The Most Interesting Day BY FAR

Yesterday when I came home, I was reminded that it was the day of my sister's (Nihad) formal engagement. The guy's (Sa'id) family comes to propose a union with Nihad's family.. We spent 2 hours after iftar preparing the food, rearranging the furniture, and getting pretty/clean for our guests.

All of the aunts I've met came over- as they are sisters of my host mother. They are so sweet and it is always fun to talk to them. Ahlam, Nihad, Ifaat, the kids, and I waited in our bedroom until we were called on. The men and women are separated in two rooms. The men of Sa'id's family were talking to my host father/grandfather/brothers about technicalities of the proposal in the formal sitting room. The women all sat in the foyer which we filled with couches. After they all ate some food, we were summoned to be introduced to the aunts and mother of Sa'id. Walked around the room, kissing the 4 aunts and mom of the groom on the cheeks and swapping "hello's" and "how are you's" in Arabic. Sa'id's mother was a much older, Zanzibari woman who held my hand for what felt like forever and was impressed at me trying to respond to her in a very limited Arabic. Ahlam later told me we probably shared the same level of Arabic, because she seemed to only really know Swahili. They all conversed for a bit longer and I didn't feel so out of place since Fatima sat on my lap and distracted me from all the Swahili I didn't understand by ordering me to sing Barney.. and her new favorite, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But it was so sweet watching Nihad sit next to Sa'id's mother, holding her hand, becoming acquainted with her new family.

Once the family left, giving my family the 3 day waiting period to think the proposal over, we all dug into the huge spread of food we prepared. Ahlam and I joked that we had enough to feed a banquet for the Sultan. There was a ton of fruit- grapes, watermelon, plums, pineapple, melon- chicken cutlass, chicken wontons, kaymati (dough balls filled with honey), and the best Omani cheesecake ever. (The cake is credit to Nihad- who put together crackers, jello, pudding, pineapple, and cream cheese to make the most amazing cake)

I took on role as dishwasher, and helped put away the dozens of plates and platters. I did learn about the next wedding events from my father. The dowry presentation will take place sometime while I am here- and I cannot wait to see that. The money goes to pay for her veil as well as bags, shoes, etc. The malka, or technical wedding, will happen 10 days after I leave, and the wedding is on January 25th. I am so bummed about missing them, and my family thinks I should just extend my stay. haha

Germany is once again, one of the most comfortable places I can visit. Yesterday the rain finally stopped! I met up with Anne Dusemund, an old friend from ILA, last night. What started as a tad awkward ended up being a fabulous night. Had a little stop at her house, which is so gorgeous in this small town of Rachtig--which they continually keep trying to get me to pronounce correctly... Raccchhhhtig. As always, I felt bad for not being able to communicate fully, but we all made do- lots of jesturing haha. Soon after we arrived, we all walked over to the post-government-wedding party (there is to be another with all the glamor of a church wedding) of her cousin. In the German tradition, we met all the "youth" of Rachtig fully armed with horns, bells, air guns, and an engine (each with his own earplugs or ready set of fingers) to create as much noise and raise enough hell as possible. A lot of the parents smashed plates, pots, cups, anything in front of the couple. Was such a riot! The festivities included a ton of food and a ton of beer until all hours of the morning. Go Rachtig!

Today Anne and I woke up early to sightsee. We drove all around, stopping at gorgeous overlooks of the Mosel, Rachitg, Ürzig, and Berncastle. Had a coke at an old castle/overlook and ate lunch in Berncastle before boarding the boat to Rachtig. Chilly ride, but had great sights and a fun course. Anne and her mom showed me a DVD of the Carnival festivities in Rachtig... really cool dancing! And enjoyed the sun and her mom's garden for about an hour before heading back to Trier. Was such a short time, but such a fun one! Im falling in love with these small German towns... the pictures explain all its beauty and the friendships represent all its fabulousness.