It's Ramadan (رمضان) here in Jordan (الأردن), the Islamic holy month where Muslims fast during daylight hours and turn their attention to Allah (الله) and purity in their action... It's a Tuesday evening. The sun (شمس) has just set. I can hear the sundown call to prayer (المغرب) from the mosque (مسجد) just around the corner. I'm with my roommates Jordan and Alex. We had just walked to the Iraqi Shawerma (شاورما) restaurant down the block, and are returning with our take-out to our Humble Abrode to feast on the finest food in all of Amman (عمان).
We're passing by the housewares shop on our street (شارِع), Stylish Home, as we see a group of men gathered around an epic plate of Mansaf (منسف). Mansaf is the oh-so-delicious national dish of Jordan--lamb cooked in a dried yogurt sauce, atop Egyptian rice and nuts.
We pass by the feasting men and say good evening (مساء الخير). Without hesitation, they immediately call us closer and invite us to dine with them, right there on the sidewalk. As per the custom, we declined at first; when they insisted, we knew their offer was genuine and it would have been rude not to partake. We happily grabbed spoons and began digging away at the 20-or-so pound dish.
After our bellies were satisfied, we shook hands, made introductions, told them it was great to meet them, and went on our way for the night. No obligation, no expectation... Just good old, generous Arab culture in the spirit of Ramadan.
We're passing by the housewares shop on our street (شارِع), Stylish Home, as we see a group of men gathered around an epic plate of Mansaf (منسف). Mansaf is the oh-so-delicious national dish of Jordan--lamb cooked in a dried yogurt sauce, atop Egyptian rice and nuts.
Sers. Look at all this yum.
We pass by the feasting men and say good evening (مساء الخير). Without hesitation, they immediately call us closer and invite us to dine with them, right there on the sidewalk. As per the custom, we declined at first; when they insisted, we knew their offer was genuine and it would have been rude not to partake. We happily grabbed spoons and began digging away at the 20-or-so pound dish.
After our bellies were satisfied, we shook hands, made introductions, told them it was great to meet them, and went on our way for the night. No obligation, no expectation... Just good old, generous Arab culture in the spirit of Ramadan.
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