I had run out of space to store my books in my apartment and built extra storage then ran out of space to build extra storage. This led to mini book-hills starting out in my bedroom… these hills eventually led me back to my senses – no more book buying until I have read absolutely every book I have.
So here I am in Safa Park. My friends/colleagues have decided to de-clutter Dubai-style and have rented a stall. I am hunting for them.
Sometimes you just have to not ask. Just accept. Times such as these…
Amongst the chaos I bump into my super hunky friend and fellow-Turk Baris. He is here helping a friend of his. Nice window dressing – except there are no windows.
And this is when I discovered that if my twisted sense of humor and cat obsession had a fight, the obsession would win.
Look – carrom! It’s like football except it’s played on a board… and with flat, round disks that you hit with your fingers… into the 4 corners that have little pockets in them… so I guess it isn’t much like football…
Here are Jilloh, Nikki & Nadee. Nikki & Nadee are sisters and their mother accompanies them today.
Nadee is a fellow nomad and rose-smeller. Cheeky and delightfully mischievous, she is a constant source of sunshine and giggles both in and out of the office.
Starving! Nadee points me to the direction of yucky cafeteria with yucky food. I actually like yucky cafeteria food!
En route.
Shiny happy people everywhere.
Every bride’s dream…
In a yucky cafeteria you would expect people to be complaining about yucky food. Yucky cafeteria seems to be a tad more creative than that and people are complaining about the yucky service instead.
It is a heart-fluttering, beautiful day and I am not a big fan of fuss or drama so I decide to leave yucky cafe, walk and see what else pops up along the way. I don’t have to walk too far.
The Archive in Safa Park
I can’t quite believe what I am hearing or seeing: Louis Armstrong is in heaven and I am in a gorgeous cafe in Safa Park!
I allow myself only one piece of technology (camera) and only for 1 minute. I put all else away and sit in the sun, staring at everyone (not like the Luxembourgish – they STARE, you catch them, you smile, they don’t, they keep staring: they weird! Just an observation.). I’m a smiley-starer, the type that haters get annoyed with.
Now Sinatra is accompanying me.
The food takes its time but does arrive and is delicious. Feels healthy, looks healthy and doesn’t taste healthy (i.e. tastes good!).
I keep sneaking peeks inside and I see books! Lots of them! Feel like a recovering alcoholic in an all-you-can-drink brunch. Can look, must not touch!
I finish my food and have a little wander inside. People are reading, hanging out, eating or tapping away on their laptops.
This place is getting prettier by the second. I have a chat with the ladies behind the counter. Sarah tells me this place is called The Archive and is actually a library. It is a non-profit organization that also serves food. They have all sorts of workshops going on at any given point. They even have yoga lessons – awesome! The library focuses on Islamic art and there is free internet for all from 8 am to 8 pm. Check them out here and here.
There are some things you just *know* on first sight and I just know that me and this place are going to get along just fine in a happy-ever-after kinda way!
SO glad I decided to wander away from yucky cafe. Sweet serendipity every time one wanders off the path – don’t ever complain next time you get lost anywhere – just keep your eyes, and mind, open.
Once you have stopped staring at the prettiness, do have a read and see what the board says. Will give you a good idea on what goes on here.
Goodbye crazy chaotic flea market. See you next month.
Hello Archive! See you next weekend 🙂
