I found solice in a pit. A place of such simplicity and commonality that most of the upper echelon would wipe the seats before sitting down. An unassuming hooka bar in Brooklyn made me feel nostalgic about my time in Bahrain. This place, although a pit by our standards, was way and above fancier than the smoke filled rooms run by Ethiopian women in Bahrain. We just sat and talked "life" as the hooka pipe was passed around. No one got into a fight. No one made a pass at anyone. No one was looking to "hook-up" and no one threw up. That is what I call easy. No pretense...no bullsh*t. Just a good night.
There were quite a few spots like that I went to in Bahrain. Dives where locals would just sit and relax. Folks, it's nice to see the monuments and the attractions those places have to offer but the most interesting places and people are usually found in spots the locals inhabit. Some people are too good to go beyond their hotels and tour guides but I can tell you that the best times I've had anywhere were in places most have never been. As I type this, I am beginning to feel the pull to travel again as I settle things at home. I even feel a pull towards the middle east...maybe even Iraq. Wherever that may be, the next time I do travel, I trust that I will heed my own advice.
On a side note, I have finally written the foreword to my book. Even if I did nothing else for a few more weeks...the reading of it has me excited.
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