The Year 2011. . .It was a year of awakening. Living here in Egypt brought about a rather peculiar feeling in the understanding of this year. Having first arrived to this country in 2010, it would be a new chapter in my life. . .in my memories of world adventures, education, upcoming career, and overall spiritual growth as a woman. From my various involvements with student organizations, volunteer work, and social life, many surprises were to await me!
Taking the time to reminisce on where I came from upon being here, and my hopes and ambitions for this New Year, I decided to take that evening of January 1, 2012 to venture to a very dear place. Using this time to enjoy my own company for this new aura, I treated myself to an "Italian heaven" of eatery and cuisine. In the neighborhood of Zamalek, La Trattoria, is a very well-known restaurant known for its relaxed, silken-like atmosphere. Fine wine, olive oil with hot bread, salads diverse in their decor, and enrichening pastas, all bring forth the essence of Italy to Cairo. For many tourists, and residents, it is merely a social realm to immerse in feast and fellowship, a special world away from the realisms of Cairo's hectic state. For, me, it had become a very personal space, resemblant of one of the many special worlds I wanted to immerse and create for myself. Special memories were birthed here. I reminisced of the many times I passed by this restaurant to shop for groceries at Seoudi , before catching the 12 am shuttle bus at the Zamalek dorms, back to the AUC New Cairo hostel. Its rather small presentation was for me a grand attraction! It was a type of mystery for me. I often fantasized of entering into its door everytime I passed by.
I also began thinking of the numerous times I enjoyed the restaurant on my own accord, and within the company of friends. What an auspicious time for me to begin the New Year for reflection of the past, working on the present, and envisioning what I wanted to accomplish for the future! What is interesting is that La Trattoria served as a central point from areas in Zamalek, where I would experience happiness, drama, and an awakening.
Treating myself to an order of Zuppa di Pomodori (tomato soup), Fettucini Salmone, and of course the customary hot bread, olive oil, and black vinegar, I felt rather fulfilled in caring for myself. My work-a-holic nature sometimes, or many times, causes me to lack in doing this. However, nourishing myself in this manner was symbolic of an improved me, while here in Egypt. Coming back to a place, filled with loving elements was a wonderful start for 2012! Connecting the events of 2011 with those of 2012 will be essential in teh art of writing. And venturing into how the past year has come to match the present will be a life-changer in itself!
Comments