notes from a sun-scorched land: Thank you Fadi and family

Our guide Fadi Wishahi treated us to something special our last evening in Jordan. (Our flight left at 8:30 p.m. on a Friday.)

We were invited to share in a dinner at his mother's home in Amman, Jordan, including Fadi's two brothers.

I'm not sure I can adequately express how special this was for us. To be invited into his childhood home, and so welcomed by his family. The few hours we shared were filled with delicious (and I mean delicious) food, and wonderful conversation.

The meal we shared is called mefseh. This is a dish that takes hours to prepare, and is one to share with guests. Tim and I were invited into the kitchen, to watch Fadi's brother Mohammed place the food on the large metal platter. First the rice, carefully and methodically spread out by hand, ensuring that every centimeter is covered evenly. The lamb that has been cooking in yogurt all day is placed in the middle, heaped high. And then the yogurt broth is poured onto the rice ... as this is all plated, and throughout the meal as we ate.

You eat with your hands. We were offered spoons, but both Tim and I wanted to try it this traditional way. When Fadi's mom Feryal (apology if I've spelled your name wrong!) started eating with a spoon, our reaction was "hay!" But we went on eating with our hands. Messy, but oh so yummy!