Thursday, November 11, 2004
Let's do lunch...The owner of the local Iraqi-run PX, Sabah, invited all the Americans over to the Iraqi "club" on post to share a banquet for lunch today, supposedly in celebration of Bush's re-election. In our cultural awareness briefings we had been told that when the Iraqis invite guests over for a meal they will prepare more food than could possibly be consumed. Let me tell you, they weren't exaggerating! The main dish was some sort of large cooked fish (mullet?), cut down the middle length wise, laid out on a platter with the innards removed and dressed with tomatoes and onions. They then baked the fish - head, tail, vegetables, everything. Once cooked the Iraqis laid large, round flat breads over the fish to help keep it warm once it was on the table.
There were side dishes of stuffed pickles, peppers, tomatoes and other stuffed vegetables. The fish and stuffed vegetables were served on large platters that we picked from buffet style. However, there was so much fish that it worked out to be two people per fish. Each of us also received individual plates heaping with brown rice prepared with lamb, raisins and potatoes. As well, we each received a side dish of sliced fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, olives, and assorted peppers. Man, what a meal!
It was all very good too! The only part I didn't absolutely enjoy was the fish, but not because they cooked it poorly. I'm just not a big fish guy. There was so much fish! Those fish were about a foot and half long each! I don't know what they did with all the left over food. It was all very good. I felt bad leaving all that food on the table, but I swear, there was no way possible we could have eaten it all. They made enough for twice the number of people who showed up. Our Iraqi guests were very generous and very hospitable.
In my limited interactions with the Iraqis I am finding them to be very friendly and very generous. If they see you carrying something heavy they are quick to offer to help. We even have to be careful to not compliment something of theirs that they own, because they will give it to you if you express your admiration too strongly. Yes, they may be uneducated (which some soldiers confuse with being stupid) and they smell bad sometimes. On the whole I am finding them to be a very kind and warm people.
There were side dishes of stuffed pickles, peppers, tomatoes and other stuffed vegetables. The fish and stuffed vegetables were served on large platters that we picked from buffet style. However, there was so much fish that it worked out to be two people per fish. Each of us also received individual plates heaping with brown rice prepared with lamb, raisins and potatoes. As well, we each received a side dish of sliced fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, olives, and assorted peppers. Man, what a meal!
It was all very good too! The only part I didn't absolutely enjoy was the fish, but not because they cooked it poorly. I'm just not a big fish guy. There was so much fish! Those fish were about a foot and half long each! I don't know what they did with all the left over food. It was all very good. I felt bad leaving all that food on the table, but I swear, there was no way possible we could have eaten it all. They made enough for twice the number of people who showed up. Our Iraqi guests were very generous and very hospitable.
In my limited interactions with the Iraqis I am finding them to be very friendly and very generous. If they see you carrying something heavy they are quick to offer to help. We even have to be careful to not compliment something of theirs that they own, because they will give it to you if you express your admiration too strongly. Yes, they may be uneducated (which some soldiers confuse with being stupid) and they smell bad sometimes. On the whole I am finding them to be a very kind and warm people.
[Posted by Mark @ 11:26 PM]
Comments:
For a minute there I thought you were describing Filipinos, except for the smelly part :) I've come to learn that people of the east in general are known for their hospitality. Food and meals especially are tokens of love and honor. I've only known of one western culture that exemplifies this trait -- Italians! Of course, my experience is limited and not all easterners are hospitable nor are all westerners ungracious.
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For a minute there I thought you were describing Filipinos, except for the smelly part :) I've come to learn that people of the east in general are known for their hospitality. Food and meals especially are tokens of love and honor. I've only known of one western culture that exemplifies this trait -- Italians! Of course, my experience is limited and not all easterners are hospitable nor are all westerners ungracious.
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