My days in Berlin (my shield in the land of the Franks)

A fictional biography, in which its owner narrates the story of his days in Berlin and in a number of European countries, where he spent several years during which he obtained a doctorate degree. The author in this book reflects the Western world’s impact on his Egyptian Arab self, filled with many comparisons and contrasts in a format that combines seriousness and humor, honesty and frankness in a beautiful literary style. The author says in his introduction: I traveled to Germany to complete my doctoral thesis, and I found myself writing down the story of my days there, to console myself from the worries of the soul in foreign lands, and to pass the time, or if you wish, that was a kind of writing sport, which I practiced to satisfy an old desire I knew in myself, as I loved the art of writing since childhood! So I let the pen run freely to record my observations and reflections, and I narrated the story of my days, describing the customs, morals, and nature of their lives, their social relations, their country, and their universities. I adopted a generous approach in this, allowing myself to use language freely and to tell stories until it became closer to the saying of Ibn Qutaybah in the preface of "Uyoon Al-Akhbar" when he said: "Our book will end with the chapter of humor and jokes... So if a strict person passes by you and a story makes you laugh or appreciate it or be amazed by it or laugh at it, then know the intention behind it and what we meant... This book is like a table where the tastes of flavors differ according to the cravings of the eaters... Likewise, if you come across a humorous anecdote, do not let it slip away from you; I deliberately included it and wanted you to do the same, because syntax sometimes deprives some stories of their beauty, and the rarity of the anecdote adds its sweetness." I began writing along this approach, and the ease of publishing through social media platforms allowed some readers, including professors and friends, to see much of what I wrote, under the title "Diaries of Darmi in the Land of the Franks." They accepted it kindly, and it gained great popularity among them. Everyone who read it found it close to themselves, attracting them to continue reading without boredom or aversion... All this motivated me to keep writing... until this book is now in your hands, which I have compiled. It contains my life moments, observations, and reflections during my professional and leisure trips in Berlin and other German cities, in Paris and Rouen in France, in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and in Madrid and Toledo in Spain. I wrote to you the story of my days in these countries, not hiding anything from what I saw, and throughout all of that, I carried Egypt in my heart! Its image never left my mind, and I never forgot it! I narrate facts and stories, from here and there, and I make many comparisons; they often happen unintentionally, between everything I saw in Western countries and what I experienced in Egypt, until these pages were filled with situations, stories, and contrasts!