A Reminder of My Passion

 It came like a whip. A whip of inspiration, that is. A breeze, or rather a gust of reminders that floated in mid air and made me remember where my passion and interest lies. Sometime last week, my Mom mentioned to me about a showing of Rick Steve's touring in the Holy Land. I knew I was interested to watch this segment, and I've enjoyed the programs I've seen of him visiting and touring different countries, learning and exploring various cultures. 

I was very impressed with his tour of Israel/Palestine that is also referred to as the Holy Land. He visited main sites that I have heard of, spoken and tried of food that I have some idea what it is and is most likely in my Middle Eastern or Israeli cookbooks. He even explored the riveting political tensions and divides within the region between the Israeli's and Palestine Arabs. Of course, being the seasoned tourist guide that he is, he didn't claim or stake sides, but talked to an array of people from different parts of both sides- those who were Israeli or Israeli Jews and Palestinians Arabs either Muslims or Christians and had them explain their perspective, their history, their story. It became more and more eye opening to me as well. 

I was glued to the 2 hour program, though only saw close to an hour in a half. I felt I was becoming immersed in this world, this region of rich history from Christianity, but also growing in my little information of Judaism and Orthodox Jews, and relearning some historic things related to Islam. To see the signs in Arabic, Hebrew and English was also cool, and knew that these languages are posted on signs in the regions. It made me think even more about the deep, complex and infuriating situation and turmoil within this region and how much I don't really know or understand. I knew I needed to read up more about it and study and learn the complexities and intricacies behind it.

With all of this, I came to terms that this is my passion; this region of the Holy Land (as well as the broader Middle East), as well as the language of Arabic, the culture and cuisine. It all came back to me, and I was reminded once again. I felt full force to continue with it and to not let it go by the way side or become inherently distracted with other languages to convince myself that Arabic was then and my interest has shifted. 

The next day, I went to the library in attempts to find some books related to or about this conflict within Israel/Palestine and to read up about it. I could have left with a few more books, but I just chose 2 that were related to not be overwhelmed. And then, I sat down at the library desks and studied and reviewed Arabic. My mind felt so focused and realized how much I do know and have learned, even little successes like matching words with their correct meanings or being able to read a few words at a time and understand their meaning. 

Next, I went to Barnes & Noble and thought to look through a whole cookbook of Israeli cooking and food. I have the prior cookbook to this one, but had never fully looked and read through this sequel. So I sat down in the café and took my time looking over each page, recipe, blurb or story, and the pictures within the city was beautiful. I figured to take my time and almost like 'study' the cuisine and culture is always insightful and for me, inspiring. After I was finished with the cookbook, I went back to my Arabic notebook and language book and reviewed some more. It was a great day to get back into this passion and interest of mine with more intentionality, motivation and a renewal of commitment and energy. I want to keep being reminded of this!