अभीष्ट

The sun was out and it was particulary warm for mid November...

We found our way to an afternoon drink, then to a cafe for an espresso. Sitting streetside we talked about the wonders of living in the city and how if you had to pick the kindest place in the U.S., it would be San Francisco. We left the neighborhood for veggie cheesesteaks. Explained I was tired of dining- and almost couldn't believe the words as we arrived at the tried and true hole in the wall. Traveling does that we agreed.

Over mint tea, learned that hooka's give you a buzz. I always thought it was the accompanying drinks. Its true though, double apple was a pretty smooth buzz. Recounted a summer trip to New York, where the Egyptian restaurants and clubs seemed to dominate the hooka scene, my favorite was the restraraunt with the sod floor and oil lamps. Learned you can eat the tea leaves at the bottom of the glass. How family owned tea and wheat plantations meant there was always an abundant and fresh supply. Tea grows on a bush, the premium teas are the least strong and the cheapest teas are usually made of dust and dirt particles and the stongest.

We talked more about our travels, how in Dubai you can take an outing to the desert. Where they host a bar-b-q of lamb, the belly dancers and hookas abound. If you choose to stay over, big white billowy tents house comfy beds for an overnight stay. They know their clientele. The world does seem to get smaller and smaller, more alike than different...Looking forward to resuming my travels, I see a Fulbright in my future. The next time I see my friend there will be two countries and international travel to catch up on...