Welcome…

The designated room is fairly spacious and can accommodate around 15 people without each other smoking into other’s face. To top it all, the upholstery is top-end for a public room.

I walk in with my gitanes which I have just purchased(Wait watch your brows- a carton costs just nine quid at duty free). I realize I haven’t got a light on me, yes you are right, one of those pseudo self reasons that if you don’t carry one on you, you wouldn’t smoke. Has failed me across many continents.

So I ask a couple of guys who have been surreptitiously watching me. And as if it was a crime not to be carrying a light they vigorously nod their heads sidewards (almost like italians) and go on quickly to offer an explanation- they light their cigarettes with a fellow cigarette bud. The chap grins sheepishly.

Another guy, dark and small, standing at the corner soon rushes towards me and hands over his light. I thank him smilingly and start drawing my smokes.

He disappears but just as I am about to finish he comes back and stands beside me and in one swift motion asks for a cigarette. Well its not even asking , pleading rather. Frankly I cant make out what he says but I just guess from his gestures.

I hand him over a couple of gitanes and he expresses his happiness with a warm all encompassing smile showing his unique teeth-work that would have made any Nat geo photographer proud.

That’s my welcome to the tropical world ot the third world asmy friend calls it, where people don’t mind sharing their cigarettes openly , just like their hearts and minds.