LoL @ Gheelle the Astronomer. Yes, I can see why some people might lie about what they read. I certainly wouldn't be forthcoming about my reading interests. Not for fear of appearing unintelligent but something else.

@ Faheema. AT&T - Oh yes, I'm sure. Until that girl finds herself in one of the many situations depicted in your stories. NG - You could have spent the time on the phone catching up with gossip. FB -

FB, old Xamar is alive in people's memories and the new Xamar, the current Xamar, is creating memories (both bad and good I'm sure) in the people that live there now. The city hasn't died yet. As Lily pointed out, it will be rebuilt in due time, I'A. So save your fake empathy/sympathy.

^ Ala gardarro badanidaa? NG - Mac sonkor.

AT&T...He he he. My dear, your reputation precedes you. Magnificent Cape Town is one thing. YOU in Cape Town is something else entirely. Even hypothetically. Malika, lol @ your aunt. I hear that's an illness in its own right. Now,a girl like you must have many at your beck and call..just lift that receiver You would think so, wouldn't you? But I've already tried. Nobody can deliver it to me before 6pm, which is a shame. I mean, what's earning an income when your sibling or friend is sick and in need of a fizzy drink? People don't know how to prioritise these days. Thank you, Lily. Agree about the sunny holiday. It's the only cure for the winter blues.

Hi Malika. You might say I'm having that sentiment for everything. At this moment I'm wishing I could be at the local corner shop so I can get a can of Pepsi.

^ I've only got two words for you: YOU SUCK.

NG - If nothing else you know how to back track. And yes, I see you did wish me well so you are forgiven. I'm even going to overlook the big-headed comment. A speedy recovery to your mangled fingers. AT&T - Xaasha. Bisinkaan idiin qabtay markaa idin ma cawryikaro. So, how was the Cape? Majestic, colourful, Quaint?

You two are so affectionate towards each other - it's very sweet. NG - How is your right hand? Hurting like hell presumably? (You deserve all the pain in the world for commenting on my weight). :mad: AT&T - Did you manage to visit Cape Town as well? It seems like the most idyllic place.

Originally posted by money: I remember Kudkudaha Suuqa Xoolaha, garaabadda suuqa siinaay and koolo formica. I worked in both places as street boy. Morning I will go to pickpocket the reer baadiye, the gadisleey, then in the evening we will hit Siinaay, collect Qat leftovers , replenish and repackage it as Marduuf bundle - in between these two activities was lazy afternoons sniffing glue (koolo fomrico, then Qafaal came to cleanse the streets from ciyaal darbi - and that was when the war started ....rest is history Ha ha ha. Good one.

I spent Eid cleaning (I know most people do it the day before but I'm not most people) and then I spent the evening throwing up. Now I'm laid up in bed with a fever and typing with one finger and occasionally day dreaming about roasting in a state of the art oven. All in all it's been a riot of illness.

Ciid wanaagsan to you all. And same to you, Farancab.

Originally posted by B_G: lol, this must be the millionth thread concerning Muqdisho nostalgia. That's all that's left now. Nostalgia.

Originally posted by NGONGE: Man with red hat : gaalado waxay ku maahmahda, at da wrong balayees at da wrong time. Man with green hat : hahaha..waxanay edhaahdan, E-see come, E-see go. Man with no hat (losing his temper) : talyaanigo waxay ku maahmaahan Il diavolo fa le pentole ma non i coperchi Hilarious!

Nah, I've got a soft spot for STOIC. He's safe from the bag this time.

^ Yeah. He's got a cheek, soo maaha?

Yes, I see it. That's pretty cool, JB. STOIC - I'm not naughty. I just wanted to see the design of the ID, that's all.

Cirdey, do us a favour and comment on the thing, so I can see it too.

^ I've actually got two! Haneefah, I went to the Egyptian school as well. Gheelle, I look forward to reading it. Ducaysane, yes, I did always get the distinct impression that you were a teenager.

Gheelle, that's a pretty good memory you have! We lived near Medina, in the suburb of Xoosh...so the mini market was the closest one on the way to town. The unknown restaurant was also on the same stretch of road from Medina if I remember correctly. Do you also remember a new zoo built in that same area not long before the war? Although they didn't have that many wildlife there.

Hayam - you are very stressed, I guess? Coke and bounty are heavy. Throw in some peanuts once in a while to fill your protein quota. Ibti - Thank you. I would usually save some but I'm not willing to risk my sisters getting their grubby mitts on my choccies, so they all had to go today. Sayid - That's mighty kind of you but it's too cold to venture that far for a cup of tea. Lily - Resist the temptation. There are only a few weeks to go before the big sales. Resist. *Waves* @ Cara. That's a nice dream, btw. What did you watch/read before you went to sleep?

I've some really fond memories of Xamar - my neighbourhood, my family, my friends, my school, but mostly my fondest memories seem to be of eateries. Like the burger joint near the Egyptian school and the little self-service supermarket on the main road (can't remember the name) to Nambar Afar, the restaurant in Afgoye with the little huts...the new posh hotels that were built just before the war. There was also a fantastic restaurant somewhere between Medina and Booli Qaran that used to do the best steaks (my mum and I used to pick up dinner there once a week). Not to mention the fish market near the oldest part of Xamar (the whitewashed hilly neighbourhood by the ocean - don't remember the name). My dad used to take us out for dinner quite often and he also used to drive us around the city and take us to the beach on the weekends. I agree with KK - I think Xamar has a big place in the heart of anyone who was born or grew up there.

^ So? Do you want a medal? Ibti - it's not mad. I take professional pride in finishing what I start when it comes to the good stuff.

^ That's what I was thinking. I went through half a box of Ferrero Rochers in the last two hours and she's whingeing about 4! Woman up and finish the lot, Ibti!

^ In Lambeth? I'm not so sure.