Recently I was lucky enough to have to opportunity to spend time in a neighborhood that had a large Arab community. It was really interesting to see a community built on mutual respect and hospitality. We began by going through several Arabic markets and making connections to what we learned in class and seeing how words like bread are used and added to in order to create words like bakery. Not only was it interesting to see all the words we’ve learned but it was also fascinating to see what “replacements” there were for “normal” American foods, for example instead of some vegetables; such as green beans etc. there were green chickpeas which were actually really yummy!
We then went to a delicious Middle Eastern restaurant which was set up in a desert-like style; with simulated tents and trees spread around sporadically. We sat in a booth upholstered with a thick fabric that was colored to match either the Palestinian or Jordanian national colors. The food was not only tasty but also culturally accurate, complete with plenty of pita bread and almonds on rice. The waiters wore Bedouin attire in the colors of black and white, which only added to the feeling of eating out in the desert in a tent.
In addition to visiting many different groceries and bakeries we also got the opportunity to go to a mosque and observe some traditional prayers. It was really beautiful to see how different religious organizations observe prayers, and especially the specific details such as removing ones shoes before walking on the carpet. Spending time in the mosque really opened my eyes and made me interested in learning more about other culture’s traditions.
The time spent with my professor, her children, and another student in such a fascinating environment was such a fun and unique experience that will help me when I (hopefully) study abroad in the Middle East!
