About Razan Masri

I love exploring, researching, finding and sharing. I love to learn and to teach, I love to live and to laugh, I wish to speak to the world as an Arab Woman using the most beautiful language through photographs and writing.

Morning Diary: Visiting Nablus – Palestine | اليوم الثاني: زيارتي في نابلس

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Razan Masri

April 21 2015,

Today I packed my bags, and before moving to my next destination, I went to meet with an old Palestinian man, who sat with me and told me about his story with his house; that he lost, when he was a kid. The house that turned into a dream house, visiting the dream house that turned into a goal, and the visit that turned into an Israeli Palestinian one of a kind relationship. A relationship that started in search for peace, in search for a solution to the conflict, in search for a solution to return the houses that belong to Palestinians, in hopes that justice will take place for both parties. The story created heart-break, unjustified answers to open questions, but a new unpredictable light of hope. The house was turned into a nursery for Palestinian kids in the occupied territories “what many today like to call Israel”.

There is hope. I believe, to the Palestinian Israeli ongoing conflict. Even if it feels super complex, but I still feel there must be a way. I finished listening to the story and went on with my trip to Nablus, what is supposedly my hometown. A home I never lived in, visited only few times, although it is literally an hour and a half drive from Amman; “The city I live in today”. But since the occupation decided to make things complicated, I now need about 10 hours to get to what is supposed to be home.

I must admit that I felt home, the moment I walked into Ramalla, I felt home. I felt safe, I felt between my people, for once, I can say my people. Since where ever you go, there is always the question: Where are you from? And for the very first time, I have to stop thinking about the answer, and instead just say…. I am from Here. And in Nablus, I felt rooted, it is such a beautiful feeling to know that your ancestors existed here, walked on this same street you are probably walking on, when people ask about your name and they know who you are and who your grandfather and his grandfather is.

I had great lunch at relatives, great hospitality, beautiful energy, warm and welcoming. I then headed downtown, to the cold city, of the center of the city, where it was filled with shops between old houses and old buildings, all made of old stone and you can smell history in it. Friendly, warm and loving people.

Portrait of a Palestinian woman from Nablus

This is a street in Nablus Palestine West Bank - Israeli Palestinian conflict

A portrait of an old Palestinian in Nablus

A portrait of a man making falfel in Nablus

Old house turned into a restaurant in Nablus

A woman from Nablus making food for guests

Morning Diary: Visiting Ramalla – Palestine | اليوم الاول: زيارتي في رام الله

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Razan Masri

April 20 2015,

I left Amman on the 19th towards Palestine, what is supposed to be an hour drive. But since I have to cross the border with a Canadian passport and an Arabic name, regardless that it is not mentioned anywhere that I am originally Palestinian, but I seem to carry a well-known Palestinian family name and a Jordanian passport like most Palestinians, it had to take me 6 hours to get there.

Five hours of waiting. interrogated 4 times with the same set of questions, and there you go, half my day was spent at the border staring at the ceiling. Worth it. At least for me. Palestine is worth a wait for days, months, and to many of us, years and generations.

I arrived to Ramalla, starving. So we went to have the best Shwerma in town “Abu Iskandar”. Seriously, it is the size of 3 shwerma sandwiches in Amman. Delicious and rich. The next day, I went to visit Kalandia Refugee Camp and met “Im Nimer” a woman who was thrown out of her own village Sar’a قرية صرعة and is still waiting to go back. She has her house key saved around the house, although her house was demolished years ago. She said to me, “I want to go back, I don’t care where I will stay, I will sit on fabric under a tree for all I care, I just want to feel back home, back to where I belong, back to what was once taken away from me by force, where I met my husband, where I planned my wedding, and I want to just live my last 2 months before I die.”

After this heart breaking story, I went to visit Beirzeit, a Palestinian town very close to Ramalla. Very old, and very authentic. Met another old woman by coincidence as soon as we parked, she looked gorgeous and stylish, I couldn’t resist taking photos of her, and then she expressed so much love to me, I am someone that she doesn’t know, just a Palestinian stranger, but to most Palestinians, you are no longer a stranger if you meet randomly, you are always lucky to meet new faces to welcome and cherish.

I then headed back to Ramalla, had another shwerma from Iskandar, and walked around the old city of Ramalla Tahta and the city center.

The 3 Art Pieces in this photo gallery are by the Palestinian Artist Majd AbdelHamid.

My visit to Ramalla West Bank Palestine Israel Conflict

Shawerma Iskandar is the best in Ramalla Food

An old Palestinian woman hoping to return to her occupied home one day

An old Palestinian woman from Saraa holding her occupied homes key by the Israelis

Visting Ramallah

A portrait of a beautiful old palestinian woman

For the best sunset view in Barcelona…

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

But it is not just the sunset. Tibidabo is what this breathtaking mountain overlooking Barcelona. But it is not just about the sunset. This place is occupied by the Sagrat Cor Church “Sacred heart of Jesus Church”. Built from 1902 until 1961. But this is not it. Tibidabo is an amusement park. Opened in 1899, with a blue tram that started working in 1902. The park is one of the oldest in the world and is still functioning. In my opinion, you have not truly seen Barcelona, if you haven’t dropped a visit to Tibidabo. An unforgettable experience.

What about the art of Parc Güell, Antoni Gaudi?

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

Antoni Gaudi’s famous hilltop park is located in the Gracia neighborhood. This is a surreal cinematic view of Barcelona. A ride into a new world, an imaginary world only formed into reality. Carmel Hill is the name of the hill-top, filled with architectural elements and beautiful gardens, this is where Antoni Gaudi lived the last few years of his life. You enter with expectations, but you exit with your mind blown. This parc is like a dream land, toy land only it was made to live in. If you thought anything is impossible, then go get inspired by the work on Antoni Gaudi. Make some time to sit and relax. Read a book, write a novel, meditate, or just people watch. This seating was made for your comfort. Overlooking an escape from the normal day-to-day life. I tried to take the bicycle up which turned to be a failed mission. so I parked my bike, and walked up to turn into a hike up, so make sure you dress in something comfortable to hike with. Worth every step. The parc was built between 1900 and 1914 and was officially opened into a public park in 1926. Designed for the people, with people, made of stone, bricks and mosaic. Parc Guell is inspired by nature, everything natural and organic. A reality escape. You enter and you never want to leave. If this was made a 100 years ago, then imagine what one can create today. So never let anything stop you. If someone came and explained all this today you might think the person is crazy, but once you see such work come into reality, it will inspire millions.

The incredible art of Gaudi architecture a day with gaudi

A door to an endless wowness and mind exaggeration. Never be afraid to fall in love. Visit Barcelona and click here to find more about its neighborhoods.

Visit Sant Antoni

Visit El Raval

Visit El Born

All about the magnificent Sagrada Familia

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

The famous Catholic Church of Barcelona. Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi 1852-926. Incomplete until today, Sagrada Familia is attracting people from around the world to visit Barcelona only to see it. In love at first sight, this piece of art is worth the years of work put into it. The style of the church is from the Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. The designer Antoni Gaudi died when the church was only quarterly done. The project is supposed to be complete by the year 2026. I enjoyed staring at the details of this architect. A true piece of Art.

Every corner has a story untold. So much passion and love was put into it and is visible.
A world heritage site.

Can not get over it until today. Breathtaking.

Live like a Bohemian in Gràcia.

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

After a week of exploring Barcelona, I decided to visit Gràcia neighborhood again. I more like, decided to spend a full day in Gràcia. This neighborhood was established in 1626, with a convent under the name “Our lady of Grace / Nostra Senyora de Gràcia”.Gràcia, and was independent of Barcelona until 1897. Gràcia is a neighborhood full of life. Differs from the rest of the neighborhoods for not crossing the street of La Rambla, nor is it connected to the center, but is a little ride up a hill. Gràcia is famous for its squares “Carrer”. You will find many squares, I think famous for 5 public squares. Squares of Gràcia are known to live the day and night. They are usually filled with outdoor tables, live bands, and laughers. If you decide to spend the day there, then make sure you walk and look for the art that resides in it.

Barcelona is known for its friendly people and comfortable atmosphere. You will also feel very much welcomed in Gràcia. Make sure you find the popular Carrer Verdi and explore the shops there. I was very lucky to stumble upon a Palestinian cuisine restaurant that will meet your fantasy. Great food, interior design and hostess. You do not want to miss it. Have incredible Tiramisu and coffee at Nabucco.Unforgettable sushi at Kibuka.Best of all, are all the colored walls you will come across.
A very unpredictable neighborhood and a very predictable love affair. Find very cozy cafe’s. Have a romantic dinner. Go for a door hunt.

And as usual, enjoy the art of its architecture.

Click here to learn all about Barcelona

Visit El Born

Visit Barri Gotic

A nice cute shop with a beautiful white bicycle

Visit El Raval

Find out where posh meets Barcelona…

Posted on April 11, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

You must have been to El Born, if you have been to Barcelona. And if you haven’t, then you must pass by this edgy artistic neighborhood, when you visit. Yes, you have probably read artistic in all my Barcelona posts, well, I guess I consider Barcelona a city full of art.

This neighborhood is so exquisite, it is the perfect area to explore it’s squeezing small streets. You will find many local designers and shops that are urging to be discovered.

El Born yells out medieval with it’s original ancient architecture, today mixed with modern designers and museums. You can find Picasso museum and many other museums. Not much of space for cars to walk, but lots of space for people to walk around.

Meet Barcelona’s Arch de Triomf built in 1888. “What is with Arch de Triomf in Europe?” This neighborhood attracts young artists and so you will find all their streets and houses decorated. The day in Barcelona never ends.Enjoy your walk, your food, your drink. Find activities, markets and festivals happening. Enjoy the little taste of bliss in El Born. Find out more about Barcelona

Old houses and architecture in Barcelona by Gaudi and others

Click Here

Visit the beaches

A very cool brunch and cafe in Barcelona

Visit Sant Antoni

Visit Barri Gotic

Learn about the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

I first felt astonished to hear that there is a district with the name “Gothic Quarter” or what is known as the “Barri Gotic” in Barcelona. I did mention feeling as if I was thrown into a very old theater, well wait until you get to walk in this neighborhood. It sure is theater, with its smoky themed walls, and medieval street lights. Truly breath-taking experience. The longest stretch from La Rambla, easy to walk to and walk through. This is old Barcelona, with buildings that date back to the Medieval time and some even back from the Roman settlement. The small streets of the Gothic Quarter lead you yo hidden squares where most of the bars are at and the night scene is cozy and alive. You can find local bands playing sometimes, and setting are mostly very romantic, in the dark with candlelight’s.

Each square has a story of its own, I was not lucky enough to have locals travel with me through the streets, but I would defiantly recommend you find someone who has historical stories and background on each neighborhood which I feel will very much widen your imagination. Just take your bike and wander between the tiny streets in and out of La Rambla across Barri Gotic, look into shops, and spend a memorable night out from one place to another.

Click here for the full post on Barcelona

Best chocolate shop with cookies donuts and chocolates to die for in Barcelona

Visit El Raval

Visit the beaches

Visit Sant Antoni

Why is Rumi the best poet in the US? And why am I a big fan of his?

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Razan Masri

I stumbled upon an article few weeks ago, only to finally read it today. And one part of the article; I never want to forget, so I decided to write about it, save it and share it.

From the BBC Culture Article: Why is Rumi the best poet in the US ?

“His combination of mystical richness and bold adaptation of poetic forms is the key to his popularity today.” Rumi uses 4 main innovations in his direct address to readers, that defined my understandings and connection to his ancient writings…

He uses the second person in his writing – Which to many of us, we feel personalized, as if he is talking to me, with me, directing me, so it is much easier to relate or imagine and therefore feel belonging.
His urge to teach – He writes in the form of giving, sending, with ultimate love and compassion, take this knowledge from me, take it for free, I just want to teach you, help you, and take care of you.
He uses everyday imagery – Which until today, after around 800 years we can still relate to. Whether he is referring to the ocean, skies, love, escape, nature, earth… we can relate to his images.
His celebration and optimists attainment to union – Who isn’t attracted to optimists? Who isn’t searching for union? He writes with assertiveness, which therefore comforts us “the readers” to one day, reach our own findings.

And what I enjoyed the most about all this, is relating myself to it. I have the tendency to write in the form of a second person. I believe in giving, learning and teaching, I use my inspiration from my everyday life and as an optimist myself, I am in search of Unity. And through my Rumi Readings, I find my answers and motivation.

So here is to Rumi… You have taught me so much about my own spiritual beliefs, the richness of my very own culture, you have inspired me, inspired many others before me, and you will keep inspiring many more like me. I truly hope I can help spread some of your wisdom through my writings.

The edgy side of Barcelona… Learn about El Raval

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Razan Masri

Barcelona.

Where do I begin… This neighborhood is like a maze, but a cool one. Beautiful shops scattered everywhere that are both edgy and artsy. The street life is incredible, never empty and is always crowded whenever and where you go.

El Raval is becoming a cultural hub, there is something to do every minute of every hour, the shops are celebrating all the time, and you will meet people from all over the world.
You can easily get to El Raval through Catalunya square and La Rambla Street. Make it to the market “La Boqueria” It is known to be one of the best open markets in the world. Into Arts? Then visit the MACBA “Barcelona’s museum of contemporary Art” and you will see many skateboarders around the area.

Explore the shops, and as you do, check out CHOK if you are a chocolate lover like myself. Head to Caravelle for good food and coffee. And for coffee lovers, head to Satan’s Coffee Corner.

El Raval is full of findings, I might have found the least of its best, so keep me posted on what I have missed out on. For the full Post on Barcelona, click on the below photo: