When I first spotted him in the Aleppo Souq (market) in Syria, I thought–he looks like a body builder. An Arnold Schwarzenegger lookalike, perhaps, but not exactly.
See, he was built. Really built. And I’d never seen anyone quite like that in the Middle East. And I was taken aback by it.
I Tried Not to Stare, But…I Did
I hoped he didn’t notice.
But he did.
And soon enough, my friend/travel companion, a woman from France, and I were invited inside. We’d been shopping for a few hours, hoping to buy some olive oil soap, which Aleppo is famous for, and some scarves. We had already met some real characters there in the souq. Mostly nice ones and several quirky ones.
And it sure looked like he’d be yet another one. A character, that is. Perhaps nice and quirky.
My Suspicions Were Confirmed
Inside his tiny shop, we learned more about him. And sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed.
He told us that he was/is a body builder. “I look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, right?” he said while flexing his muscles.
“Um, yes,” I said, smiling. And he did. Sort of. But not really. Well, kinda sorta, I guess, depending on what you’re comparing.
Did He Say, ‘Hasta la Vista, Baby’…or Not?
In any case, he was really sweet and fun to talk to. He didn’t use the typical high-pressure sales techniques common to most souqs. Also, I don’t recall him attempting Arnold’s accent or saying “Hasta la vista, baby,” as one might expect. And that’s probably a good thing.
Even so, it was quite entertaining. Also, it was a real trip to be in such a tiny shop with a man with such large arms.
I don’t think I bought anything, and he was still friendly. And that, I like. Also, he very gladly posed for this photo with me. That, I really like.
Your Experience?
Have you met any celebrity lookalikes at home or while traveling? If so, where? And whom did they resemble? Do you think they really looked like that person? Or was it a stretch?
Did they try to speak or act like that particular celebrity? And if so, how did they do?
OR…have people in the countries you’ve visited (or your home country) said that you resemble a celebrity? If so, tell us more! 
Can’t Get Enough?
Here are some more “random travel moments” for your vicarious enjoyment!
*****
Photo credit: Thanks to Cliff 1066 of Flickr, via Creative Commons, for use of the Arnold photo.)
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