Couscous!

Here in Morocco, Friday is the holy day of the week and also the day when most people feast on couscous. We've been told Friday couscous invitations are special.

Thus, what an honor it was to be invited into the home of our student this past Friday. The mother picked us (all 5!) up and transported us back to their B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L home. The father, who is a hat maker for the king, also joined us for lunch after leaving first to pray.

We dined on the biggest platter of couscous I've ever seen: piles of chicken, onion, potato, fava beans, peppers, carrots, zucchini, and vegetables grown only in Morocco. Moroccan meals are family-style dining. Everyone takes a little from the part of the platter nearest, ladles some broth over, and double-dips as necessary. No need to worry about germs, the platter is huge and everyone takes only from the part directly in front of his place. (The table is set with the fork on the right. The left hand is the "unclean" hand and NOT USED FOR DINING!)

After dinner, an equally huge platter of the tastiest watermelon I've ever eaten was placed before us. Another hour passed, and then mint tea was served along with the sesame, almond, and honey pastries that Moroccans munch on to break the Ramadan fast. Delicious!

We had a wonderful time spending the afternoon with the family eating, playing with the kids, learning some Arabic, and conversing a little in English but mostly in French. Lunch was a four hour affair. Moroccans are not in a hurry. Family and friends matter most. I love that. Moroccans are some of the most hospitable, generous, gracious, kind individuals I've ever met. This was one of my favorite experiences here so far.







PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANA!