While I Was Waiting

Picture is by Pixabay free images.

It was late afternoon in my Persian paradise, the ever blazing sun had not quite gone down over the horizon, leaving the air heavy with the desirable fragrance of roses growing against the courtyard walls that seemed to reach three floors where eastern flute music drifted down from some room up high and had me dreaming of magic carpets, Princesses and palaces.

Archways enticed me to walk through with their nostalgic mosaics, I gazed in wonder at articulate detail and intricate designs. There were images of gods, flowers and exotic birds in colors of yellow, blue and gold, even pathways were created in a mosaic of pebble shapes that must have taken many hours to plan and create. I couldn't praise these artists enough, their work fed my imagination and emotions, leaving me to shed a few tears of joy in my crazy, sensitive moment. The sound of water bubbling from a fountain combined with birdsong added to the mood of a paradise garden.

I'd been wandering through back alleys for most of the day, sharing a Chai tea with many of the local women who's chatter echoed in my mind. Their laughter as they attended to their daily chores put me to shame, having to keep house would have me moaning and groaning just at the thought. As far as I was concerned there were always more important things that needed attending to. On the other hand if there's one aspect of these cheery ladies disposition that taught me, it was fun could be had from cleaning, cooking and general household duties just by singing, something I planned to do when returning home.

Having had a shower earlier in the day, I headed back to the hotel to wait for my husband in the foyer. He'd gone out on yet another sightseeing experience. Having wandered around the many beautiful buildings that lined squares on our trip the day before, I decided to give it a miss.

We'd arranged to meet back at the hotel for tea chatting about our day before he wined and dined me, not only for our anniversary but also as a special Valentine's treat.

Sitting in the lobby of our exotic accommodation I felt like a Princess, flattered as waiters attended to my every need. I looked forward to an enjoyable evening, with romantic thoughts of being entertained by dancers and the local musicians with their traditional sounds.

I could just make out the fragrance of jasmine, but had no idea where the sweet scent came from. The air was filled with so many fleeting aromas that drifted by, as many people passed through on their way to reception picking up room keys, their voices echoed in the vastly decorated reception area that seemed to blend in with the outside.

Sitting in my small alcove which was one of many just off the main walkway, I watched as new people arrived. A couple with two young children scrutinized the gilded art work and tapestries that lined the walls, staring in wonder as I did when first entering. I smiled at the friendly couple who arrived the same time as us, her husband looking as handsome as ever in his white linen trousers and dark glasses that gave him an air of mystery.

Talking of mystery, I've always found the Persian young men to be good looking, with their mystique, charm and those come to bed eyes. On the other hand the older men seem to enjoy hiding behind beards, which again triggers my imagination to the thrill of getting to know them better, but this certainly isn't a thought I would share with my husband, he wouldn't understand the onslaught of images that go through my mind.

Sipping tea from quaint tiny cups, I could just make out the call to prayer over the loudspeaker and ringing of a bell somewhere off in the distance each time the hotel doors opened. Hunger was starting to get the better of me as I kept checking the doors to see if my husband would appear, but as yet I was still alone with my thoughts.

Brushing the hair from my eyes, I noticed the tall mosaic urns grouped around the area holding many colorful pampas grasses and long feathers. The wall in my alcove depicted mosaic pictures of local countryside, while in the far distance flowers, butterflies and many strange flying creatures with quirky feathers were depicted, some birds with human heads gave an eccentricity to this environment which kept me wanting to gaze even closer, noticing something new each time I looked.

Even the small mosaic tables were captivating and beautiful with their dishes of freshly collected delicate rose petals and bowls of pistachios which I decided to help myself too. I was just about to eat a few more, when the main doors opened and in walked my husband looking as striking as ever.

Now I know why I loved and missed him so much. Looking forward to our evening celebrating one year since we first bumped into one another in this very hotel was all I needed to make this the best Valentine's Day yet.

The End.