Lamb tagine and henna

Our taxi driver invited us over for some lamb tajine, Berber salad (beets,tuna, and tomatoes), bread, french fries and of course olives. Their house was just outside of the blue city medina and it was an incredible gesture of hospitality to invite random people to his house for dinner. The wife, mademoiselle  Natallia, wanted to give us henna tattoos  and their four kids were so adorable, wanted to practice their English and we’re just as excited that we came as the parents were. The oldest girl even made us homemade cupcakes for desert.  They definitely did not have a lot to go around and yet, they were so excited to host us and spoil a group of Americans for dinner. It brought me back to my trip to Ecuador when the village women made us food just to be hospitable. Despite how much they actually have the act of giving is always rewarded. They give because they want relationships, and they want to teach about their culture. After all, food is the way to the heart.  As a result, they unintentionally, unapologetically love everyone they come into contact with.  Showing love comes in lots of forms, and I’m learning that here, it’s shown in hospitality. We may not agree on religion, science or even why you should brush your teeth, but we can all agree that offering or accepting a simple dinner invite can go a long way.