Day 1 - August 31rd 2008

My sons slept at my parent's house while I slept at my friend's place after a night full of planing and meditation on the further steps to be taken after my return from this experience. The beauty of running is knowing that there are people who believe in you as much as you believe in them. Although among my friends there are women equally as men, trust and support were a hegemony over the working atmosphere beyond genderism, envy or destructive criticism. I felt power and energy before going to bed. The race will begin soon, doubts on whether I will make evaporated in the sky of dreams toward a better Lebanon free from feudalism, tribalism, racism, xenophobia and especially war. Peace is required, it will boost the economy, secure families, elevate the life quality and increase satisfaction.

I stood up early in the morning to go see the kids before I depart at noon. Then I headed to the airport accompanied of a friend and major staff key of my campaign. After my checking in in the first class with Air France I headed to the gate immediately to join the airplane. There I met S. she was a nice woman, full of energy. We sat in the airplane all 3 heading to the USA via France.
The first class was a real pleasure, I had trepassed in the lat 20 years every yearning toward luxury and overcome the peak of Maslow's hierarchy, all theories of needs did not apply anymore to me, I just wanted to offer myself to the people, the Lebanese people. Of course I am not a Mother Teresa nor a Mahatma Gandhi, but I longed no more of anything, though I enjoyed the first class trip, especially the smooth socks which I took with me as a souvenir.

Did you know that Hummus in Tahine is offered beside Caviar and Salmon as a delicatesse in the first class? The Champagne drunk my soul and the flight went quickly lost between exchanging with S. and all my dreams about the USA, running, the people and the energy required.

Landed in France S. and I headed to the Hotel Novotel, a cold unfriendly place. However it was for one night and I dropped my plans to go visit Paris which was far from the Hotel. I needed my energy for tomorrow's 9 hours flight to the USA. After a friendly evening with S. Although I was excited about the trip's agenda and seeing my daughter I was worried because I didn't have a life insurance in case something happens to me however tired as I was I slept like a baby in the big bed praying that God would bless my country and my family and bring me back safely.