When I first started writing down my memories, I never imagined that would lead to compiling and sharing it on a blog. Now that it has, I wonder if such a modest beginning to reminisce on paper could evolve into a bigger project. I found the idea appealing and embraced it more and more each day. As we grow older, life becomes a “marathon” where we race against time, striving to fulfill our desires before energy, enthusiasm, and memories wane. It seemed in a sense that a feeling of urgency prompted me to go on, as regrets offer no solace.
“Al-Wirtheh”/ The Heritage
Abu Michel did not survive long after Um Michel passed away. Every morning, he would check the blue pantry cupboard in which she used to keep a plate of olive oil, Za’atar, a jar of apricot jam that she made and a piece of bread.…
Introduction
When I first started writing down my memories, I never imagined that would lead to compiling and sharing it on a blog. Now that it has, I wonder if such a modest beginning to reminisce on paper could evolve into a bigger project. I found…
Sarkis
The weekend is here already and according to the traditions of middle-class women in Jerusalem, it was time to go to the hair salon. My mother, who also belonged to a “middle-class” family used to go every Saturday afternoon to Sarkis. Sarkis was one of…
Cinema
It does not end with, “Abi Fawq Al-Shajarah”, (My Father is Above the Tree), “Al- Masir”, (The Destiny), “Haddoutah Masriyyah”, (An Egyptian Story), “Ajmal Ayyam Hayati”, (The Best Days of My Life), “Imbaratoriyet Mim”, (Empire M), “Al- Risalah”, (The Message), “Oredo Hallan”, (I Want A…
Between “Two Banks”
Lebanese Airlines’ weekly flight schedule from Beirut to Jerusalem In those days, the world was not a “small village” like today. It was more of distant, isolated “village-like” continents where each was not aware of what was happening in the other neighboring one. Consumer culture…
My Treasure
I did not inherit money, but my parents left me with a valuable collection of family albums. The pictures were the first thing I always put in my bag whenever I moved to a new place. I took care of my “treasure” year after year,…
Thunder
I don’t know how far back in time one can go to recall their earliest memories, but the scene still stands vividly before me as if it were yesterday. I was almost four years old at that time. It was June 1967. I didn’t grasp…
The “Book”
I had no idea it would upset her so much… Just like any other child my age, I was a bundle of curiosity. I loved exploring my surroundings. One of my favorite pastimes was imitating my mother, sometimes taking on her persona. I would lose…
“The Palace”
Unlike these days, our childhood play extended beyond the walls of our homes. We played in the alleys, neighborhoods, and orchards filled with oranges, olives, and grapevines. Among the popular games were: Jumping rope, hopscotch, marbles, slingshots, “hide and seek”, “Aly Watwat”, and the seven…
“Babur Al-Kaz”
Um Hagob (Hagob’s mother), who was born and lived all her life in Damascus, had never expected that she will end up living in Jerusalem. That happened when Abu Hagob (Hagob’s father) captured her heart sixty years ago. Their story wasn’t one of love at…
The “Kanoun”
I still remember Abu Michael’s brazier, its shiny brass gleaming on the wooden floor in the living room. During the cold days in winter, particularly in December and January, known in Arabic as “Kawaneen” (the plural of Kanoun, which also means brazier in Arabic), we,…
“Ramadan”
Ramadan in Jerusalem brings up countless memories to my mind. That, doesn’t begin with the rhythmic beat of the “Musaharati’s” (pre-dawn caller) drum announcing “Suhoor” (pre-dawn meal), nor does it end with the seen of the row of people lined up outside “Al-Arz” shop to…
Easter
Easter brings back special memories to me, far beyond the excitement of buying a new dress, savoring the delicious chicken which my mom used to prepare, or getting gifts from aunts and uncles. In fact, it is the special ceremonies that take place in Jerusalem,…
Madame Katrina
Her sweet voice still lingers in the corners of my memory bringing back to mind her innocent and gentle face. Madame Katrina, our neighbor who lived just a few meters away, was in her mid-fifties. She lived by herself. Her husband passed away early before…
The Market
May God have mercy on my mom. Accompanying her to the market at the end of the week was a pleasure beyond compare, even though it was sometimes exhausting. In Jerusalem, “the market” usually refers to the old city within the walls. There, where the…
Autograph
I still have it…her autograph, which she gave to me forty years ago. She asked me to write a few lines on one of its pink pages as a remembrance. I forgot all about it and it remained with me until I found it recently…