food (as requested by my dear mother)

Before I get to food... today was my last day of class!! At least the level three class. I have a little rahla (vacation) for a week in Jordan, and then I will return to university for level four. Yesterday we were interviewed (for the final) , and today we took the written final. Both parts weren't too bad. Just long. And of course I was last on the list for the interview yesterday, though I was one of the first to complete the exam today.

Some reflections on the tastes of Syria... food in Syria, for the most part, is latheth jdn, or very delicious. My host mom is an excellent cook, and my host dad has showed me how to cook caraway, a special dessert that I will try to recreate upon my return to the states. My typical, weekday breakfast is served on round silver platter that I place on the table that usually rests folded against my bedroom wall (my room is very small, though fits me well). On this silver platter are small plates of hummus (with olive oil and chickpeas on top), labneh with olive oil, makdoush (im not sure if its eggplant, or a pepper, stuffed with red peppers and lots of olive oil), fresh cheese, and sweet (really sweet) figs. All of this is accompanied by pita bread and a nice cup of tea.

On the weekend, we all eat together (on the table that usually rests folded against the wall) in front of the TV. Some memorable breakfasts include a dish of freshly made, thick hummus with tomatoes, garlic, and lots of olive oil, eaten with pita bread and followed by tea. Another breakfast dish is a creamy soup with potatoes, served over torn pieces of pita bread.

Am Anas usually has lunch ready when I return home from university. I've had Algerian couscous with a meat and vegetable soup poured on top, a Syrian spinach soup with garlic and fresh lemon juice (the lemon juice is characteristic of Syrian cuisine), rice (with a little bit of spaghetti mixed in) served with either a meat (usually lamb or beef) soup or an okra soup (yesterday's meal).

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Dinner is usually leftovers from lunch, if you're hungry (lunch can be served at 2, 3, or 4pm). If you're still full from lunch (which is usually my case) then I eat either fresh fruit (the oranges are from the tree in our garden), or rice pudding, or fruit jello, or (last night) caraway served with generous amounts of coconut flakes, pistachios, almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts on top.

Needless to say, I am fed quite well in Syria. My host family doesn't understand why I don't eat more. I tell them that if I ate anymore, I would be huge when I return to America (at which Mohammed says, "like Judy", who isn't really huge, just slightly bigger than me). If you would like to see any of my photos, just send me an email, and I'll invite you to view my web album, though I still need to upload pictures of food.

And now I'm off to the land of Moses, Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, and numerous tourists. Yullah, bye!