Three Beautiful Things Thursday: Cafe Latakia

by HijabMan :: posted 4 August 08

The last two articles generated quite a response, so I thought we could all take a break and contemplate on the good things in life. So, I present to you, Three Beautiful Things Thursday (But Posted On Monday), Chicago Edition. Tomorrow, Freckles’ follow-up post about her marriage to a non-Muslim will be posted. My sister Zosha is also working on a post, and KufiGirl may have something to add, though currently she is throwing multiple pairs of shib shib in Cairo at the moment.

Three Beautiful Things:

1. Cafe Latakia, run by Malik.

Sometimes, when I travel to a new city, I’ll check out reviews for a nice cafe to sit in. Since I usually don’t have a solid plan, my day is often flexible enough that I can steal away a couple hours writing or just being thankful while sipping on a mixture of lemonade and iced tea.

This time, I found some great reviews of Cafe Latakia. I have to admit, the name attracted me most. Latakia is the name of a city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. As several of you know, I spent about 4 months in Damascus a couple years back. As soon as I stepped into the cafe, I knew it was for me. I spent the next six hours there. Unfortunately, Malik was all out of rose-flavored mochas, which come highly recommended.

Watching Malik, I could see myself in his position, acting as therapist for his regulars, sometimes a bouncing board for ideas, and at other times the reluctant extrovert for those who feel the need for someone to help carry on a conversation about nothing. He knows the stories of everyone that walks in and often knows their drinks of choice. I stopped by a second time a few days later and after expressing dismay at the lack of the rose mochas, he offered me a deal and his friendship.

We ended up chatting for a brief time about my business, his business, and even the Muslim Marriage Crisis. If I went out and bought the rose flavor a few miles away, I could get some free drinks for myself and my guest, Bethany.

You know me, I love adventure. So when Bethany accepted my invitation, I hopped in her car and we drove to The Spice House on North Wells Street. I ran in and was met with huge smiles and silly jokes. Eleanor, of East Asian descent, was behind the counter in the midst of explaining how some kid in high school flung a rubber band straight into her eye.

“Which is pretty impressive, since it’s such a small target.” She added.

“I hate it when you beat me to the offensive punch-line,” her african-american co-worker responded with a pearly-white smile.

With the adventure behind us, Bethany and I happily enjoyed our rose-flavored drinks before I headed off to the airport. Go check out Cafe Latakia if you are in the Chicago Area, 3204 N. Broadway, and mention HijabMan, hopefully he’ll smile. For more photos from my trip, see my tumble log.

2. Bodies Of Water
2a. Walking alone along Lake Michigan

I was hoping for a spot to put my feet in the water. I didn’t know exactly where I was. I had been walking for over three hours in my favorite footwear: flip flops. A smile broke across my face when I spotted a beach. I was most definitely craving some sand in between my toes.

For the most part, I came across very few people, which surprised me. Until I came to to see the beautiful African-American woman. She was sitting on some concrete steps, and she said nothing as I passed. I looked back, and she said Hello. I responded briefly, turned around, and kept walking.

But I wish I had said more. I always do with those mini-interactions. Life is too short for me to miss out on another human connection.

A couple days ago, an older Arab man with long finger-and-toe-nails sat in front of me enjoying his Gyro at Greek Town Gyros. He had a bald spot on the back of his head, but his hair was this lovely, pure, silver color. I just couldn’t get myself to sit with him, and ask him his story. Because every man with long finger-and-toe-nails with hair the color silver has a story, you know.

He left.

I’ll try better next time. Despite not making connections with those two, I met a couple of dozen beautiful people and spent some quality time with each of them while I was here. I flew a kite, made a fresh pitcher of lemonade, played scrabble, visited the baha’i temple, and shopped for shalwar kameez on Devon with a new found friend. Thanks to Alyan who was up for meeting me in the luggage department of Sears for 15 minutes during her lunch break. This has been the most amazing vacation I have ever had. Thank you to all who made it possible.

2b. Canoeing on the Chicago River In The Rain

Owl and I canoed up the Chicago river for a couple hours. It started raining about half way through and by the time we were done, we both had foggy bottoms (pun intended ). For a treat, we ate apple pie ala mode afterward.

3a. Monarch Butterflies Amidst The Pavement. No explanation necessary

3b. As much as I loved seeing the people of this city, the animal and plant life was a huge part of my time here. From the monarch butterfly above, to a mama bird feeding a baby bird, to friendly little chipmunks, and graceful blue herons… plant and animal life was a key part of my trip.

Bonus:

4. IFYC

Thanks to Hind Makki and the rest of the gang for the tour of Interfaith Youth Core. Sorry I missed you Eboo, am sending a “Muslims Love Jesus Too” shirt your way.

azlin at 5 August 08 :: #

Ahh beautiful. Let’s see if beauty can attract more comments than talking abt what’s halal and haram.

i can see you running a cafe too. perfect.
MuslimDad at 5 August 08 :: #

Sometimes I wish I had your courage to explore and live. I so respect you.

Keep it up, thank you.

Masha’allah!

Welcome! This site serves two main purposes: to entertain and educate the Believing and curious community, and to generate a bit of cash—God willing. But there’s a lot more about HijabMan.

Three Beautiful Things Thursday: Cafe Latakia

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