Day One

Back to Lebanon.

Day one.

Sarah's friends welcome me in the warmest way. Drunk 1am hugs with a promising sober follow-up. Basem; who I confidently called Baskiam looks at me deeply in the eyes and pauses.

'I've heard so much about you.'

Pause.

'Welcome home.'

I look at Sarah and smile as if to say '...he knows.'

'Thank you. It's good to be back.'

Excitement and dancing vibes follow on the doorstep of Radio Beirut and those who know know.

The universal time continues to move forward on rooftops and pavements; and, among lighter and heavier tones he admits,

'I'm an alcoholic; and a bit of a womanizer.'