Some people use their common sense, others learn things the hard way, guess which category I fall into? I have been struggling for a while with this pregnancy, but thought I would try and fast. I managed to fast through three previous pregnancies when the day was much shorter. I was desperate not to miss […]
I got through the housework in a rush this morning, with the plan that I go to visit the mother of one of Little Lady’s classmates. I have gotten to know this wonderful sister and she has honoured us by attending one of our annual Eid parties. She has been asking me to come visit […]
Al Aswany’s novel tells the interconnected stories of the tenants of the once-grand Yacoubian Building, now housing a motley mix of Cairo’s citizens: gentlemen who yearn for the “golden era” when Cairo was like Paris, corrupt politician (what other kind are there?), a gay newspaper editor, a student demoralised by corruption and drawn to religious […]
Al Aswany’s novel tells the interconnected stories of the tenants of the once-grand Yacoubian Building, now housing a motley mix of Cairo’s citizens: gentlemen who yearn for the “golden era” when Cairo was like Paris, corrupt politician (what other kind are there?), a gay newspaper editor, a student demoralised by corruption and drawn to religious […]
Walk – especially if I have had a bad day at work, I give the bus a miss and just start walking full speed, I let my thoughts work themselves out and let my mind go where it will. People probably think I look a bit odd scowling and smiling to myself, but I’m too […]
Walk – especially if I have had a bad day at work, I give the bus a miss and just start walking full speed, I let my thoughts work themselves out and let my mind go where it will. People probably think I look a bit odd scowling and smiling to myself, but I’m too […]
Al Aswany’s novel tells the interconnected stories of the tenants of the once-grand Yacoubian Building, now housing a motley mix of Cairo’s citizens: gentlemen who yearn for the “golden era” when Cairo was like Paris, corrupt politician (what other kind are there?), a gay newspaper editor, a student demoralised by corruption and drawn to religious […]
I sit here at my desk, feeling bored and spaced out, with that underlying edge of panic that comes back sometimes. Nervous energy trapped in a body that’s trapped at a desk. Things to do, always more to do and get done. I take a deep breath and stare at my hands, the band my […]
On the advice of a green-fingered friend I thought it was about time to dig up the potatoes I planted early this year. The kids gave me a helping hand (of sorts) and Little Lady insisted on taking a broom to the garden. We managed to bring in quite a few and they are just […]
I forgot it was Pakistan Independence Day today until someone reminded me they were going to have a flag-raising outside the town hall I work in and sing the National Anthem. The Civic Ambassador who is Pakistani gave a horrendously bad speech, The Deputy Mayor reminded us, that we may be Pakistani, but really we […]
I want to see a photography exhibition by David Bailey yesterday, organised as part of the Create 2012 Festival of art in London. The photo’s covered a number of periods where the photographer had returned to East London where he grew up. The photo’s were a treat and my reaction to some of them surprised me. I originally thought the […]
I have spent all of last week trying to work out whether or not I would be going to my cousin’s nikah (marriage contract ceremony) or not. Bride’s mum has had a tiff with my mum-in-law, mum-in-law refused to go to brides relatives wedding and then decided not to invite them to brother-in-laws wedding. My […]
A Sister recently left a comment on my blog that I felt warranted a proper response as far as I am able to offer this. The Sister’s query was as follows: Salaam, I found this page a while ago and hesitated about whether or not to express my confusion. I hope you won’t be offended […]
I had a go at making some cards to put away for Eid-ul-Fitr. I hope to make enough to send to friends, family and relatives in Pakistan, plus a few for my mum to send out. I like some more than others and I was pleased I could use up some of the odds and […]
