That sounds like a fantastic idea! I'd be honored to join a Cafe Anne picnic with great company, good conversation, and maybe even some Bengali treats from me. Let’s make it happen!
Love the Moammar picnic idea! As far as NYC mysteries: this isn’t specific but I’ve always wanted to know more about the storefront psychics all around the city. They often have an entire family living in the back room which seems illegal but maybe they get special zoning? Either way, would love backstory on one/some of them.
What a wonderful idea for a story! I don’t know if meeting random strangers off the Internet is always the safest way to make new friends, but it’s so lovely to hear that in this particular case it turned out so brilliantly! Moammar seems to be such wonderful human being and I’m so glad that you got to know one another! Moammar, if you’re reading this and you ever make your way to Los Angeles, we have to go for a walk around town! They say LA is not a walking city, but I’d like to show you differently! (Also: fun fact, we also have a Little Bangladesh)
Thank you so much, Laura! I get what you’re saying, meeting strangers from the internet can be a gamble, but sometimes, it leads to the most unexpected and meaningful connections. And I’ll definitely contact you if I make it to LA! A walk around town sounds perfect, especially with a local guide who’s ready to prove the skeptics wrong. Also, now I’m really curious about Little Bangladesh and definitely adding that to my must-visit list!
What a wonderful story! Moammar's tale reminds me of how the many of the building staff where I live, many of whom come from other countries, did varying and substantial things back home before coming here. In the current climate -- waves arm around at, well, everything -- stories like these are so much more important!
Thank you, Aaron! That means a lot. It’s true that so many immigrants have entire past lives filled with experiences and achievements that often go unseen. I appreciate you recognizing that, and I’m glad my story resonated with you!
I LOVED reading about your meeting with Moammar! I was already experiencing a rush of Café Anne-induced joy when I hit the first photo of him. Loved it loved it loved it.
On another note, can you please change your bio blurb to "nosy lady blogger"? It would mean so much to me.
I was actually picturing it as a replacement for "It's a wonderful world---meet the inhabitants". Instead of that, it would just say "Nosy Lady Blogger" 😂😂😂
American currently visiting Bangladesh. This post gave me a badly needed burst of hope about the goodness of humanity. Thank you Anne. And go, Moammar! We are all rooting for you!
There were many lovely things about this story. The loveliest thing to me was Moammar's definition of a friend. So earnest and hopeful. Great interview that made me happy to read.
Loved your walk & talk with Moammar! There are two Brooklyn storefront mysteries I'd love to know more about - one is the combined "Millie Healthy Bodies" / rug cleaner in Park Slope (see this reddit post https://www.reddit.com/r/parkslope/comments/1ch80d2/millie_healthy_bodies_rug_cleaning_place_on_13th/) and the other is the Shah's Halal Food on Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights - that storefront has had signage for 4 different restaurant concepts in the last 2 years, but none of them have ever opened! Some are joking that it's a front for a signage company :)
Great article, Anne! What a great way for Moammar to meet new people. If I were a New Yorker I'd take him up on a walk. My Arkansas home is more for hiking. He has a hook-up for that if he ever vists!
This newsletter is my favorite thing on Substack
Right? It’s my absolute favorite part of Monday mornings.
Yay, this makes me happy, Laura Rebecca!
Aww thank you! That means a lot Peace!
Sounds like we need a Cafe Anne picnic with Moammar as the guest of honor!
In Prospect Park! Wouldn't that be fun? Great idea Emily!
That sounds like a fantastic idea! I'd be honored to join a Cafe Anne picnic with great company, good conversation, and maybe even some Bengali treats from me. Let’s make it happen!
Admit it: This entire post was just an excuse to invoke the word "querent." (And I heartily approve of that rationale.)
LOL busted!
Love the Moammar picnic idea! As far as NYC mysteries: this isn’t specific but I’ve always wanted to know more about the storefront psychics all around the city. They often have an entire family living in the back room which seems illegal but maybe they get special zoning? Either way, would love backstory on one/some of them.
Oh me too Phoebe! I've heard they're impossible to interview but then again I have never tried!
Love the idea of a special zoning exemption for psychics!
If anyone can get them to break their media blackout, it’s you!
OK I am going to try for sure tomorrow.
Let me know if you need backup! Storefront psychics love me. They’re always waving me in when I press my face to the glass.
Yesss! I always wonder about them!
What a wonderful idea for a story! I don’t know if meeting random strangers off the Internet is always the safest way to make new friends, but it’s so lovely to hear that in this particular case it turned out so brilliantly! Moammar seems to be such wonderful human being and I’m so glad that you got to know one another! Moammar, if you’re reading this and you ever make your way to Los Angeles, we have to go for a walk around town! They say LA is not a walking city, but I’d like to show you differently! (Also: fun fact, we also have a Little Bangladesh)
Laura, that would be so cool, if you wrote about your walking tour of LA Little Bangladesh with Moammar.
Thank you so much, Laura! I get what you’re saying, meeting strangers from the internet can be a gamble, but sometimes, it leads to the most unexpected and meaningful connections. And I’ll definitely contact you if I make it to LA! A walk around town sounds perfect, especially with a local guide who’s ready to prove the skeptics wrong. Also, now I’m really curious about Little Bangladesh and definitely adding that to my must-visit list!
Amazing! And it sounds like our Anne is a magnet for cool and interesting people, so it was a win for all of us! Keep me posted!
What a wonderful story! Moammar's tale reminds me of how the many of the building staff where I live, many of whom come from other countries, did varying and substantial things back home before coming here. In the current climate -- waves arm around at, well, everything -- stories like these are so much more important!
Thanks Aaron. Yes it's amazing the former doctors driving Ubers, etc.
Also I am admiring your virtuoso arm waving from all way over here in Brooklyn Heights!
Thank you, Aaron! That means a lot. It’s true that so many immigrants have entire past lives filled with experiences and achievements that often go unseen. I appreciate you recognizing that, and I’m glad my story resonated with you!
All the best to you!!! I, too, am a big walker!
I loved this story! And congratulations on being chosen as one of The Browser's top-two links of the day! https://thebrowser.com/free/learned-decide/
Glad you enjoyed Nancy! And thank for the heads up about The Browser. Oh boy maybe I'll get a bunch of new subscribers!
I LOVED reading about your meeting with Moammar! I was already experiencing a rush of Café Anne-induced joy when I hit the first photo of him. Loved it loved it loved it.
On another note, can you please change your bio blurb to "nosy lady blogger"? It would mean so much to me.
Haha that is a great idea, BA. DONE!
https://substack.com/@annekadet
Omg, HILARIOUS!
I was actually picturing it as a replacement for "It's a wonderful world---meet the inhabitants". Instead of that, it would just say "Nosy Lady Blogger" 😂😂😂
Something to aspire to, BA!
Reach for the stars
American currently visiting Bangladesh. This post gave me a badly needed burst of hope about the goodness of humanity. Thank you Anne. And go, Moammar! We are all rooting for you!
Oh what an interest perspective you must have brought to reading the profile being over there, Lindsey. I'm glad it gave you some hope.
There were many lovely things about this story. The loveliest thing to me was Moammar's definition of a friend. So earnest and hopeful. Great interview that made me happy to read.
Thank you David. It makes me sooo happy that it made you happy.
I didn’t even realize I was in a bad mood earlier until I read this and found I no longer was. Thank you, Anne & Moammar!
Oh golly, I am so happy the story produced this effect. Thank you Glencora!
Loved your walk & talk with Moammar! There are two Brooklyn storefront mysteries I'd love to know more about - one is the combined "Millie Healthy Bodies" / rug cleaner in Park Slope (see this reddit post https://www.reddit.com/r/parkslope/comments/1ch80d2/millie_healthy_bodies_rug_cleaning_place_on_13th/) and the other is the Shah's Halal Food on Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights - that storefront has had signage for 4 different restaurant concepts in the last 2 years, but none of them have ever opened! Some are joking that it's a front for a signage company :)
These both look like fun Helen, thank you!
Can you provide a little more detail on the different restaurant concepts at Shah's? If you Google the name it looks like a mini chain.
I'll email you! There have been some great facebook posts about it but they're in private groups.
Oh that's super helpful. Appreciate it!
Moammar seems like a good dude. I hope he finds success and companionship here!
He certainly is! I'll pass your wishes along, Justin.
Oh thank Heaven it's Monday and what to my wondering eye should appear but a letter from Anne Kadet and eight tiny reindeer! Anne! You shouldn't have!
Thanks, revered and beloved!
So glad you enjoyed the issue, Therry. Thank you!
Great article, Anne! What a great way for Moammar to meet new people. If I were a New Yorker I'd take him up on a walk. My Arkansas home is more for hiking. He has a hook-up for that if he ever vists!
Sounds like Moammar will have to go on a US tour, Michele. He's also got a request for a visit in LA!
Anne, this is one of your finest articles. A true NYC story. Thank you for sharing Moammar's life with us.
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the story, Justin. Thank you!