These small (and big, uncomfortable) things remind me every day that I’m living in a different world now. Some things I miss deeply. Others, I appreciate more than I ever expected. It’s a journey of disorientation and growth, one small moment at a time. 🌍
ginoraidy.substack.com/p/disoriente...

Speaking the Unspoken

Americans talk about their problems: racism, mental health & injustice.

For all its imperfections, it’s better than hiding them.

I think of the kafala system—workers in slave-like conditions, forgotten & ignored & how many people are guilty without being called out.

Talking, Not Assuming 🗣️

Back home, we rarely said what we wanted outright.

Relationships ran on assumptions and unspoken expectations. Here, I’ve learned the power of clear communication—whether it’s sharing feelings or negotiating needs.

It’s refreshing and liberating.

Language of Refusal

In Lebanon, “no, thank you” doesn’t mean no. It’s an invitation for insistence, a dance of generosity.

Here, when I say “no,” they move on immediately. I miss the warmth of that insistence, but I also see the beauty in the clarity here.
Just say yes when someone offers 🍪 now!

Paying to Cross 🛣️💸

In Lebanon, roads were chaotic—full of potholes, unmarked lanes, and rain-induced traffic jams. But they were free.

In the US, I once paid $38.25 for a missed exit on an EZ-Pass lane.

The privilege of crossing a bridge often comes at a steep price.

The Shower Struggle 🚿
American shower mixers are a puzzle. Knobs turn the wrong way, showerheads refuse to adjust, and water pressure is unpredictable.

Back home, showers were simple, almost standard. Here, every shower feels like a negotiation, and I have yet to fit/adjust one without a struggle.

The Lamps 💡
Most US homes I've rented or been in don’t have a central light switch. Instead, there are tiny, dim lamps scattered everywhere.

Lebanon, one flip would light up a room (if there was electricity).

Here? I stumble around, hunting for switches. It’s a daily game of “find the light.”

The Sun 🌞

In Lebanon, the sun rises behind Mount Lebanon & sets into the Mediterranean.

It anchored me.

Here where I live, the sun rises from the ocean & threw me off entirely.

Without those familiar landmarks, I felt lost.

Without Google maps, outside of Manhattan, I had no sense of direction.

Why it matters:
In 🇱🇧 #Lebanon, disruptions like this remind us how fragile our modern comforts are. By using tools like offline maps and GNSS alternatives, you can navigate through the chaos and stay connected.

ginoraidy.substack.com/p/spoofed-an...

Google Maps offline is a game-changer. Here’s how to set it up:

1️⃣ Open Google Maps and go to Settings.
2️⃣ Tap 'Offline Maps.'
3️⃣ Select your area and download it.

Now, you’ll have reliable navigation even if GPS is disrupted.

You’re not stuck. Here are 2 easy fixes to get back on track:

Most phones don’t just use GPS. They also support GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China). These systems make it harder to spoof your location.

The Impact:

📦 Deliveries delayed
🚕 Ride-sharing apps broken
🛬 Flights disrupted
🔥 Even Tinder and Grindr users are frustrated.

Your GPS, which you depend on daily, is now unreliable.

What’s going wrong?

Israel is using GPS spoofing: broadcasting fake signals that are stronger than the real ones. Your phone gets tricked into thinking you’re somewhere else. They claim it’s for defense, but for us in Lebanon, it’s chaos.

What is GPS? 🛰️

Your phone uses satellites to figure out where you are. It calculates your location by measuring how long it takes for satellite signals to reach you. Usually, it’s accurate within a few meters—when the signals are real.