Ramadan

We have been invited to two traditional Break fasts for Ramadan. A fellow I teach with at the school invited us to his house last Sunday. Seriously, he is the nicest guy. So humble and honourable. And generous. I felt incredibly honoured that he would want to "break fast" with my family.

We arrived at the school at 6:30, just before sun down. He was dressed in his formal traditional attire, and he looked very handsome. He lead the way in his car, after coming over to the girls and asking if they would like to ride with "Uncle Said"(pronounced sa -eed). Oh my goodness, he made me feel like family. Naturally the girls rode with their new uncle.

We arrived at his parents home, which is beautifully tiled with ornate designs in colours of gold, blue and cream. Lying out on the tables were drinks, dates, figs, cookies, cake, pancakes with a thousand holes in them, soup, chicken, fried rice with shrimp, raisins, egg and veggies. There was this fabulous shake made from pears and avocado. You may think it an odd combination, but do not be deceived. It is delightfully appealing and benin (which means delicious - just in case you didn't know)

We were served first, which I felt awkward about because they are the ones who haven't eaten all day and were incredibly hungry. But they insisted - I never really know how to accept said gesture. So I smiled nicely and waited for them to start eating before I took a bite of my own food.

We started with the dates and drink, then moved on to the pancakes. This is the girls favourite part because they put honey on them and then roll them up and eat them with their hands. I think Hannah had 3 or 4 of those and was so full she didn't bother trying any of the other food. Truth is, I got pretty full quite quickly too.

But next came the soup, and it was so yummy. I need to ask my maid to make some. After soup we had chicken, then rice. I definitely over ate and felt crappy afterwards, but the conversation was truly engaging. Mr. Said (as I call him because he calls me Miss Kathleen, even thought I have asked him on numerous occasions to please call me Kathleen) had some great things to tell us about Morocco, Muslim beliefs, family tales. He is so lovely.

He said that he sees many people as family, for we are all the same in so many ways; people who deserve dignity and respect. This is what I believe too. I work with a great team of people. It makes my job pleasurable.

He loves my kids - he loves all kids. For certain, I see that he is a gentle, kind hearted, caring, protective and compassionate man. He spoiled the girls, who got away with (in my opinion), unacceptable behaviour. But he insisted again that in his house, kids are like kings and get to do whatever they want. I didn't really know how to argue with that. He said, "in your house they must obey the parents. But in my house, they can do whatever they want." I wish I was a kid in his house.

After "break fast" his brother went to the mosque for prayer. I asked Mr. Said if he was going to go. He said his job was to stay with us that night. Again, I felt privileged to be in his presence. So kind of him.

Because it was a late start to the evening, we only stayed 2 hours. The girls needed to get home to bed for school the next day. Being well fed and filled with delightful conversation, I slept well. I really like it here. This is a great life.

Perhaps I will get around to telling you about the "break fast" we had with our neighbours, which has some similarities, yet differences too.

Sorry, no pictures.

Kathleen