Summer in the city

How I love summer. Sun and heat are energizing. At least to me. I am in Morocco now for holidays. Well it is really because we have a few things to do more than by choice. The country is nice but not really to spend nice holidays. Recently when I arrived in Rabat I heard that the authorities have taken a decision that is exactly against what the tourists are looking for. Imagine in a city all bars and restaurants have to close at 1 AM. I was told that it is because of a murder that had been committed in a bar that they had taken this decision. It is only in Rabat but how do you want to attract tourists in this city? And the country's plan is to attract 10 million tourists per year starting in 2010. It is absurd and stupid. Plus for businesses it is a loss, a financial loss that can be devastating. And it also send a false message to tourists and the professionals: someone can always punish all businesses for real or false reason. It looks like non liberal governments that punish a whole economical sector because one person (and in this case it wasn't a restaurant or bar's owner guilt) makes a mistake or commit a crime. It sends a wrong message to visitors to be. Well unfortunately it doesn't surprise me. But it is a stupid decision and I do hope that the authorities will cancel it quickly
Otherwise, the weather is beautiful in Rabat: not too warm nor too humid. In fact the perfect climate for people who are looking for nice holidays
Thank you for reading me.

What a month!

This July has been awful. There was almost no sun at all. Well like that Paris is not as beautiful as it should be. However, there are plenty of tourists visiting the French capital. And I haven't seen that many Americans for a long time. They are coming back even though their currency, the Dollar, is very low. I have seen a lot of Brazilians as well.
So what is happening in our planet those days? Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday this July 18th. He really is one of the greatest man of this century, the 20th and even the 21st. I have met with him briefly when I was living in Washington. He was invited to speak at the National Press Club. I went there with Sayuri who as a member took me with her. He was president at the time. But the main room, with tables and food services, was full so we had to go to the gallery. It was good because we were above him and the guests so we had a clear view of the table where he was seated. Then when the lunch-press conference finished, we left the gallery to go out of the NPC and we took stairs that were going to the main entrance. Suddenly, as we were almost down the stairs, some secret service men arrived and asked us to wait because for safety reasons we had to let Mandela leave the club first. Then he arrived smiling and looked at us on the stairs. We were the two of us plus another person who said "Vive Mandela". Mandela looked at us and came to us to shake our hands and said thank you. Then he left followed and preceded by the secret service officers. I was full of emotion afterward. That moment will stay forever in my head. To have approached one of the greatest men of the 20th century and shook his hand: I felt lucky.

Finally summer has arrived

Finally summer has arrived and the weather is beautiful. It is even hot. I wonder how the weather is in Washington, DC, where I have been living for more than 10 years. I do miss the city and the country a lot. I love Americans and the way they live. I did complain, when I was living there, about their social life which was and probably still is poor. But it was also because a lot of people don't make too much effort in meeting people outside work. And I miss also a lot the happy hours I used to go to, whether at work, or with other friends.
I have plenty of good moments in mind. A lot of great places I saw there. Whoever is living in the USA should know that it is a privilege and to do everything to stay there.

Paris is a beautiful city

When the sun shines and the temperature is pleasant, around 23 C, Paris is a beautiful city. It is so nice to walk in its streets. People are smiling, and look happy. I would advise everybody to come at least once in their lifetime to visit Paris. Even when we work here, it is nice to go out at night to have a drink or to eat something.
I do miss the US, and Washington D.C., where I have lived for 10 years. I would go back to the US without any hesitation to spend the rest of my life there. However, would I go back to the East coast or try the West coast? I have never been to California but I am attracted by this state. San Francisco is probably a great place to settle but the weather there scares me a little bit. I could get depressed if it is always or almost always cold, rainy and cloudy. In fact San Diego could be a good place for me to live but I don't know. If anyone who reads this message knows San Diego and/or has pictures, I'd appreciate to have a look at them.
I also dream a lot of being back to Arlington where I have lived.
I'd like to have your opinions about the US.
Faycal

Hello to all

Je m'appelle Faycal L. Benhassain et je viens de créer mon blog. J'aimerais pouvoir vous donner mes opinions sur ce que je pense et ce que je fais.