The Diary Game || 15 September 2024 || Back to the Sources: From Montreal to Tunis, between Reunions and Tunisian Flavors"

_{Taken by my own smartphone}

Hello steemians,

After two months in Montreal with Yahya, my eldest son, it was finally time to return to Tunisia. This vacation, although peaceful and filled with precious moments, had gone differently than I had imagined. Traveling alone with my son was a unique experience, allowing us to strengthen our bond while enjoying what Montreal had to offer. However, it was time to return home, to our family, our daily life, and this special warmth of our country. I felt both excitement and nostalgia.

Montreal, with its lively streets, green parks and multiculturalism, had offered us an idyllic setting for our vacation. But despite the beauty of this city, there was something I missed: the human warmth of Tunisia, the simplicity of exchanges, and above all, my family. For two months, Yahya and I had explored the city together, discovering its hidden corners and main attractions, but it was now time to say goodbye.

The last day in Montreal was marked by a mixture of sadness and impatience. Yahya, who had loved this city, showed some signs of melancholy. He had found Montreal a fascinating city, where each day brought a new discovery. As for me, I was ready to be reunited with Skander, my youngest son, and my wife Besma, whose absence was seriously beginning to be felt. After packing up our souvenirs and closing the door of the apartment we had rented one last time, we headed to the airport, eager to return to the Tunisian warmth.

The return flight was calm. Yahya, tired from the last Montreal adventures, had quickly dozed off. For my part, sitting by the window, I looked at the blue sky that seemed to accompany us to our destination. My mind wandered between the recent memories of our Montreal escapades and the anticipation of returning to our home in Tunisia.

Montreal had given me time to reflect and recharge my batteries. This vacation had not only been a way to spend precious time with my son, but also an opportunity for me to get away from the busy daily routine and take stock of my personal and professional projects. However, the call of home was now stronger than ever.

After several hours of flying, the plane finally began its descent towards Tunis. Looking out the window, the familiar landscapes of my homeland began to appear. This view was like a balm for the soul, a promise of a warm reunion. As we landed, a breath of warm and familiar air immediately enveloped us. Yahya, like me, seemed more serene, more relaxed. We were finally back home.

At the airport, we quickly found my wife Besma and Skander, who were eagerly waiting for us. The reunion was full of smiles, hugs, and that simple joy that accompanies every return home. Skander, although a little jealous of not being able to come with us to Montreal, was more than happy to see his big brother again. The family was reunited again, and that was all that mattered at that moment.

Back home, the desire to rediscover Tunisian flavors immediately seized me. After two months of discovering North American cuisine, it was time to return to our culinary traditions. To celebrate our return, I decided to prepare a typical Tunisian dish, as if to mark the end of this vacation and the return to routine.

The dish I chose to prepare was "Tunisian couscous", a dish rich in flavors and symbols. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it also represents a strong link with our culture and roots. As soon as I started cooking, the smell of spices invaded the house. Harissa, cumin, coriander, and vegetables simmered in a savory sauce, while couscous was steamed in the pure Tunisian tradition.

Yahya helped me prepare the vegetables and semolina, an activity that brought us even closer after our two months together. Besma and Skander, meanwhile, watched from afar, eager to taste the dish.

The meal that followed was an unforgettable moment. Around the table, conversations flowed, Yahya telling Skander about his adventures, while Besma and I discussed how the house had been run in our absence. The dish I had prepared seemed to have a special taste that evening. It was loaded with symbolism: that of return, of sharing, and of reunion. Couscous, with its tender vegetables and fragrant broth, was the perfect dish to mark this reunion.

The holidays in Montreal had been great, but nothing can replace the warmth of home and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. This return to Tunisia was not only a geographical return, but also a return to the roots, to what really matters: family, culture, and moments shared around a good meal.

That evening, as I finished this delicious Tunisian dish, I knew that no matter where my travels would take me, Tunisia would always remain my anchor, my refuge, and my home.

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Best Regards,
@kouba01