Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, Ar-Riqqah (kw) is wild. I mean, I’m a mountain guide, right? But today? Today was a whole different mountain.
So, I wake up, sun’s blazin’ through my window. I’m thinkin’, “Let’s hit the streets!” I grab my gear, head out to Al-Muhafaza Street. It’s like the main vein of the city, ya know? People everywhere, cars honkin’, vendors shoutin’. I love it! But man, the heat? It’s like walkin’ into an oven.
First stop? This little café on Al-Muhafaza. I order a chai, and the guy behind the counter? He spills it all over the place. I’m like, “Dude, I just wanted a drink, not a waterfall!” But hey, I laugh it off. Gotta keep it light, right?
Then I decide to stroll down Al-Mansour Street. It’s packed with shops, and I’m just window shoppin’. I see this cool scarf, right? I’m thinkin’ it’d look dope on me. But the price? Man, I almost choked. Like, who do they think they are? Gucci?
Anyway, I keep walkin’, and I bump into this old dude. He’s got stories, man. He starts talkin’ about the history of Ar-Riqqah. Did you know it’s been around since like, forever? He’s ramblin’ on about the Euphrates River and how it shaped the city. I’m noddin’ along, but inside I’m like, “I just wanna climb mountains, not hear history lessons!”
But then, he tells me about this hidden spot near the river. I’m intrigued. I mean, I’m always lookin’ for new places to explore. So, I thank him and head out.
Now, here’s where it gets crazy. I’m walkin’ towards the river, and I see this group of kids playin’ soccer. They’re havin’ a blast, right? I can’t help but smile. But then, one of ‘em kicks the ball, and it comes straight for me! I dodge it like a ninja, but I trip over my own feet. Classic!
I’m layin’ there, laughin’ at myself, and the kids are crackin’ up. One of ‘em runs over, offers me a hand. I’m like, “Thanks, buddy! I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool here!”
Finally, I make it to the river. It’s beautiful, man. The Euphrates is flowin’, and I just sit there for a bit. I’m thinkin’ about life, ya know? Mountains, adventures, and how I love this city.
But then, outta nowhere, this storm rolls in. I’m talkin’ dark clouds, thunder, the whole shebang. I’m like, “Seriously? I just found my zen!” So, I hightail it back to the streets.
I’m sprintin’ down Al-Muhafaza, dodgin’ puddles, and I see this food stall. The smell? Oh man, it’s like heaven. I grab a shawarma, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I’m devourin’ it like I haven’t eaten in days.
Then, I get caught in the rain. I’m soaked, but I don’t care. I’m laughin’ like a maniac. People are lookin’ at me like I’m nuts, but whatever! I’m livin’ my best life in Ar-Riqqah!
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted but happy. I flop on my bed, thinkin’ about the day. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. But that’s what I love about this city. It’s unpredictable, full of surprises.
So yeah, Ar-Riqqah, you’ve got my heart. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s adventure!