Meeting bloggers

The blogosphere is a mysterious and exciting place, you read about people, their lives, ideas , theories, hopes, ups, downs , everything and some you like others you can't stand.

Those that you like you become addicted to as NBA says, to the extent you want to meet the authors . Since 2003 when I started blogging, I've gotten to know several bloggers in real life and we are great friends. I've also met a few of them in person and it felt just like meeting an old friend of yours.

Soraya from Syria has become one such 'old friend' ( not that she's old ;) ). With her sweet unassuming ways she managed to convince me to meet a Syrian blogger after my initial reticence.

Check how Soraya did it and her impressions on the meet up on Sunday evening.

The first time time I heard her voice, she was everything I expected. I first wanted to meet at a hip cafe called 'Pop One' were you have a wireless connection - sort of to set the theme as bloggers and all that - but then we ended up at this cafe where I heard many artists went ( please remind me of the name !). I felt so relaxed as the ambience was wonderful . Okay I'm going too fast here let's roll back...

So because of heavy traffic Soraya and I kept in touch by cell phone to the meeting place . It felt like those James Bond movie where you are supposed to wear something that the other would recognize. Thank God for mobiles it is so much easier. We were supposed to meet near the Stefanel boutique , but unknown to me there were two in that street , so each of us was waiting for the other near a Stefanel shop. Then I walked the few meters to where Soraya was, I described myself basically and she did as well. And there she was... I recognized her immediately from her gorgeous eyes - PS for all those who are wondering the rest is pretty too- but then ladies from bilad al sham are renowned for the natural beauty. My friend DM used to call them houriyat ...

Soraya is as bright and charming as I thought and as she comes out in her blog. I was at ease immediately...the conversation flew from travels , books, men, movies, blogging, internet, our countries , friends, studies ..I wish I could have stayed more but maybe next trip ? Anyway we are going to keep in touch now and if only I could convince her to come and visit in Libya.

Soraya you are welcome to my home- plus you don't need a visa see ? how cool is that ...