LaLa Land

Still enjoying Silopi. I'm becoming so spoiled here. The family takes complete care of us. Selman said when we came that we are his guests and our pockets are closed. He wasn't kidding -- I have not been allowed to spend a penny here. We are served every meal on a large silver tray, with beautiful handmade cheeses, yogurt, and jams. We eat on a mat on the floor and it is very comfortable. The floors are covered in rugs and pillows so that large groups of people can be accomodated. The youngest sisters prepare and serve the food and won't even allow us to pick up a dish to help (although I've been breaking this rule because I hate feeling so worthless). I thought that only the women did the serving but it is actually the youngest family members that serve the guests. At another home, the youngest children were men and they served us tea and coffee.





The hospitality here is overwhelming. Yesterday I got to help make little stuffed fried breaded treats (köfte) and flat bread that is cooked on this rounded metal stove that is fueled by a small hot fire. Needless to say, my food was pretty ugly but the women were patient teachers!

A few nights ago after dinner, we had a very interesting conversation about the differences in our cultures and I asked the women what they would change about theır culture. The sister-in-law from Mersin said that she struggles with the culture here because she is used to more freedom and economic opportunities. But she likes the tribal lordship system because people know who they are. Interesting.

Today we are visiting some old cities. I look forward to putting my hands in the Tigris (Dicle) River. It's about 72 degrees and sunny - a nice start to December! I am feeling so fortunate.