Man, lemme tell ya about my day in Shibli-Umm-al-Ghanam. Wow, just wow. I woke up, like, super early, right? The sun was barely up, and I was already sharpening knives. Yeah, that’s my gig. I’m a sharpener, not a magician, but sometimes it feels like it.
So, I’m on the corner of Al-Mahajir Street, just minding my business, when this dude rolls up. He’s got a knife that looks like it’s been through a war. I mean, c’mon, bro, what do you do with that? Cut bread? Anyway, I’m like, “Yo, I can fix that.”
While I’m grinding away, I hear this commotion down by the market. You know, the one near the old mosque? Yeah, that place is always buzzing. Turns out, some guy was trying to sell fake spices. Like, who does that? I mean, I get it, times are tough, but fake spices? Really? I was so mad, I almost dropped my sharpening stone.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, right? He’s got a soccer ball, and he kicks it straight into my sharpening station. I’m like, “Dude, watch it!” But he just laughs and runs off. Kids, man. They’re wild. But it made me smile, y’know?
After that, I decided to take a break. I strolled down Al-Jalil Street, grabbing some falafel. Best in town, no cap. The guy at the stand knows me. He’s like, “You want extra tahini?” I’m like, “Always!” I mean, who doesn’t love extra tahini?
But then, I see this old lady struggling with her groceries. I rush over, ‘cause that’s just what you do, right? I help her carry the bags, and she starts telling me about the good ol’ days in Shibli-Umm-al-Ghanam. She’s talking about how the streets used to be filled with laughter and music. I’m like, “Yeah, but now it’s just me and my sharpening stone.”
Then, I get back to my spot, and guess what? My best customer, Ahmed, shows up. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up, man?” He tells me he just got a promotion. I’m so happy for him! I mean, this guy deserves it. He’s always been super supportive of my sharpening skills.
But then, outta nowhere, this guy comes up and starts yelling at me. He’s like, “Your sharpening is too loud!” I’m like, “Bro, it’s a sharpening station, not a library!” I mean, c’mon! Some people just don’t get it.
As the sun starts to set, I’m packing up. I look around, and I see the beauty of Shibli-Umm-al-Ghanam. The hills, the streets, the people. It’s chaotic, but it’s home. I think about how every day is a new adventure.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, but that’s life, right? Just me, my sharpening stone, and the wild streets of Shibli-Umm-al-Ghanam. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!