It didn´t take long and Youseff was pulled into the group, as students, professors and some administrative staff happily interacted with one another. The overseas students were kind of overdressed for the occasion. Some even wore ties. The grilled chicken and potato salad were simply great. He had never tasted anything like that. As he slowly moved around trying to find a place to sit down, he heard a female voice coming in his direction. It sounded like a whisper. One of his new class mates, as he would soon find out, was inviting him to sit next to her. That type of invitation would be unthinkable in the culture where he came from. He knew he was in a different place though and was not bothered by that. He timidly accepted and said: “Thanks! It is very nice of you to invite me to sit with you. My name is Youseff.” As he said that and made himself comfortable he noticed she didn´t reply. Impressed by the graciousness of her presence he looked straight into her beautiful blue eyes and said: “Is everything ok? Can I get you anything?” She smiled at him. And that was it.
