Starehe
Friday night down in Astoria, Queens. Arabic music was rhythmically thumping in the background at Eastern Nights while clouds of sweetly scented smoke and conversation drifting about. A chilly, rain filtered breeze blew in through the perpetually open door as traffic moved up and down Steinway. Chatting with a good friend of mine. Talk centered on job prospects and daydreams for the future. The old, intricately carved chairs were a suitable replacement for the desks to which we've been glued typing papers, projects, applications, and resumes.
The birthday party, three months ago, with a dozen or more friends. Singing, lounging, celebrating. Old friends, new friends, mixing and matching. I'm surrounded by an amazing group of people.
Eastern Nights again in October and September. J & M. Memories of Mombasa-raha floating through the autumnal air. Making sense of the here and now.
The Bar at the Serena Hotel in Stone Town. Welcoming close friends to life in East Africa while preparing to bid it farewell - for the time being. Double Apple sheehsa. Sadly no dawas.
Finally - initially actually - ten months ago. Toronto. Beneath an enormous tree. The Indian Ocean breaking against the rocks below. An motley crew of wanderers, adventurers, and scholars. Big G and Juicy Fruit wrapper cover the table while BMW's and the occasional Ferrari simmer in the background. Stories swapped and lives knitted together.
A symbol of another way . . . priorities switched.
Peace, calm, life at ease.
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