MISS CASA (3): TO LUXEMBOURG OR NOT TO LUXEMBOURG? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Instead of the usual emails – which sometimes miss that human touch – sharing lifestories in person feels incredibly good. While enjoying each other’s company, we chitchat non-stop. We have so much to share. So many similarities. 

It’s all Hbiba vibes, sweetheart vibes, at Casa Sabah. While living together, we get to know each other deeply. The breakfast wishes, the evening rituals, the color of each other’s pyjamas. And our view on Meghan, Harry, and the British Royal House. 

Then Miss Casa tells me about her brother who lives with his family in Luxembourg. She found out it’s just a short train or car ride from my hometown.

“Maybe I can visit my brother,” she says.
“Of course!” I reply.

Doing sirat ar-rahim – maintaining family ties – is such an important part of our Moroccan culture and strongly encouraged in our faith.

“Can I come with you?” I asked.
“Of course!!” she screamed, enthusiastic.
“Let’s make it a road trip!!!” I said even more enthusiastic.

And just like that, my head started spinning with plans… I was already writing Sabahtouta Goes Luxembourg!

We explored all kinds of options. ChatGPT was asked multiple times for a travel plan by car, plane, and train. We considered every combination. We dreamed. I searched for cafés and the best places for breakfast. I pictured us at the Sofitel Luxembourg, sipping coffee in a beautiful lounge.
That night, I fell asleep with just one thought: Luxembourg.

The next morning began with a walk to the bakery. In the meantime, I contacted the car rental agency to reserve our ride. The car was the only option considering the short time we had.

“There’s only an automatic available,” the employee said. My HEART sank. I’m not used to automatics. I prefer the stick. I felt unsure. Afraid. And responsible – not just for myself, not just for her, but for other drivers on the road too.

When I got home and saw Miss Casa glowing with joy in her purple bathrobe, I decided: Let’s have breakfast first…So over our egg breakfast and fresh bread, I said softly:

“Hbiba, I need to tell you something.”

And I did. I told her about the car situation. My fear of driving an automatic. My sense of responsibility. My doubt. But that I was willing to do it anyway knowing she’d be next to me might give me courage.

She looked at me with her beautiful eyes and sighed, a breath of relief.

“Hbiba, I understand you. I’m like you.”

I was surprised. She always seemed so confident, driving through different countries and cities like Cairo in her big car.

“No,” she said. “It took me a long time to get to that point. I also need time to get to know a car. Sometimes I get scared too. And honestly, when I sit next to you, I can’t do anything. I can’t help. And as I don’t have my drivers license with me I really can’t do anything.”

Then she added, “I spoke with my brother. They’re in the middle of a big move after a long renovation. Maybe it’s better this way. There’s a blessing in this.”

And just like that, our plans shifted. Instead of Luxembourg, we spent the day in Amsterdam…

But the most beautiful lesson? That I didn’t carry the weight of my doubts by myself. By sharing it and being honest with each other it brought us closer. It helped us understand one another more deeply. And at the same time… it inspired me. Because I know: one day, I will be just as confident as Miss Casa behind the wheel.

It’s my (car)journey…