PeopleRipple

I have Egyptian friends who regularly visit Egypt. They come back with stories of adventure. I’ve been invited several times, but have yet found the time to go. I want to visit Mosques and Churches – I have Muslim and Coptic (Christian) friends. I want to taste their foods, some of which I’ve already developed a taste for: koefta, swarma, bastirma, molokhia, etc. I want to sit in coffee/tea houses and just talk with anyone who will talk with me. I want to tour the deserts, maybe even ride camels.

I have friends who live there, specifically in Qld and Vic. I want to see Uluru (Ayers Rock). I want to live with the aboriginals (for a week or so) and learn their their ways, hear their stories, experience their culture. I want to see koalas and kangaroos in the wild. I want to pet some wombats.

I want to see the Sydney Opera House. I want to experiences the places Australians love that maybe aren’t too well known by tourists. The beaches. The great expanse of brush.

I want to eat vegemite sandwiches. Tim Tams with coffee. A proper fish and chips.

Most of all, I want to spend time with my friends—who all have funny accents.

The humidity makes walks in summer days seem like you’re wading through mushroom soup. There’s a stillness in those summer nights that’s simply captivating. You can’t help but be enveloped in Philadelphia’s embrace. Fireflies. Brick buildings. Cheesesteaks. Pat’s and Geno’s? -decide for yourself. Soft pretzels. Tasty Kakes. Museums. Rocky Balboa. But the best part - the people! They’re genuine and friendly.