BAMBERG – Christoph was a terrible driver. I only drove with him once, and he almost crashed us. Not long after that, he did crash the same car, a cube-like Skoda, and then bought himself another Skoda. He was so fond of the Czech automobile brand, which was acquired by the German Volkswagen Group in 1994. I always assumed his car choice was influenced by his roots.
Continue reading “House of Salted Caramel”
GRAZ – We often take the most precious things in life for granted. Who truly takes into consideration his eyes while sitting in front of a screen for hours every day? Who worries about his hearing while blowing up his ears with headphones? Who worries about his legs while abusing his knees going up and down a hill carrying heavy loads? Who truly cares about his lungs while inhaling one pack after another?
It’s simple and obvious that we’d dearly miss these things when we lose them. Until we do, however, they must go unappreciated.
Continue reading “Unappreciated”
Adapted from my December 2006 Arabic diary. Image by Thomas Svensson
DAMASCUS –
Wake me when September ends—
since it arrived, our world has bled.
The forests in Haya’s green eyes caught fire,
and no rain could put out their pyre.
The springs of sweetness on her lips ran dry,
and even stone wept at such thirst nearby.
Adapted from my November 2004 Arabic diary. Image by Johannes Plenio
DAMASCUS –
My lady asks me—
Can Caesar be brought to his knees?
Roumani Line 