Grapefruit and Mint Cooler and the Disappearing Crocs

A few days before we left Dubai for the summer, Akber wanted to spend some quality time with Maryam and me. This would be the first time they would be part for more than two weeks and he wanted to do something special, a memory that Maryam could take back with her to Tanzania, a day she would always remember.

And boy was it a day to remember. The sun was scorching when we woke up- nothing a bit of cold grapefruit couldn’t cure. I had it for breakfast as is but judging from the pained expression on Maryam’s face, I’m not sure she was too pleased with its tartness.

Akber had planned a boat ride on the Marina for us- perfect for the heat, perfect for an adventure, perfect for making lasting memories. Maryam loves the water and so a boating adventure was most appropriate. She thought the Marina was a LARGE swimming and wanted to dive in. ‘Splash, splash’ was what she wanted to do.

And then I heard a big splash- followed by a burst of tears. Maryam had taken off her favorite orange crocs and threw them precariously on the ledge.  Off they went with the wind and into the marina.- yes, memories were certainly made.

To this day she remembers her orange crocs. Every member of the family knows the notorious story behind the case of the disappearing crocs. Although on the day many tears were shed, many promises of new shoes had to be made and many bribes were offered, she now proudly tells every person she meets that ‘I TUPA (throw) orange shoes in the water!’

After a bribe of chocolate ice cream, we came home to cool down with a glass of grapefruit and mint cooler that I had made earlier with some leftover grapefruit.

We all needed it after the day we had just had- cooling for the mind and body.

Grapefruit and Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit
1 cup water
Sugar to taste (I used just over a ¼ cup)
1 handful mint leaves
Ice and extra mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
Boil the sugar, water and mint leaves until the sugar has just dissolved. Sieve out the mint leaves if desired (which is what I did) for a more subtle mint taste. Juice the grapefruit and add the juice and the sugar mixture into a blender. Blend until just incorporated.  Cool in the freezer before serving with ice cubes and mint leaves.