Dear All,
Present day life wherever I am, is characterized by its walls, walls that separate the tolerated from the prohibited and quite frankly our lifestyle from that of our nation’s hosts. While the establishments may vary, the one thing they all have in common is a nether world; the neither here nor there transition room that separates the two divides.
Xanadu it is not. The areas are typified by medieval like doors with sliding slots, a cot in the corner, a Kalashnikov in the other, sandbags and the disconcerting smell of shoes; either “there’s” or “ours” depending I am sure on who you ask.
On the way in, an always judgmental “Saint Peter” is present to assess you and your kind for the security threat that you may or may not be. The modern day version wields a metal detector; his more traditional counterpart simply works with his hands. The machinery is to be preferred as it is less curious particularly around the “Equator” area and more specifically within the Tropic of Capricorn. Candidature approved, a password is chanted (never “Open Sesame” unfortunately), the Pearly Gates open and you and your crew sail on through.
On the way out, the assessment shifts to your lifestyle. For obvious security reasons the two doors never open at the same time and you inevitably spend a minute or two once again with “Peter”, now simply the doorman; his attention more focused on your altered state and/or date rather than suitability, his challenge perhaps more imagined than real.
Ideally I’d like to surmise that within these common areas, two cultures could come to comprehend rather than collide but a four centimeter high door frame hurdle for many stymies a graceful exit and the inevitable conclusion that we share a planet but two very different worlds…
Cheers,
Mw
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