Rest in Peace, Anthony Bourdain: Inspired Chef, Traveler, Storyteller & Character
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Stunned and deeply saddened to learn, just moments ago, of Anthony Bourdain's passing. While some found his personality abrasive, I had only admiration for the spunky, people-curious, intrepid Bourdain. The way he was able to travel across the world and connect with others from different cultures, with openness, curiosity and, yes, despite his brashness, even humility. I thought he was a cool guy, never squeamish when it came to trying something new or judgmental when encountering people who lived, differently—basically, the kind of guy you'd want for a friend.
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I remember being amused when he visited my homeland, Egypt, how he perversely refused to visit the pyramids (too obvious). I admit, too, I was a tad disappointed with his disinterest in fellucas (sail boats) on the Nile where I have many happy memories, but he made up for it with his deep interest in the desert and its quiet charms.
Below, an excerpt from his visit to pre-Revolution Egypt (in 2008)
You can watch the full episode, here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ifwax
Bourdain did a good job, maybe even better, representing my other half: Lebanon. In Beirut, he hung out with revolutionary, Marxist kids in a bar, drank them under the table, and later on with unflappable equanimity went to visit, and dine with, Hamas supporters in their homes.
In these polarized days and our wounded world, would that we could all be such good travelers, respecting the cultures and spirit of the places we explores. I hope Bourdin's last journey is a peaceful one and that he's, finally, free of all suffering. The 61-year-old, celebrated chef and Emmy Award-winning “Parts Unknown” host who is thought to have died of an apparent suicide was found unresponsive in his hotel room in France, earlier this morning.
It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” his network, CNN said in a statement, today. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.
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Truly saddened by this news. He was so fearless and funny. His poor little girl.
Strange, how the loss of someone we don’t actually know can affect us so deeply... Heaven help his loved ones. 🙏🏼
He was loved by so many but a few moments of despair can shout over it. He was unique and we were so fortunate to have experienced him. Yes much love to his friends and family
I'm just getting to know about him, and it is really painful to see such a great man gone.
We were left with the breath of life Anthony Bourdain, but he leaves his legacy his thoughts that he wrote in his books and his video. He will be remembered for the good things he did
Oh! Your post is the way I’m finding out about this. Just horrible and sad.
I always loved the way he found the heart of a culture and showed us the out of the way beauty tourists rarely ever see.
Yeah, he was good at finding that "out of the way beauty"... in people, too. Bless him
_/|\_
So sad. This one hurts.
Yeah, me, too. He made one feel like we knew him...
OMG! ::Deeply saddened:: :(
I know 🤭 Feeling heavy all day over his loss ... I expected him to be around for, at least, another 20 years. He had such vitality!
I know. He had gotten so fit of late too and talking of meditation, his martial art practice... Oh man.
I think of a terribly cynical aphorism by Wilde: there is a fatality about good resolutions; they are, invariably made too late...
Oh man, Wilde was such philosopher. Very fitting indeed.
This is very tragic news. The world will never be the same. Rest in Peace, Anthony.
He will, certainly, be missed. I don't know of anyone who can take his place...
It takes a lot of maturity to sit down with someone on the other end of the political/religious/ideological spectrum and enjoy their company. If only there were more like him.
I do not know who he is, but I am sorry.
You are very good, @yahialababidi when others think it is not polite, you just look from the other side of him.
Rest in Peace, Anthony Bourdin
He was a special guy. Even if you don't like food, he's well worth knowing. Find a country you'd like to visit and see it through his eyes (on Youtube).
I knew him from watching " The Layover".. my happy day just turned into a very sad one.. rest in peace..