It was too hot for Ibrahim – so we sat down on a bench in the shade. As we sat there recovering from the sun, two young women passed the way, entered the shop and returned with a scoop of ice cream in a cone. It made sense because, as is often the case in Munich, the shadow bench was in front of an ice cream parlour. With relish and in peace and quiet, the women feasted on their ice cream cones. Ibrahim was completely different: he suddenly became restless.
Sometimes we mistakenly take everyday things for granted. It wasn’t long ago that this situation would have caused me considerable difficulties. A woman licking a scoop of ice cream in my sight. For a few years, at such moments, the blush of shame colored my cheeks. Now the head of my newly arrived friend became strawberry ice cream.
In Syria, like every man and woman, I avoided eating ice cream in public, especially not in a cone. It is considered vulgar, obscene behavior. In the past, if we were to eat ice cream, we would buy a large box for the family, take the ice cream home, close the door – and enjoy it.
In many conservative societies, Syria definitely being one of them in a sense, women in particular are expected to show a reserved and respectful demeanor in public. Eating ice cream and other meals that could be considered phallic in shape would be perceived as provocative or offensive. A banana should therefore be sliced before eating, the same applies to carrots, which is a shame because they crack so nicely when you bite into them. I find it less annoying with the cucumber, which I rarely eat in one go.
Ice cream, on the other hand, is also very popular in boxes. Eating ice cream has become a part of my life – although in other respects it has remained quite a complicated affair. This is due to the selection and creativity of no fewer local ice cream parlor owners. Creativity also, but not only, leads to masterpieces. Neither in Amalienstrasse, nor at the Viktualienmarkt or in Fraunhoferstrasse.
Apple strudel ice cream ranks high for me, further down comes Erdäpfelkas ice cream, not to be confused with Obatzda ice cream, which is also not pure pleasure. The beer ice cream – and its supposedly “subtle” hop note is the one I don’t get along with very well, but who knows, maybe it tastes good accompanied by a scoop of white sausage ice cream? Aperol spritz ice cream, on the other hand, seems to be something of a fashion thing. You are on the safe side if you rely on varieties such as strawberry-basil or Sachertorte. Less hearty but tasty.