A little guide for all those moments when you think you know what's going on, but really, you have no idea.

Gesture: Hand out in a pinched formation

It could mean: Look what I have here

What it really means: Wait one second, hold on, shut up, I don't care, I'm busy, stand there a little longer and feel stupid, can't you see you idiot I am in the middle of something way more important than you which is this cell phone conversation with my friend about the amount of cous-cous I ate last night. Aka rega

Gesture:  Both hands in pinched formation

It could mean:  Really rega

What it really means:  I am speaking about something very specific.  Pay attention to these words coming out of my mouth.

Gesture:  Hand to side of the head followed by twist of the hand

It could mean:  I'm screwy

What it means: You're screwy, I can't believe you are this stupid, what is wrong with you, I am an angry taxi driver who is sick of arguing with tourists who don't know how to argue and I want to rip you off and then get you out of my taxi as fast as possible.

Gesture: Biting of lower lip and chin jut-out. 

It could mean: I feel a little bad about this situation that just happened to you.

What it really means: I don't feel bad for you at all. This is life.

Gesture:  Hand over heart

It could mean: I feel so much love for you in this moment.

What it really means:  How could you offer so little money for my beautiful nargila. (which is real silver and includes 3 packs of very expensive tobacco all for this very very low price that I give you and only you since you are now my friend)  I have 17 children and a sick mother. You want to kill me?! You're breaking my heart.

What this really means:  You have no idea how to bargain.  Good luck with me sucker.

Gesture: Hands clasped together in a prayer formation and shaken forward 3 times

It could mean:  What I am saying is a prayer.

What it really means: Please let us stop being so Israeli for one second and reach an agreement.

Gesture/Comment: Shaking of head and muttering "why, why, why."

It could mean:  why?

What it really means: It's pretty incredible what I just said, no? 

Comment: "Flow like the river"

It could mean: Be at peace, take things as they come.

What it really means:  I want to be with you but not be with you. Understand?