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.)
Thank you so much for the post. It was interesting reading.
Mostly I’ve met the celebrity impersonators who are trying to make money off tourists. Although during my December 2010 trip to Las Vegas, I had 2 waitresses in the same day who looked like celebs. The first looked like Uma Therman. The second at first reminded me of Dakota Fanning, but the more I think about it, the more she really reminded me of the girl who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter movies. They say everyone has a double out there somewhere.
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Hi, Gray. Interesting. I’ve never met the real ones (I mean real lookalikes–LOL)–just some quirky characters while traveling–like the one in the post (and one who said he looked like Tom Cruise/James Bond). Anyway, I’m sure Vegas has a lot of them. If I visit there sometime, I’m sure I’ll run into them! PS: I recommended your site to a (new) friend of mine who said he went to LV just once and loved it and now wants to return!
True about that saying… I’ve had people say they seen someone who resembled me. Wild!
That’s a neat post. In Asia it’s rare to see a man built like this, as well. Also, I’ve found since living in Korea I’ve been compared to a celebrity several times, most often James Dean
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Thanks, Samuel! I can imagine they’re aren’t too many in Asia–definitely. So you’re been compared to celebs? Nice. James Dean was really handsome, so that’s a huge compliment! PS: Weren’t you on that Sexy Blogger list recently? Well-deserved!
I want to touch his arms…
Sorry, I was drifting away. Hmm any celebrity lookalikes whilst on my travels – I can’t say that I have! Although I regularly get told that I look like celebrities from Ewan McGregor (not so far off) and Matt Damon (getting further away) to Tom Cruise (erm…we both have…white skin?).
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Tom–That’s hilarious–the wanting to touch his arms, I mean.
Interesting that they compare you to those guys and what a nice compliment! I say Ewan…yes, I see it! 
PS: I’ve been told that I look like Linda Blair (by Americans). Not sure I like that, however… 