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!” 
Great first blog about Syria!!!!! Knew you could do it!!!!!
Congrats on the many great things to come!!!!
oh, Lisa, this is sooooo awesome, goosebumps!
I love it, too 😉
Congrats, Lisa, this is just the beginning so fasten your seatbelt/s, this is gonna be one heck of a wild, chickybus, ride, heehee, whoooooooooooossssssshhhh!
Hi, Sue and Sprite. Thanks so much for hopping on board! I know the bus is still in the garage, but…the engine is working and the door is opening…..
I’ve got goosebumps, too, btw… xox
love the layout… very fast loading and easy to navigate…
in the philippines we also say ‘welcome’ instead of you’re welcome… we’re just lazy hehehe
flip recently posted..Meet the Nomads- Lakshmi Sharath
Thanks, Flip….so glad to hear it. I’m really happy that the site is loading fast. That’s great news.
Funny that you say ‘welcome’ there, too. Hmmm…. Maybe if I go there, I’ll feel very welcome….let’s hope!
Well the first comment on this page in over a year. I thought I would check-out the birth of Chickybus. I know I arrived late for the ride – but i’m lovin it now I am here!
Hi, Alan. Yeah, I don’t think many check out the first post on a blog. I’m not sure why. I often like to because I find it interesting to see where it all began and where things have gone. Re: arriving late….it’s OK. All passengers are welcome regardless of boarding time–LOL–and especially those who write such nice testimonials about the ride!
[…] are a few reasons why Syria holds a special place in my heart. When I first started this blog, the first post I wrote was about Syria. Over the next few months (during which time the war will hopefully […]