13 stories
Martinique Moonlight
Créole French teacher Céleste offers private lessons to American expat Adam on moonlit beaches, where language isn't the only thing she helps him master.
The Oud Player's Muse | ملهمة عازف العود
A Lebanese musician in Paris. A French woman who wanders into his concert. The music he writes for her becomes famous—but their love stays private.
עלייה והתעוררות | Aliyah Awakening
A French Jewish woman making aliyah discovers more than a new country when her absorption counselor takes a personal interest in her integration.
Annaba Amour
Malika teaches French at Annaba University. When visiting professor Yacine arrives from Lyon, she shows him that the city of Saint Augustine offers more than ancient ruins. 'El hob ma yhtajch tarjma' (الحب ما يحتاجش ترجمة) - Love needs no translation.
Carpet Connection
Carpet weaver Amira creates traditional Sadu textiles. When collector Pierre discovers her work, threads weave more than fabric. 'Al nasij yihki qissatu' (النسيج يحكي قصته) - The weaving tells its story.
المخبز الفرنسي | The French Bakery of Casablanca
A French-Moroccan baker discovers passion with a food historian tracing colonial culinary heritage.
Diriyah Discovery
Museum curator Dalal protects Diriyah's heritage. When restoration expert Marc challenges her methods, their debates become something more heated. 'Al athar tiwassal al qulub' (الآثار توصل القلوب) - Artifacts connect hearts.
Falconry Festival
Festival organizer Maha celebrates Saudi falconry tradition. When filmmaker Antoine documents her events, the hunt turns personal. 'Al saqr symbol al 'izza' (الصقر رمز العزة) - The falcon symbolizes pride.
Taif Rose Garden
Maha tends the famous rose gardens of Taif, crafting perfumes for royalty. When perfumer Saad returns from Paris to learn traditional methods, their lessons become intoxicating. 'Inti ahla min kul warda' (أنتِ أحلى من كل وردة) - You're sweeter than any rose.
Textile Treasure
Embroiderer Hanan creates traditional Saudi costumes. When costume designer Pierre needs authentic pieces for a film, needles thread more than fabric. 'Al khait yarbit al qulub' (الخيط يربط القلوب) - Thread binds hearts.
Vineyard Vision
Agricultural innovator Salwa grows grapes in the Saudi desert. When winemaker-turned-consultant Henri helps (for non-alcoholic products), cultivation becomes personal. 'Al 'inab yinmu bil hubb' (العنب ينمو بالحب) - Grapes grow with love.
Djibouti Café Owner
She runs a café in Djibouti City—a thick ebony widow where everyone meets. When he comes seeking connections, she offers more than coffee. Some connections are very personal.
The Djibouti Stopover
A layover in Djibouti puts him in a hotel with a thick Somali-French businesswoman. She speaks French, Arabic, and Somali—and she teaches him phrases in all three while showing him how African nights are spent.