I received an Instagram message from a young Edmonton woman whom I never met, but correspond with through the auspices of Instagram.
She: Weird question, is being in Saudi Arabia during this time of year instead of Edmonton a lot different? Is it more unexpected that you prepared for?
Me: What am I doing? Going for a walk on the beach. It is 22. This is Jannah (Islamic heaven)
She: Beautiful. Well deserved I suppose.
Me: I am now in Bahrain which is very different from both Edmonton and Saudi Arabia. Cloeer to Edmonton as there are many faiths and actually a far better celebration of Christmas here than in Edmonton. Will discuss more on blog.
Now discussing it on the blog, in case you have not noticed. Not sure how to start. This ‘celebration of Christmas’ was utterly and entirely different than anything I could have anticipated, much less prepared for. Perhaps I should start at the end and work back. This shall be the end. Last evening I was sitting on the world’s most comfortable bed (I am sure) writing the blog. The door bell rang. With some degree of irritation, I answered. On my threshold was a tall black woman, offering a brochure Pedi:Mani: Cure Studio, Menu and Pricing. I laughingly responded to her.
Me: I am not complaining to you but this is ridiculous! I have twice visited the place, received a mani and pedi and a foot massage. I hardly need this!! But I know it is not your fault. Some manager somewhere, with nothing better to do, decided it would be a good idea for someone else to hand out these menus someone who probably had better things to do with their time. Been staying in hotels a lot recently so I know how it works.
She: (laughingly) That is about it, that is how it works sometimes. I remember you from Christmas Eve!! We were all amazed. You knew all the words of the Christmas carols and people said that you are a Muslim.
Me: I know!! It makes no sense at all. Come in and I will tell you the story!!
She did! She was a manager actually – caught in the middle. She managed the housekeeping staff but was answerable to a higher level of management. Poor woman revealed that she could not sleep at night. She had been recruited from Ghana. Ritz Carlton staff traveling to her country. She managed to be the first person interviewed. She took the job – had looked at employment in the UAE and Saudi Arabia but this was the first offer she received. During our rime together, she was constantly receiving calls, directing people – definitely multitasking. Between calls and listening to her story of how she got to the unknown place of Bahrain – I did tell her the story of the best Christmas Eve I ever had – in the cavernous lobby of the Bahrain Ritz Carlton.
I shall include photos of the decorations, so tasteful, perfect, elegant. In my former life I collected nutcrackers – there are many, in their splendor, all stoically lined up. Yesterday was admiring them, along with a couple from the USA,
Me: Look at those! I have no idea where they are now but I used to collect them using them as as Christmas decorations.
The Wife: I do too. Look at this collection.
Me: Yes!!! How totally and thoroughly unlikely, unconceivable, all those words.
But back to my story. I just interrupted myself – do so often. It had been a very strange, and in a way, rewarding day..in the end. There definitely had been a major hardship but had taken control of the situation. Reached out, declared my independence, received a blessing. The ability to stay at this magnificent hotel for three weeks at a rate I could afford. I had gone to the Lounge, received the best of service, and two things I craved for, not had in ages. One was French Onion Soup – not consumed for three years because all versions were not halal. This one was and was the best French Onion Soup I had ever eaten. I asked to speak to the Chef, to tell him exactly why it was so profoundly delectable. Usually that was not possible – but blessedly at this hotel, it was. In the good old days I perfected a French Onion Soups recipe Its basics from a Julia Child recipe. (By the way, if you want to read of my experiences at the Paris Cordon Bleu, go to the Book Section of the Blog, It is the first book and magically downloads.)
Needless to say I was in a joyous, rather festive mood when I made my way ‘home’ – my upgraded heavenly room with a view. Passing through the cavernous lobby saw and heard that there were Christmas carols being sung – professionally! It was WOW, it was Mashallah. The carolers must have been practicing for weeks and weeks. They were led by a woman who knew what she was doing, that is for sure. There was background music – it was thoroughly amazing. There was a vacant chair, in the front, immediately alongside the choir. I was wearing my Palestinian scarf.
I sat in the chair, almost being a member of the choir because of where I was sitting. I sang along. For some extremely obscure reason I know the second, third and sometimes fourth verses of any and all Christmas carols. Do not ask me how or why – it is utterly useless. I have been an atheist since the age of 19, I detest Christmas but the words remain, stored somewhere in my cerebellum. What a waste!! But finally put that portion of my brain to use. It was intensely emotional. It was curative, all of my life seemed to come together in those moments. I do not remember crying, which I do when experiencing profound emotions. I was under control – when Bethlehem appeared in the song I would hold my scarf fondly, sometimes kissing it. In the beginning did say if one did “Come thee to Bethlehem,” one would be bombed, killed and maimed – but stopped that, instead not saying the word Bethlehem and quietly fingering the scarf.
The concert ended, I spoke to and congratulated many carolers telling them how important the experience had been. I shall be forever thankful and will always be filled with wonder that all of this could strangely, unbelievably come together.
You must read my blog of December 16,2023. When that was written I had NO idea, none whatsoever, never in a million ducktillion years did I imagine that days later that I would be singing Christmas carols. I am absolutely joyous that I could contribute – that I could be part of what has to be a healing, should of horror in Gaza ever end. Someday it will, there will be nothing left if Israel, backed by the USA and other countries supporting the genocide continue their murderous, unspeakable ways. .
Never, ever have I had such peace of mind. During Fajr prayer this morning, thanked Allah (SWT) exclaiming that I was awash in blessings. Some synonyms for awash are : inundated, flooded, deluged, swamped, teeming, heaving, overflowing; overrun by, full of; knee-deep in.
I am knee-deep in blessings at this time in my life. Alhamduillah!
Photographs include the absolutely beautiful decorations in this hotel, open to all faiths. Then a short reel – kids jumping up and down in the Ritz Kids playground. Sent the reel to my Grandson Hamza in Medina. He is not my ‘real’ grandson, not me genetic grandson, of course. But he is more real to me, and I to him then most genetic connections, of that I am convinced.
Came ‘home’ to my room to discover a treasure, which shall be pictured, It is huge, so beautiful, full of treats. It says: Hope you are enjoying your stay with us, Ms. Alexis McBride.
I AM!! I Am!!! Alhanduillah!! Alhamduillah!!
