A Little Moroccan Culture

When I was pregnant, I met some women who were very excited to make me "rafissa" after Nicholas was born. It is a dish that is traditionally served to women after childbirth. It took the ladies many, many hours as they made the special "msemen" bread from scratch, and then ripped it to shreds, and then put it in a huge bowl and covered it with a homemade chicken soup. I invited some other American friends over to share in the feast. My sister, Liz, was also fortunate enough to be visiting at the time. The women sang to us and performed their high-pitched warbling party call (not sure how else to explain it) that they like to do around here at weddings and such. We got it on video so you'll have to watch sometime! Afterwards we had Moroccan mint tea, the national drink. It was very sweet of these women, who had just barely met me, to offer such a special treat to me. The oldest among them was falling asleep by the end of the meal. She had gotten up early and worked hard... Moroccans are generous in their hospitality!

Also, here's a picture of Kirk's mom getting the traditional henna treatment on her feet, legs, and hand. It was gorgeous!

PS. The winner is... Sara! You were right, in the "Who's Who?" contest, Oliver is on the top and Nicholas on the bottom in blue. Good eye!