Monday, September 30, 2013

How do you know Brazil has good weather?

So, apparently, leaving the door open, or for any matter unattended is frowned upon in many cultures.
We went out tonight for a mini staff-retreat, to the local bar of Mitzpe Ramon - Hahavit, a place where the portions are big and so is the variety of beer. sitting around the table were Lee and I, both from Israel, Gabriel, from Brazil, Yelena, from Russia, Tina, from Slovenia, and Brian, a really cool guest from Ireland who came along for the company.
The bar was pretty crowded (good thing we had reserved a table in advance) and people were coming in and out all the time.
At this time of year Mitzpe Ramon weather is already changing and, in the evening, a chilly wind blows pretty regularly. Not something you would expect in a desert, but nonetheless sweater-worthy.
As our table was located close to the door, and the cold outside air could be felt every time someone entered or left. Lee got very irritated with the people who didn't bother to close the door behind them, and after the fifth one she muttered out "Were you born in a tent?!"
Of course, none of the others around the table had any idea what she was talking about- since no one else grew up with desert references, and after we explained the saying, and even added the other famous Israeli one- "Were you born on a bus?!" the others started sharing theirs:
Russian St. Petersburgians have "Were born on an elevator?"
The Irish prefer- "Were you born in a field?!"
Slovenians prefer the anatomical - "Do you have cat's tail?" (think about that for a minute and you'll get it)

Only Gabriel had nothing to contribute. Apparently the act of leaving a hostel door open in Brazil isn't offensive or irritating enough to award it its own ironic response. I guess the weather is good all the time...