Ode to My School

Just the other day, by a very strange stroke of coincidence, I found my kinder garden napkin.
I was at my parents house, shaving, and here it was. Just exactly as I left it very long ago, squared, pink with my name stitched in clear white letters.
How can I remember it all so vividly?
The chequered "tablier"(that I used to hate so much), my little black leather strap bag and the smell of biscuit and sand mixed with childhood innocence.
Our young French teacher with her little nose and very short dark hair taking our tiny hands and dancing around in circles. "Sur le pont d'avignon, on dance, on dance..."
The swing, le balance and my bleeding knees were almost a daily routine.
How, sometimes, I used to cry attempting to avoid the inevitable, holding on tight to my grandma while crossing Triumph square on our way. I thought maybe, just this once, she'll turn back and take me home with her.
I looked up and saw a glimpse in the mirror.
Where did this hardened face come from? Where are my hair curls and pimples?
I felt a tap on my trouser...
With a faint smile, and Ferry's hand in mine we walked out. I found myself murmuring "Au claire de la lune, mon ami Pierrot..."

Hating February..

I hate Mondays
Garfield

After the glorious autumn during October, Christmas during December and New Beginnings in January comes the bleak February.
The Romans considered Winter as a "Month less" season. It was not till 700BC that February made it and was added to the Calendar. Then for a very long time it was considered the last month of the year.

All throughout my childhood and university days February had one major meaning: Back to School. In the days where schools and universities used to have a known "more or less" Mid year recess, the beginning of February indicated the return to everything I hated most; waking up at 6am, freezing my butt off on the Heliopolis tram on the way to school and a general incomprehensible sense of emptiness.

Historically (And to date), February was exclusively used to correct the calendar. It used to be 24, 26 or 27 days. Then attempting to align the months with the season February finally reached the 28 days (and 29 every fourth year!!)

For all the businesses in Egypt February is nicknamed Fa2rayer (the Poor Month for our only English readers:)) It is the lowest month in the year in GDP generation and well known for generally eating out profits instead of generating it.

The name February comes from the Latin term Februum meaning Purification. As in ancient Rome 15 of February marked the celebration of this ritual.
Now a day, February of course is also marked with a major ritual one day apart from Purification. Yes, the one and only Valentine's Day. Known in the West from hundreds of years and became famous in Egypt in the last couple of decades or so. V day is a celebration of love among intimate couples (this note is specific for all the people celebrating this day with mom, sister, friends, etc...)
Anyway, this again added to my February dreads. For a reason beyond my comprehension, on almost all Valentine's days, I had to find myself alone. No love and even worse no hope...

So my dear February, I would like to assure you. This is personal. And I am really happy it is March...