This short work only took me two good sittings to get through but I really enjoyed it.

Paul Bowles spent a significant portion of his life in Tangier. Near the end of his long stay there, he penned this journal.

It includes some fascinating insights into Arab life as well as the lives of the diverse and rather strange individuals who passed through Tangier. All of it is written in the author's unique and inimitable style.

However, to fully understand all the references, one needs to be well-versed in both Bowles and Tangier history. Therefore, this is a book more suitable for enthusiasts rather than the general reader.

Someone who wants to explore Bowles beyond his famous work, The Sheltering Sky, would be better off looking into his other novels and short stories. This way, they can gain a more comprehensive understanding of his literary contributions and the world he created through his writing.

Overall, while this journal has its charm and offers some interesting perspectives, it may not be the best starting point for those new to Bowles' work.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

The customs of the Moroccans, especially during Ramadan, are somewhat unique.

Ramadan is a month of great significance and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world, and Morocco is no exception.

The Moroccan people have their own special ways of observing this holy month.

One of the most prominent features is the elaborate iftar feasts. Families and friends gather together to break the fast after sunset.

The tables are filled with a variety of delicious traditional dishes, such as couscous, tagine, and pastries.

The atmosphere is warm and festive, with people sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

Another interesting custom is the decoration of the streets and markets. Colorful lights and banners are hung, creating a vibrant and joyous ambiance.

The local shops are filled with all kinds of Ramadan-related items, from special clothing to traditional sweets.

Overall, the customs of the Moroccans during Ramadan add a touch of charm and beauty to this already special month.

You will find yourself among people.

There is no help for this, nor should you want it otherwise. The passages where no one waits are dark and hard to navigate. The wet walls touch your shoulders on each side. When the trees were there, I cared that they were there. And now they are gone, does it matter? The passages where no one waits go on and give no promise of an end.

You will find yourself among people, faces, clothing, teeth and hair, and words, and many words. When there was life, I said that life was wrong. What do I say now? You understand?

In this journey of life, being among people seems inevitable. We might long for solitude at times, but the reality is that we are constantly surrounded by others. The dark and uncharted passages where no one waits can be intimidating, yet they are a part of our experience. The absence of the familiar trees makes us question if it truly makes a difference. And as we continue along these passages with no end in sight, we are faced with the chaos and complexity of human interaction. The multitude of faces, the variety of clothing, the details of teeth and hair, and the never-ending stream of words all bombard us. But perhaps in the midst of this, we can find meaning and purpose. Maybe now, instead of simply condemning life as wrong, we can start to understand its true nature and find a way to embrace it.

These notes are similar to a diary. They were written 36 years ago by an American musician and writer named Paul Bowles (1910 - 1999), who lived to be 89 years old. He lived in Tangier, Morocco for approximately 50 years and passed away there.

I was disappointed with the diary until I delved into Bowles' life story. I learned that he was in his eighties when writing the diary, and he knew Moroccan and Islamic traditions very well, perhaps even better than the locals. He was an observer of the society around him and had many friends from all walks of life, including writers, musicians, poets, singers, producers, and even Arab sheikhs and princes. Approximately fifty people are mentioned in these simple diaries.

On the other hand, the translation had a different opinion and made the reading experience bad again.

⭐️1/2 for the ninth and sixtieth of the 2023 books.

It was thought that it would be something extraordinary or of great value.

However, it was actually just ordinary daily notes that the writer wrote about his life in Tangier.

That is to say, he didn't mention details about his life in Tangier, why he lived there, and his views on things.

It was just a daily account that often didn't have much significance attached to it.

Nevertheless, some information was obtained from it.

This shows that even the most ordinary things can sometimes hold some value or provide some insights.

We should not always expect something grand or remarkable, but also be able to appreciate the small and seemingly insignificant details of life.

Maybe in those ordinary notes, there are hidden gems of wisdom or experiences that can enrich our understanding of the world and of ourselves.

So, we should keep our eyes and ears open, and be ready to discover the unexpected in the ordinary.