You have perfectly captured that feeling of being untethered in a new environment. I can imagine your essay as a moving short story. Also, very much enjoyed your interview with Rachel!
I moved to Cairo (Maadi!) seven months ago and was also swept away (across Tahrir Square no less) into the darkness of a “bazaar”! My husband is a teacher and I had similar dreams of being that cool, collected expat wife. Alas! Cairo bends you into shapes you never knew existed. Really comforting to read your words, thank you. Wish I’d found them sooner.
Hey, Sam! Once again, this is a wonderful piece. I said as much on the Soaring Twenties post, but I wanted to make sure you saw it. It's some of the most beautiful, evocative writing I've seen so far on the ole 'Stack, and you did a great job taking us with you through your complex internal journey. I'm glad you've reached a place where you were able to make some sense of this new experience. And you've gained a new subscriber!
Hi Sam, I’ve just returned form my middle eastern adventure, including a week in Egypt. I know I only just scratched the surface but my trip included the Pyramids, Sphinx, Aswan- Luxor ( dahabiya cruise) hot air balloon ride near Valley of the Kings. It was a wonderful week but I found Cairo extremely confronting. The sheer size of the population, traffic kaos & pollution/ rubbish, I was not expecting. I take my hat off to you.
Sam, this is the first chapter of a book (the one I’ll be on line to buy at your book signing) I felt all of it while reading.
Also, loved your cabinet feature with Rachel and your paintings are good! ✨
You have perfectly captured that feeling of being untethered in a new environment. I can imagine your essay as a moving short story. Also, very much enjoyed your interview with Rachel!
I moved to Cairo (Maadi!) seven months ago and was also swept away (across Tahrir Square no less) into the darkness of a “bazaar”! My husband is a teacher and I had similar dreams of being that cool, collected expat wife. Alas! Cairo bends you into shapes you never knew existed. Really comforting to read your words, thank you. Wish I’d found them sooner.
Hey, Sam! Once again, this is a wonderful piece. I said as much on the Soaring Twenties post, but I wanted to make sure you saw it. It's some of the most beautiful, evocative writing I've seen so far on the ole 'Stack, and you did a great job taking us with you through your complex internal journey. I'm glad you've reached a place where you were able to make some sense of this new experience. And you've gained a new subscriber!
Hi Sam, I’ve just returned form my middle eastern adventure, including a week in Egypt. I know I only just scratched the surface but my trip included the Pyramids, Sphinx, Aswan- Luxor ( dahabiya cruise) hot air balloon ride near Valley of the Kings. It was a wonderful week but I found Cairo extremely confronting. The sheer size of the population, traffic kaos & pollution/ rubbish, I was not expecting. I take my hat off to you.
Reading this makes me both want to write and paint at once.
Your paintings *are* good! You have an eye for values, and they have a lot of natural movement!