A promise is a promise, right? Wrong! A Lebanese promise is 20 percent of a promise. Well, I got the 20 percent, a few bags of Colombian coffee, instead of the promised 50 bags of Brazilian and Ethiopian coffee... And ridiculously over-priced!!! But, quoting an e-mail from a German friend, I will stay open even if I am serving just water. Thanks Christina.

• A bank employee parked his bike next to the shop. As he was ordering some coffee beans he told me that he will get me some pictures of his colleagues going to work on scooters and on bicycles. The irony was that the bank management, discovering their employees' new means of transportation, decided to cut on their transportation expenses!
• Hassan's new pastime. When the electricity is off, is to go and look for an open fuel station. "I drive around, sniffing for fuel, and when I find a station, I park my car in line, open my book and read. At least I occupy myself with the car airconditionning on."
• Rodney, an American reporter, was having his large mochaccino, when we started talking about the difference between George W. Bush and some other presidents. "I don't like the guy, I hate his government and I did not vote for him", he said. "But, wherever I go, when I introduce myself as American, I can see the hatred in people's eyes", he added. Well, Rodney, you should know where a part of your tax dollars is going! Rodney then asked me where he can find a radio because when he was at the refugees' center in the Sanayeh public garden, a family broke theirs and he offered to buy them one. Good humanitarian act, Rod.
• I could have sworn that I knew this guy from somewhere! He ordered two espressos for him and his friend. Very familiar face. I remember! From a picture taken of Israeli soldiers holding Nasrallah's picture that I saw last night on my favorite blog (www.anecdotesfromabananarepublic.com). I am imagining things now. Or is it true? And the guy, obviously an Israeli spy, is walking calmly in the middle of Hamra streets?

I would like to thank all the e-mails I am receiving and I am sorry that it is taking me ages to answer. My excuses are: no electricity, no time, anger and depression and August's severe sinus headache. Thanks again.

Attached: Early morning clients.