Summer In Gaza 2008 - 'In' Transport Mode

[Arlo Silvers]

Welcome to the first in a series of blogs from the Occupied Palestinian Territory known as the Gaza Strip, aka the world’s largest prison. All pictures accredited to, 'a most hard working' Freelance Journalist based in Gaza City Mr Sameh A Habeeb and the bulk of the vitriolic verbals espouse from his 'cheeky' Facebook friend and fellow member of the Yahoo Group of the same name, Action4Palestine, Andrew J Silvera (based in Somerset, UK) providing a running commentary on the daily lives and conditions of what can only be described as, ‘a most resilient people.’

SUMMER IN GAZA - 'IN' TRANSPORT MODE

Somehow, today, Gaza didn’t seem that far away. The oncoming global economic crisis draws closer everyday and today in the South West of England it became most apparent. Gas stations with no petrol!

Gas $18 a gallon in UK as supplies dry
news.bbc.co.uk — A Devon petrol station is charging drivers more than £9 a gallon for petrol and diesel as drivers clamour for fuel. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7456458.stm

Panic buying in my hometown left garages empty. Seems to me Gaza is way ahead and the rest of us have a lot of catching up to do. You may have heard the story of the Gaza genius:

Gaza 'genius' helps besieged city survive a year of Israel's
independent.co.uk — "After 100 years we will have no petrol," he adds. "We should start now to try and deal with that, not wait until it happens." Necessity is the mother of invention... but if a man with no new parts and no imports can turn his Peugeot 205 into a viable electric vehicle, why can't we? http://tinyurl.com/6h9pgb

‘Necessity the Mother of Invention’ they say but the guy above is not the only one showing signs of ingenuity in Gaza regarding means of getting about. Take this young chap – leaving the rest of us in the shade. 0013

Has he got a license for that? Pony & Trap, way to go! In for a comeback I reckon.

And what’s this chap playing at, is he stealing a crafty ride? I wonder if the driver knows he's there? Or is this one of the many Gazan youngsters forced into work to help their families get by? 0010

These two know their onions. Dig the hat man, Dig that hat. 0017

Now, I know there are a lot of young people in Gaza, I hear over half the population are under 25 but how can we be sure these lads are not just out for a joyride.

Joyriding, Gaza Stylee… 0018

Yeh well, I don't think the police will have much trouble catching these boy-racers.

Some of you may think travel by donkey would be pretty slow but look, they still have time to dress them up – Best Turned Out 0006

And although it doesn’t look like his legs are moving, it would seem he has just overtaken this car.

But if the racing were confined to the four-legged variety, yeh! This looks The One To Be On. 0003

This is no donkey! This is a horse! I'll be tipping this for the Gaza Derby.

Actually, this beast looks like he can go a bit, obviously better going right-handed, maybe we'll be seeing him at Royal Asscot but what’s that in his wake? Looks like the old sack-trucks are back in fashion. 0199

I can well see, the way things are going, astute horse racing trainers looking to Gaza for the next Frankie Dettori – I mean, they are literally queuing up for lessons. 0153

Drifting slightly off topic a minute but what was George Bush reading when 911 occurred? My Pet Goat – I bet this young’un could tell us a tale, or two. 0178

Here’s an interesting one; walking around holding your nose, phew! Can’t imagine why. 0184

And I know what this little strong man needs…0118

He needs one of these. I do hope this geezer is going to be returning his trolley. 0059

Or maybe, one of these but crikey! Is that a beer crate on pram wheels? And I can see another Derby contender in the background. 0073

Or even, a mate and a piece of string – well earned points for originality to this Dynamic Duo. 0030

How’s this for innovation? Seats on the back of a pick-up truck, a blooming luxury I’d say but it’s a bit hazy isn’t it?
A Hazy Shade of Summer, 0012

Maybe that’s what Dr.Yousef Abu Safiyeh, an expert in environmental issues, was on about when he predicted a serious health and environmental disaster for the Gaza Strip population owing to the recent use of cooking oil as fuel by a large number of drivers. http://www.uruknet.de/?p=44720 0012

I’ve heard of car sharing but this is taking it to the limit. 0063

You can’t tell me this is a full one – people don’t smile like that carrying full ones do they? For some bizarre reason, I’m being reminded of Asterix the Gaul and this guy is definitely, Obelix. 0049

Now this is just taking the Michael. I’ve heard of Band On The Run and the Travelling Wilberries, I wonder what they call themselves and are they available for bookings? 0054

Well, I don’t know how this picture got included - this can’t be Gaza can it? We don’t have such exquisite architecture built around petrol pumps here in the UK – unless of course, this is Ismail Haneyya’s house and they are just flashy antiques? 0014

Coming soon from Summer In Gaza 2008 – The Palestinian European Cup Final and All At Sea, please stay tuned.

PS: This project has been made possible with a little help from Crystal Roberts of Canadians4Palestine. Girt thanks, my dear!

Sameh A. Habeeb

Freelance Journalist based in Gaza, Palestine
Mob: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
[e-mail]

A J Silvera (what d'ya mean, I look like Richard Falk?) [e-mail]

[Ayah/Crystal]

You have done an amazing job with this project!

[Arlo Silvers]

Hey Sameh, it seems we are a 'team', that means smth round my way:

Summer In Gaza 2008 - 'In' Transport Mode
Gazatoday TeamWelcome to the first in a series of blogs from the Occupied Palestinian Territory known as the Gaza Strip, aka the world’s largest prison...Somehow, today, Gaza didn’t seem that far away. The oncoming global economic crisis draws closer everyday and today in the South West of England it became most apparent. Gas stations with no petrol! Gas $18 a gallon in UK as supplies dry....

Read the full article: http://www.uruknet.de/?p=45037

[Sameh A. Habeeb]

Thank you Mary, really your house was a really hot spot for palestine. You just reminded me of my Italian trip...Plz put this in your PTT
sam

[Arlo Silvers]

Much thanks for the feedback - I was beginning to think nobody liked it!

DD, afraid yesterday's computer died, 3rd drive I lost this year! Luckily, I pretty well connected when it comes to computers, have lost a lot of work but I is back, 32 hours off!

Mary, to save you a lot of work, maybe you could start where it says:

"Somehow, today, Gaza seemed much closer - - to "look at this chap leaving us in the shade." & then, To continue reading this Photo Essay (I like that) & then a link to here, maybe it bring more people to this site? & if u think your studio needs putting in order, u want to see the state of my desk, or my flat for that matter!

Crystal, yes, excellent pictures! Well Done Sameh! There's a whole lot more to come. I have had a mad few days.... From rolling off my chair laughing at the next essay, the Palestinian European Cup, to yesterday & today, losing almost everything & running around like a headless chicken trying to get a little back - almost there, have to relog into every network & forum, so have my work cutout for the foreseeable. But many thanks to one & all, right, who's next?

[Ayah/Crystal]

Great stuff!!! Excellent pictures!!

[mary rizzo]

very cute! I'll try to get this photo essay set up for the weekend edition of PTT. I am technically inept, and all these photos are going to give me a run for the money, but I will try. Sameh knows I'm a computer imbecile, but it was very funny, when he was here to visit, he came into the studio and asked, "Is this where we fight for Palestine?" It was such a darling thing to say! And yes, the scene of the crime is that studio that needs a good putting in order!!

[Danny D]

Great Stuff Indeed, I have posted it with credits on a few on my blogs, Great Job.
I hope you are doing well and that computer gets working

[Sameh A. Habeeb]

GOOD STUFF
SEND A COPY TO OUR GOOD MARY PLZ