Under Siege XII: A Life Less Ordinary

Oh bliss - I had a day off today. I have worked solidly either at Time Out Beirut or on the emergency response since July 10th. Sadly though, poor Dom had to work this morning (although I believe we will be getting a day off later on in the week) and we were both fielding calls about Danish ferries (don't ask!) well into the afternoon.

Apparently there were quite a few loud explosions in the south of the city last night, but we were both so shattered that we didn't hear them at all. We did hear the ones this afternoon - the Israelis seem to have started using bunker busters over the last few days. These consist of a bomb that punches a hole through the ground (the first noise), and then explodes when it gets to a specific depth (the second noise). They are phenomenally loud. They are so loud that they cause the windows to our balcony to flex slightly when the sound reaches us.

We tried really hard to get some normality back today. We went to the supermarket - there is no milk to be found at all on the shelves, and some items (bizarrely Special K bars) have sold out in their entirety. Fish is obviously also a non starter and there is less fruit and veg on sale. Nevertheless we stocked up on various food stuffs (pasta, rice, chocolate and rose wine - Ksara Sunset for those who have tried it; it received 5/6 stars in the Time Out Beirut review!) and then wended our merry way to the recycling station. Strangely though, and despite the fact that our Sukleen refuse collections have been happening as regularly as clockwork, someone has removed the recycling bins. Now I admit that trying to do your recycling in the middle of an international crisis may strike some as resolutely middle class, but it is a bit strange that the only bins that have been removed are these ones.

Beirut is really quiet tonight. We were toying with the idea of going out for a meal, but our friends - those that are left, and there a only a few now - are all having a quiet one and so are we. We've watched the second episode of 'House of Cards', that rather fantastic series from the 1990s, and I must admit I get a little nostalgic when I see that gothic masterpiece looming up at the end of Westminster Bridge. However, I agreed to two years here, and two years it shall be as long as I have a say in the matter.

Finally, I will shortly be announcing the commencement of the 'name Sydney's chick' competition. The chick is still yet to make its move. If anyone can let me know the normal gestation period for this egg I would be grateful. Sydney is still fine and hard of hearing; she seems very happy in our company and she sends her best as do we. Keep up the comments - yahoo is really playing up today and I really enjoy reading them.