6.01 Sweet Potato
Transcript:
"Am Essa" or rather The Gold Man, as his peers like to refer to him; is a man of rich demeanour -a rare phenomenon in existence nowadays- a true descendant of Nubian origin. His brown sugar complexion, pearly white smile, and reverie like greyish green eyes made him a vivid embodiment of the authenticity of the River Nile. A hundred per cent depiction of a Nubian soul
"Nubia" is derived from the word "Nub" meaning Gold! And this couldn't be more true, for Essa himself belongs to one of the most renowned Nubian families; who has inherited the craftsmanship of being goldsmith from one generation to another. However, in Essa's case, we can say that the apple has fallen a little bit far from its tree, in Alexandria to be precise! Owing the respect to his family's heritage; Essa still resumes his family's profession "that of Gold". But not exactly that one found in mines, rather the ones found in the heart of Hot Sweet Potato! "The Edible Gold" as he likes to call it. You see, Essa is a freelancer and a proud Sweet Potato vendor!
His anchors settled in an intrinsic location; between "The Alexandria University's Campus" and the famous "Bibliotheca Alexandrina" in a branched street from one of the busiest main streets in Al Shattby Neighbourhood; "The Suez Canal Street" or "Kanat Alswes Street". This neighbourhood was the starting point to the cradle of Cosmopolitan Alexandria in the past; where many foreigners lived in its streets and alleys, forming hives of nationalism. Nowadays, new generations form another sort of profitable hives! To Essa, it is a fruitful place to monitor your targeted consumer and record their behaviours!
I wouldn't ever forget my first encounter with Essa. It was one of the coldest Mid-winter nights in Alexandria! And as a Neurologist, I had to attend an international convention held in the beloved Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Amid the hustle and bustle of scientists and doctors chit-chatting, and the echo of extravagant terminologies amplified by horrific laughter that my neurons couldn't bear any more. I felt the need to stroll for a walk … perhaps light a cigarette in my car, and make a couple of phone calls.
My car happened to be parked in the same darkened street across the Potato vendor's cart. I haven't noticed him until I have consumed half of my cigarette and got stood up by all the phone calls I attempted to make. I decided to remain in the car for a while, trying hard to preserve the little heat in my body & the sanity in my brain!
They say there is no such thing as coincidence, and that all is carefully planned. On that night, I was entailed by destiny to glance to my right side and capture through my fogged window the majestic scene I'm about to describe:
A wooden cart with so many colourful Nubian patterns. Adorned with joy, delightful warmth & cosy scent of lots and lots of Sweet Potatoes piled up over one another! In the middle of the cart, lies a Coal-lit Furnace through which the sweet potatoes are being roasted. Besides the cart, resides a Man with a grandeur posture. Dressed in a Jalabiya; a woollen shawl, & seated cross-legged sipping a shimmering glass of hot tea with mint. Getting Euphoric and high with the warmth of his drink on the rhythms Of his Favorite Nubian singer known as "The King" Mohammed Mounir.
It was a pleasant sight, seeing him really! Something about how those simple gestures put him into a good mood, touched my heart. But to be honest; I anticipated that he might pursue me as a customer and come nagging, trying to sell me a sweet potato and I - annoyed, of course - would ward him off! But, the man didn't move a muscle, and remained seated like a king in his own oasis!
Tempted by his attitude. I decided to check him out and buy myself a warm treat.
Me: "Al-Salam Alikom".
Vendor: "Wa Alikom Al-Salam Wa Ra7mat Allah Wa Barakatoh" replied the man with a soothing smile.
Me:" One hot Batata Please," I demanded
The vendor: "With pleasure," said the man, and grabbed a chunky one full of flesh and placed it inside the furnace to juicely roast in the augmented flames.
Me: "Where are you from?" trying to initiate a conversation.
The vendor: "I'm Essa, from Nubia", replied the man.
Me: "hmmm Nubia, a long way from home !" I commented.
Essa shrugged his shoulders and smiled a cunning smile saying "Home is where the heart belongs and the soul finds peace." "Here is your Batata, that would be 3 Pounds".
Essa served me the Batata on a hardened carton paper with a plastic fork to dig into its sweet indulgence. To my surprise, the man has served me half a portion only, and he has chopped the chubby sweet potato into two, providing me with one half only! I was taken aback by his behaviour, and found myself in an impulsive child-like manner saying,"But I want my Whole Batata!" Essa looked me in the eye and with a decisive tone said, "Trust me, this is your share, you need no more." Offended and definitely unsatisfied I said, "I’ll give you 5 pounds and you give me my whole sweet potato."
In a Fatherly manner, Essa explained, "Kind Man, money can't always buy us what isn't ours. You see, God Almighty divides our fortunes fairly and justly. Every man ought to have his 24 carats "NO MORE NO LESS" just like gold. And this is your share, in consideration to your status, looks & manners. You have had your share of both edible and adorned gold."
His words sounded paradoxical to my ears. Although they might sound simple to the hearer, my brain found it deeply complex to fathom; I just couldn't know why? Is it because it was coming from the mouth of a simple vendor -who hypothetically- supposed to have a limited educational background and thus, not expected to utter great words? Or could it be the absurd occasion of buying Batata and getting lectured about religious inheritance?! Regardless of the debate, I remember that my half Batata share was so golden and sweet in taste, and that Am Essa stressed on the fact that I should sincerely be thankful for that!
I wanted to hear more from that man, and thought to myself that; if I can't get my other sweet potato half, at least I can get a free of charge entertaining story . and since the man looked like he doesn't like to talk much; I had to ask him something tempting that would encourage him to open up. So the question was as follows: "why did you choose this darkened street to set in your Trojan horse?"
Essa proudly and swiftly answered, "It is a strategic place, my token of luck to be precise" "You see all shades of humans with all their social hierarchy pass me by. And all share one common defect "Gluttony" they are all glutinous to the edible gold; even if they don't actually need it."
I showed a sign of not being able to follow what he meant. Therefore the man resumed his thorough explanation summarizing. "Here, the Bibliotheca holds a lot of important gatherings and events. Which embraces either a lot of foreigners with coloured eyes and blond hair or highly regarded class people - the ones you perceive as Elite; while they might be nothing more than mere nouveau riche! But in both cases, they are tempted to try my sweet gold. Either out of touristic memory or simply yearning to days gone by where old was gold and life was simple and true!
"The Other category is "college students". Well, they are my favourite, though! They rush in like grasshoppers after they are done with their lectures. Some to satisfy their hunger and snap a few shots with their phones; bragging about the fact of how simple, authentic, and traditional they are with their taste.While others are simply a couple of love birds, in which the man wants to impress his sweetheart with an affordable few pounds without sieving his pockets.
"There is also the visitations of newly mothers; who have just given birth and delivered their babies in the "Shattby Hospital" at the end of the street. They are the sincerest, they seek the nutrients in the sweet gold, to help them nurture the young while nursing and strengthen the soul and bones."
"And all of them my man buy my Batata; rich and poor alike. What they really don't know is that the sweet potato isn't always sweet & wealthy! It is all a matter of share, luck and fortune!"
"What do you mean ?" I interrupted
"I mean that people are eager to know their fortune & would do anything to have a glimpse on their future and what life holds to them. Will it smile, or will it frown at their faces?!" "They all pay the same tax - 3 Egyptian Pounds- hoping to dig and scoop a lot from the elixir of life. But it is never granted that the taste will be sweet and the size will be big! But again, no man goes empty-handed; they all have their 24 carats of Luck and Fortune!"
"You know young man; I was asked one day to attend a wedding with my "Aroussa"". referring to his vendor cart - which means bride in Arabic - "asked to provide the guests and serve them with pre-paid Hot Batata by the parents of the Bride & Groom."
"Although the guests were all seemingly rich; and despite the fact that the wedding was held in a seven-star place and had an open buffet that can feed the entire of Nubia; yet the guests hailed on my Batata like predatory hawks trying to guarantee their share."
I was astonished by Essa's philosophy and his ability to see things for what they truly are. This Spiritual insight in his words that made him; dissect, construct and analyze the laws of universe, human nature and the study of social ladder. He resembled God's justice in my poor mind, and how all are given and sufficed with what they need, whether they were rich or poor.
I couldn't guess Essa's age, nor could I have control over the time that passed with the speed of lightning as if time stopped for a while in Essa's presence. But one thing I was sure of, That Essa, was the sweetest potato I have ever seen "cinnamon roasted skin from the outside, and a golden mushy heart from the inside."
By then, I had to truly head back to the convention and pick up what I've missed. But again my greediness urged me to ask Essa one more question.
"Hey, Essa What brought you truly to Alexandria?"
The man giggled and lightened up like a child and answered, "Samak El Batatah !" ( the Batatah fish) a special breed of silvery striped fish with thorny fins that is a true delight to the taste and a speciality of Alexandria sea.
Music:
Bilad ElDahab (Land of Gold) - Ahmed Mounib
Ya Marakby (Oh Sailor) - Ahmed Mounib
Ya Leela ‘Ody Tany (Oh Night, Return Again) - Mohamed Mounir
ElRizq ‘Ala Allah (Livelihood is Allah’s) - Mohamed Mounir
ElKoon Kollo Beydoor (The Whole Universe is Orbiting) - Mohamed Mounir
Rabbak Howa El’Alem (God Knows) - Ahmed Mounib
