though I tried to write this post earlier.. I felt I would not be doing it justice unless I wrote on location.. so here is my first on-location post... hopefully there will be many more to come...
the scene is set... a lot of plain metal and plastic chairs scattered about.. tables with little square floral patterned candle holders and a familiar camaraderie of sheesha patrons... in front the road with cars rolling by and on this occasion.. an old classic.. a yellow boxter convertible.. adds to the occasion... it flowing lines in sharp contrast to the delivery vans and working class air of this area... in the distance the golden dome of the Masjid Sultan and around you carpet sellers and more sheesha bars, and the broken down pavement under your feet, with so many of it's own stories to tell, no doubt. The air is filled with casual chatter which spills into the streets from all over, and surprisingly Lionel Richie... adding to the eclecticness of the whole setting...
as I sip my iced mint tea I am reminded of another eclectic oasis on a Colaba rooftop of a very shady hotel... and I wonder if my blog resembles a global sheesha backpackers guide... maybe so...
pull... release... I return to myself.. to here and now.. content in the knowledge that amongst even the most sanitized of nation states there is this little Oasis of revelry and old world Bohemia still thriving... refusing to be modernised...
as I am about to press publish... the magical sound of the Qur'an fills the air from the nearby mosque and Lionel Richie is turned off in respect...
In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,
The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.
Guide us in the right path
The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray*
*cf: Sura 1.1 to 1.6, The Holy Qu'ran
