LaLa Land

I've taken a lot of near-pornographic photos of our meals here, so I thought I would share some. The food is so fresh and tasty here but simple also. Vegetables are picked small and are very succulent. We enjoy lots of grilled chicken and lamb, fresh and finely-chopped salads, yogurt, cheeses, and fruits such as pomegranates, Mandarin oranges, and persimmons. A real treat in Mardin was freshly squeezed pomegranate juice -- YUM! Food is served on large trays and beautifully displayed. A large cloth is spread on the floor and everyone gathers around and eats from all of the plates together. Much more is served than could possibly be eaten. After the meal, tea is generally served with sugar cubes in little tulip-shaped glasses. Ayran is a salty yogurt drink that goes great with spicy meals. In one of the photos, Bob is demonstrating how ayran is enjoyed in a metal cup with a large metal spoon. The metal bowl keeps the ayran cool -- warm ayran is a bit gross. The concept of a salted yogurt drink at first turned my stomach but now I love it!