I had the equivalent of $5.00 US with me. Not much I know, but more than
enough.
I feel generous, I told her. She became very guarded. the laughter died down.
Let's have the best lunch we have had, anywhere. I said. Generously, of course.
Took her to the shop. She ordered.
Upto 1/2 a kg of meat. Any kind. Grilled or in the pan. With onions, garlic,
green peppers and tomatoes. In two of those bread pieces you see in front.
But fresh from the oven.
1/2 kg of meat + 2 big pieces of bread....................$2.5
2 x 1/4 liter of buttermilk + 1 liter of bottled water.....$2
Salad...variety of olives, tomatoes............................$0.5
$5.0; I was feeling real take charge this day.
Tannery or the Crafts?. Crafts, she said.
We walked around. Found the brass and iron workshops.
I approached. At ease. I had my lunch with me. Asked them if they wanted to
share the lunch with us.
Bil-Afia, they said. Roughly would mean..thank you, but have it in good
health. 2 words. Expressing a lot. We sat down to lunch. She and me.
I started talking with them. They explained to us about their craft. Handed
down to them from generations. A shake there, a twist there. A skill only
master craftsmen can exhibit. They invited us to their homes. We talked
about our children. Expenses. friends talking with each other.
We had finished our lunch quite a while back.
We learnt about their craft. About them.
We were home. Home away from home.
We had spent 3 hours here.
$5.00 for lunch. The talk was priceless. the tourists would generally have
taken a snap and walked past.
A smile, a handshake, some warmth sizzled with being genuine. Works
wonders. More often than not. No speak lingo? No problem. People can sense
if you are genuine or not. Try it, the next time you get a chance.
p.s if allergic or paranoid about talking to strangers in mid-eastern countries; I am available as a guide
and other related services. Phone call on me. Tickets/lodging/food on you. I don't mind sharing rooms
if I like you.