This article is my attempt to capture the moments I enjoyed during July. Typically, I’m not a fan of this month, but this year feels different. Although I can’t pinpoint a specific reason, I’ve come to appreciate July and the moments it brought. Therefore, I’ve chosen to write and share this article with you. I also hope to make it a habit for the upcoming months.
But first,
Before I go into details about the postcard, I’d like to let you know that I started my YouTube channel a few months ago. Can you guess the title? It is the Libyan Wanderer. I created it three years ago as I had an interview published on the blog, but it was also requested to be published as a video, so this is how the channel was created. If you know me, you’d know that I never thought of vlogging. I do not like to speak in front of a camera (even though I have done many interviews via video calls). A few months ago, my colleague suggested sharing vlogs on YouTube. Even though I rejected it on the spot, I had time to think about it.
I decided to try it out on a random day—I cannot recall the day—and I am unsure why, but I am growing fond of vlogging, even if I am still testing it and trying to find my style or what works best for me. My vlogs are not long but a little longer than reels. I am adding a voiceover where I share insights, and I did it in the latest vlog. This article is not about my YouTube channel, but if you want to see the videos I shared, click here. I wish to receive your feedback on the channel. If you have ideas of videos you would like to see, please don’t hesitate to share them with me.
Disconnecting in The French Countryside
One of the best things I did in July was go to Chateau de Bellefontaine. I wrote an article about it in French. I spent the weekend in a castle in Ile-de-France in a small town called Flagy. It was the loveliest and most calming experience I have had. Also, it was so cozy and relaxing even though I went alone. The stay helped me disconnect from work and learn how to shut down. The slow Internet connection there helped, though! It helped me appreciate the momentum and lifestyle I created for myself.
Little Things That Are Not Little
Little things that may appear insignificant have actually become significant to me. I have started to truly appreciate and find romanticism in my daily life and routine. I believe there is a sense of guilt or shame associated with romanticizing one’s life, even though I am not a social media influencer.
Despite appearing to be a repetitive routine, I genuinely value and am grateful for it. It may seem like just going to work and returning home. Still, the routine brings a systematic flow to my day, even if I perform similar actions or activities from the previous day with minor variations.
However, the details of my routine are pretty exciting and a huge blessing for which I am always very grateful. For example, I like to stop by the bakery to get my pain au chocolat from the one close to the Louvre. Or I may decide to get my iced caramel/vanilla latte from the GoodNews coffee shop near the Pyramides metro station. Also, taking short walks after lunch with my colleague or on my own around Le Palais Royal Garden is a must during my working days.
The Olympics – Paris 2024
Given that it was the few weeks before the official opening of the Olympics, Paris was busy and extra beautiful. During July, I watched the Olympic flames passing through the city. It was a lovely time to share with my friends and one of my best memories. Witnessing the preparation and how busy the city has become for this incredible event. I love Paris even more, and I am happy to call it my home because it feels like home to me after all these years I have lived there. I don’t think I would let anyone belittle it or try to make things that matter to me seem small or irrelevant. What is relevant to you does not necessarily have to be relevant to others. That’s okay; it is your life and experiences.
One of the things that I love doing in Paris is biking when the weather is nice. I prefer to use my bike more, which has helped me get to know the city better. The week before the Olympics, I spent a few days biking while having my AirPods on, listening to music, and enjoying the cool breeze. The weather was perfect for my preferences before the heatwave hit the city. It may seem simple, but I learned how to appreciate these little details in life with time.
Walking by the Danube in Budapest
During July, I had the opportunity to visit Budapest for the first time to participate in a summer university course there. Still, I also got a few days off to enjoy the city. So, it was a mix of professional commitment and a short vacation. While there, I met a friend, and we went on a tour of the town together. I enjoyed walking by the Danube River at night, listening to Ragheb Alama’s song Nasini El Donia, and enjoying the cool summer breeze.
In addition, I visited an organic farm near Budapest. It was one of the best experiences that helped me understand food security in Hungary from the EU lens. I got to reflect on the experience in my work, given that I have been tackling water and food security in the context of the MENA region. In July, as I was in Budapest, I also reconnected with people I used to know. It was nice to catch up with them after such a long time. I’m not sure if we’ll stay in touch, but it felt good to reconnect after several years.
I hope your July was filled with blessings, love, and wonderful memories. I look forward to sharing a new article with you very soon. Have an amazing summer.