Gratitude, Tinder therapy, and abductions in the souk

In this personal essay, I describe a snapshot of my life in Tunisia – shaped by gratitude, human closeness, and unexpected support in daily life. The text is not a report about dating or safety but a reflection on connection, trust, and the feeling of being supported despite distance.

The invisible net

I have never felt so connected, even though I am so far away.

Steven, Nadia, Janina, Dave, Maia – I do not “miss” you in a sad sense because you are already here. Your joy when I appear on your phones gives me strength for the day. You live in my chest like extra lungs.

My Swiss family – we grew closer in the moment I chose distance. I love you all. Please: no more real estate crises.

Riadh, delivered to my front door

Without him, I wouldn’t have made it through this week. He is Luna’s chosen deity and my quiet, reliable companion. He listens, carries, translates culture, and offers companionship without comments.

Bonus level: his mother. Strolling through the souk of Sousse with mom; having your hair cut in a salon that feels like an 80s laundromat; realizing that family is sometimes only borrowed – and that this is beautiful.

Ramailo: Deep healing via Tinder

Random match, kindred spirit. Here in my darkest night, with swollen eyes and sleepless, I reached out a virtual hand – he took it. Our conversations nourish me so much that I feel full for days. If he doesn’t knock again, I will.

Jawhar: The annoying angel of “Just say no”

He pushes me to the edge – with the truth. No saves time. But if I always said no, I’d miss being charmed with sweet words at the souk and being politely “kidnapped” three alleys away into a ceramics shop. The Swiss “Jein” (meaning: yes, no, and maybe) is in my DNA. Sometimes indecision is the doorbell to adventure.

Thank You List (for my future self)

• Steven, Nadia, Janina, Dave, Maia (Switzerland): You don’t let me feel far away. You are power banks I can’t overheat.
• My wonderfully chaotic Swiss family: I love you. Your support is like a soft pillow. (And no more real estate deals. Promise.)
• Riadh: Dog sitter, friend, guide, patient person. Luna adores you; I’m not far behind. Thank you for the insider tips, the errands you quietly took over, and the silence that felt like safety.
• Ramailo: For the midnight balm and the conversations that nourish instead of scroll.

What remains

• My toothbrush.
• My clarity.
• My “No.” (Travels light, fits in any pocket.)

What goes

• The imaginary sofa.
• The myth that a handshake is a contract.
• The idea that “home” is keys. Home is a feeling.

P.S. I am doing well. I am tired. I am proud. Tunisia is my chaotic classroom and my favorite punchline.

Next up (Teaser for Week 3):

Hair adventures (Botox/Keratin/Glossing decoded), the quest for office chairs, and Route des Terrorists, uh, Tourorrists—Hard Mode.