A Taste of What's to Come. . .

Yesterday I went to the Syrian Consulate located next to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. I arrived about 9:45 AM in hopes of being the first one to be helped at 10 AM when they opened. I was joined by several other Syrian nationals with hopes of the same. 10 AM came and went. No one opened the door. Then 10:15 AM, then 10:30 AM. Still no consul.

During this time, I had a nice chat with Ahmed aka "Mike". He is a Syrian who has lived in the US for the past 18 years. He still carried his Syrian passport because "he had just been too lazy to get his citizenship." He needs to go to Damascus in order to visit his ailing mother.

We discussed his business. He owns (no stereotype comments now) a 76 gas station and an Arco gas station in Costa Mesa. He has also owned a 7-11 in the past. He educated me on the differences in the franchise requirements and the downsides of 24-hour business. I was sad to leave our conversation. However, I couldn't wait indefinitely for the Honorary General Consul to show up to the office. I had a previous lunch engagement, so I left at 10:40 AM.


My mom and I were scheduled to go to tea with our neighbors. I had long wanted to try the Shangrilah Bistro & Tea Garden in Long Beach, so that is where I suggested we go. Upon arrival, we found the place deserted with a simple sign posted on the door indicating the "harsh winter weather" had wreaked havoc upon their establishment and it was closed indefinitely. Why the website hadn't indicated this important fact remains a mystery. Fortunately, we were a group of flexible people, so we landed at Le Creperie on 2nd Street. All's well that ends well.
Keeping my two change of plans in mind, my musing for the day was that this truly is a taste of what's to come as I travel to other lands and experience the differences in cultures. Flexibility will be the key to enjoyment as I make plans only to see them change. I can't wait for the adventure to begin!