisles in search of inspiration. Because there's far less to choose from than you'd find at an American supermarket, the arrangement of items on the shelves is quite interesting. You can find green beans, canned hot dogs (I've never seen that before), and taco shells all within a few yards of one another. As I was checking out, I introduced myself to Roger, the Lebanese owner of the market. I told him that my family was Lebanese and that we owned a market back home. He then asked me what my last name was and shouted it out to his Lebanese staff, all of them shouting it back in Lebanese-inflected English ("HAYDAR!") and then asked me if I spoke Arabic (they ALWAYS ask). You feel a little lame saying no, but there's no way I could fake a conversation so I had to tell the truth. He seemed to like me anyway, thank goodness.
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6 comments:
I love that you got the shout-out (literally) at the supermarket.
Incidentally I was so sad on Saturday--I had a party where everyone was supposed to bring a pie, and one person promised to bring Lebanese meat pies, but then she showed up with banana cream. Such a letdown (although the banana cream was delicious). I wanted to drive to Wootown and pick up some pies from Ed Hyder's.
I can admit that I had no idea what "cassava" was... so I googled it and found it on the congocookbook.com.
PS - you never said how it tasted?
You didn't say if the canned hot dogs had milk in them. I'm so anxious to know if you'll be able to try them.
Worcester Love featuring Ed Hyder's is on the front page of telegram.com!!!
Hi Alexis, On the first day and you are already challenged by some of the cultural differences. Meat bones you can usually see but be careful about the fish bones. Maybe you'll learn a few more Arabic greetings and of course he liked you who wouldn't??? Lots of love Cathy Shannon
OK...I want to know...how does the Lebanese market owner not KNOW the Mediterranean Market??!!
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