16 August, 2006
Today, Robert and I made a presentation to the committee in charge of planning and executing the protected area of the Wadi Mar Musa al-Habashi. We prepared a lovely power point presentation for them and made our way into Nabek with Father Paolo (who is on the committee)…in the new community van I might add which was exciting in itself… and Francesca, who just wanted to come along. On our way to the meeting, we stopped for tea (chai) with Abu Adib, and then stopped by the bakery for some breakfast (yum). When we arrived at the meeting, we realized it was actually in the Mayor’s office! We sat with 10 other people discussing the state of the national park, the visitor centre, and its situation in terms of potential tourism and funding. It was very interesting. I recognized enough Arabic to know that Robert was introduced as a Doctor of Archaeology, I was introduced as a Master of Museums, and Francesca was introduced as my twin (“tom”…pronounced “tome”). Very nice.
Once introductions were finished, it was time for the presentation. Unfortunately, that coincided exactly with the time the power went off….every day power from Syria is sent to Lebanon for a period of time which changes by day and place. Well, fortunately the computer had batteries, so everyone crowded around while we made the presentation. The battery held until just before the last 2 slides, but I knew what they said anyway so everything worked out well. Everyone seemed very interested and pleased with our proposals for the archaeological work and visitor exhibition hall. There is a lot of optimism and hope for this protected area, which is exciting to be a part of. I should add that throughout the meeting, a man kept coming in and serving us all tea, water and coffee (good Syrian coffee with cardamom, not regular coffee that I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole). I think we should adopt this practice at the ROM. It would make our meetings so much more civilized!!
The meeting ended and everyone seemed happy. The head Sheik for Nabek arrived for a quick visit and he seemed very nice and smiley. It was great to see him conversing with Father Paolo…a perfect picture of the interfaith dialogue which is so important at Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi. Then of course it was time for lunch, so off we went for a yummy meal of rice and chicken and mutton and bread and yogurt and salads and of course, more tea. Overall, it was a very productive and enjoyable day.
Jovanna
