Leap, and the net will appear. John Burroughs The dark lager felt a bit too much on the light side and the soup’s flavor was missing one of its basic attributes – flavor. But it didn’t matter. The waitress was cute, with curly hair and sharp, brown eyes, the interior of the bar was emitting […]
Category: Scribbles
The Saudi Escapade #4
“One Moroccan mint tea, please.” “Of course, sir.” The waiter throws at me a slight, formal smile and puts away the small notepad without writing down anything. A slight wave of doubt hits me. Moroccan mint tea in the capital of Saudi. Am I just being a cultural trashcan and basically ordering a Wiener Schnitzel in […]
Day five, part I. Tea droplets and dancing shadows.
And my poem is my silence. Jean-Pierre Simeón, This Is a Poem That Heals Fish The morning started with the train-lady standing next to me, relentlessly poking me in my left shoulder and telling me to wake up. It was still dark outside. No birches were visible, only the constant shaking and sound of train […]
The Iranian Escapade #3
“Name?” I repeat my name for the third time and despite the overall weakness of my body, I try to put some extra energy in my voice. The emergency room at the bottom station of the ski resort is extremely hot and I can feel droplets of sweat forming on my forehead. The doctor meticulously writes down my […]
Day four, part II. First farewells.
A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love People have amazing ideas about how the life and relationships works . I fully agree with […]
The Macau Escapade #1
I’m running recklessly through the streets of the Macau old city centre, having a strict monologue with myself: “Michal, you are in deep shit.” Droplets of sweat are falling into my eyes and obstructing my vision, yet I can still perceive the delightfully crafted city streets. If Hong Kong felt like the result of one […]
The Saudi Escapade #3
„Regarding this issue, what I believe Saudi is missing the most right now, Michal, are clear, red lines between men and women.“ This sentence could be understood in too many ways. I look Khalid into his eyes in eager expectation for whatever he says next. We have been discussing the changes in the Saudi society […]
The Iranian Escapade #2
The doctor looks at me and smiles: „Don’t worry, it won’t be an invasive operation. We will only sedate you a bit, and…“ „Doctor Naderi, it’s just a dislocated shoulder! Why go for a full narcosis?“ I try to change my sitting position to improve my posture and underline my willingness to lead an impactful […]
The Saudi Escapade #2
“This country has taught me two things, Michael.” My friend finishes her cuba libre, puts the empty glass on the table, and turns back to me. “First, how to experience truly everything and learn from it.” Normally, if I hear these words from an expat living abroad, I can’t help but to hear a scream […]
Day four, part I. Life stories.
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. Annie Dillard The time shaped as a giant pile of mud oozes away to its sides on the white, porcelain plate. The wheels of the train hitting the tracks sound like a young, inexperienced percussion drummer – occasionally slowing down, occasionally speeding […]