Written on August 4, 2010 by CB Driver in Middle East
It’s not the title you expected for my first blog, is it? Well, I promise–I’ll explain…in a few paragraphs.
First, though, I’d like to thank all of you–my amazing friends out there (you know who you are) who have assisted with the genesis and development of this website. Women and men.
Thanks for all the little things you did—like taking a quick look—to those things that took more time. Like reading about my ideas and giving me feedback. Mostly, thanks for the support and caring.
You’re all amazing and I love you for it!
Second, I’d like to welcome new and old friends, who are here for the first time, to this website and my blog.
I’d like it to be something extraordinary for you and me…a cyber space that serves as a Bedouin lounge of sorts that offers you an experience that’s organic, dynamic, interactive. And yeah, cool, too.
I will definitely be making some changes to the layout as I go along–and at times they may be major ones (since I’m using a totally flexible WordPress theme builder )–but I promise to warn you and explain (not everyone likes surprises).
And when the changes happen, they’ll be for a good reason–eg, making the site more user-friendly, etc.
Also, I will be running ads in a few places, but I plan to keep it tasteful and as low-key as possible and hope to channel a percentage of profits from certain things to a good cause or two when possible.
Welcome or You’re Welcome?
Third, I’d like to explain why the word “welcome” reminds me of Syria, which I visited recently. When I was there, I said thank you many times…and instead of saying “You’re welcome,” most people would say, “Welcome.” It was sort of funny because even though we might shorten it that way here, to say “you’re welcome,” it didn’t sound like they were actually doing that there. It was as if they thought “welcome” meant “you’re welcome.”
When they said it, there was a funny ring to it–a curious sort of intonation. It was different, unexpected, quirky and wonderful. More importantly, it was also sweet and heartfelt and truly made me feel welcome. It put a smile on my face.
And that’s just one thing that made Syria—and the rest of the Middle East—so awesome to me. The fact that I did feel welcome there–despite the way the media made me think I would feel.
And I hope you’ll feel the same. Thank you for your help–and/or your visit–and….
“Welcome!” 
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