Our Beehive Of Activity...

  It is only eight in the morning and there is so much going on.

  While Zahir is at work, his older brothers are taking down and packing up the family's big black tent. Now fully repaired and ready, it must be packed away for our trip to Wadi Rum. Two of them were grumbling how Zahir always manages to miss this part.  I tried to stand in for Zahir and help with the packing. I was quickly told, "...this was work for men." Translation, "You are frail and weak..."

  Baba took me into the house to help Mama in the big kitchen. BIG party tonight, the people of Jordan know how to celebrate. All but one of the wives will be in one of the kitchens preparing something. I will be working with Mama and Zahir's baby sister on the mansaf. 

  Mama is trusting me with one of the mezze. I am going to try to make moutabel. Moutabel is a dip made of fire roasted and peeled eggplant combined with yoghurt, tahini, garlic and lemon juice.

  The kitchens will be busy all day. The men were sent out to work packing the tent and setting up the garden with a hearty breakfast. As soon as the dishes are clean, the controlled chaos begins. While supper meats marinate, we started preparing dinner. 

  In a few hours the pit will be opened and we shall dine on Zarb. The pit was one of the first things Mama asked for in this house. Some outside looking in would think it is odd for such a modern woman to embrace the old ways. The longer I am here the more I understand; old does not mean obsolete, and new does not automatically mean better.