Monday’s weather forecast for the UK, synopsised by a radio presenter, was mixed: “Sunshine and showers in the North and South. Cloudy with smells of rain in between.” An almost poetic mistake which the presenter excused with: “Well, rain smells wonderful!” True – especially after a heatwave. Although what our olfactory receptors pick up is … More Cloudy with smells of rain
Here is a spice with a story … A grandfather travelled alone with his suitcase, and in his suitcase, along with his clothes and personal belongings, he carried a big bag of za’atar, a spice mix that no Syrian kitchen is without. He carried it all the way from his home in Damascus to his … More #ChooseLove at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen
Suzanne and I meet in a café in Tunbridge Wells as I’m curious about her food venture (I’m hoping for a za’atar lesson too). Her daughter, Vera, is here to help with translation, although by the end of our meeting, Suzanne’s ready sense of humour persuades me that she understands more English than she thinks … More Al Bet Betak
Three days of solitude – the first time in nearly sixteen years that I’ve been left at home all on my own. It’s quiet. It’s still. I have space. And time … to do whatever I want. So I clean the house from top to bottom in a fast-paced frenzy – tidying, scrubbing, hoovering, shining the … More A Crude Attempt at Solitude
Our guide shakes our hands, and introduces himself with a smile. His name is Mohamad, and he is from Syria. He doesn’t disclose his surname, and when I ask if I can take photos of the tour he is about to give, he says, “Of course, but please none of me.” Mohamad is here to show … More Mohamad’s Berlin
Have Paprika, Will Travel 