A few days ago, while shopping at a supermarket near home, I received a call from a gentleman I know. I had just finished stacking my trolley and was heading for the check-out counter when he called. He’s a man I highly respect, and have come...
“Pack a bible, a notebook, comfortable walking shoes and mosquito repellent.” Tick! “Sun huts and sun screen if needed. And sandals.” Tick! “Light clothing (the place is very hot, exclamation mark), and a bottle for your drinking water.” Double tick! “This assignment must not be among your fails.” Tick?! It was an email,...
She has a beautiful name, one I’ve only heard once before. And warm, brown eyes. She’s somewhat reserved, perhaps even a little shy, but has a graceful sense of propriety. And a smile that surprises you with the pretty glow it casts on her face. She’s my room-mate, in a cozy,...
Come with me, won’t you? Come right in, my friend. Follow me. Don’t mind the steps, they’ve been this way for thousands of years. No doubt they can withstand a few more feet. Down the stairs.. to the left now.. Good. Keep walking.. stay right behind me. Ah.. here we...
Egypt is a beautiful, intriguing country. A fascinating blend of the sleekly modern and the nostalgically ancient. A land that stewards so well the amazing legends of antiquity, and yet also is truly metro. Fascinated by the rich history of this country, I recently inveigled myself into...
It’s dark, under here. And scary. And hot. There is a spider at the corner, near my left eye, sitting still, staring at me. I’m too scared to move, so I keep my eyes firmly on it. I can hear Baba coming. I don’t know what time it...
At the end of the 2013 General Elections, I found myself suddenly idle, with nothing to do with my time. I had been part of a busy campaign for one of the candidates, a Believer taking a shot at politics, and had become used to the...
Today is the 23rd day of the New Year, and I still haven't got round to drumming out some serious resolutions. Perhaps it’s because I generally delay getting back to work until the kids go back to school. I gave up trying to do anything meaningful...
I’ve worn contact lenses most of my life. I was fifteen years of age when my world suddenly began to get fuzzy, and eighteen when my doctor diagnosed Keratoconus, a condition that alters the shape of the cornea and causes severe short-sight. So I went from wearing...
So earlier this week I had a mid-morning cuppa with a young lady, an American publisher, who also happens to be a writer. Had a good old chinwag about all things books, as only writers can do on a fine Tuesday morning, at Art Cafe. Sheer...