mystery solved

I went on a little adventure this weekend. A friend of mine is making a video and needed pictures from around the world cardboard testimony style. I thought it sounded like fun and I wanted to help my friend.

So, I set out to first, find some cardboard. Adventure #1.

There's an office/art supply store next to my house so I went there to find a posterboard or something like that and a big black marker. They ended up having some empty boxes sitting out from a recent delivery. Perfect! I asked the lady working there if I could have the box.

This was the conversation that followed (all in Arabic):

I want this box. Can I have it?

(strange looks ensue) You want the box?

Yes, is that a problem?

No, it's no problem. Really, you want the box?

Yes, that's OK right?

Yes yes, no problem. You want the box?

Yes.

OK, you are welcome to take it.

Thank you. Do you have a really big pen I could write on it with?

Downstairs.

Thanks.

I'm sure they were thinking, "Crazy foreigner." I ended up not finding a big marker, but a paintbrush and some black paint that worked just fine.

Next step, finding good spots to take the pictures. Adventure #2.

I traveled with my friends to the other side of town near the river to take some pictures. We decided that and the local metro system would provide a good backdrop for us.

More funny looks ensued as we asked some of the locals to hold the signs for us:

What does it say?

One day...one world (I didn't know the word for planet). People in America will see it.

OK.

We had a fun afternoon and got some great shots. Here's just a few.

Our boat driver after he had finished his afternoon prayers.

Our metro buddy and #1 sign holder!