So I was about to go to bed last night and I was sorting through my things (I don't have a dresser so I just stack stuff on couches) when two very large, very ugly cockroaches came crawling out of my papers. As anyone who has had the pleasure of me freaking out at the sight of a spider can imagine, I was less than thrilled. In fact, it was the third time that I have had cockroaches in my bedroom....but the other times I had just one and it was on the floor. I managed to convince myself that it was without accompaniment both times. Finding two was a bit more disconcerting because I am starting to think there may be a whole family. Or city. Not good.

I decided to accept my student's invitation to have lunch with his family, so after class this morning we tried to get a taxi to his house. Three taxis declined us and I was starting to wonder what was going on when Hafid told me that it was the hour to pray and everyone was going to the mosque. Okay, seriously, that was crazy. Work stops to go pray?? Does that work for doctors too? Like, you are in the middle of a heart surgery and you have to break to go pray? The more I try to understand the more confused I get.

Anyway, Helen and Hafid and I finally got a taxi and arrived at his house, only to discover that this was a huge and formal event. We were welcomed at the door and ushered into the living room. Various members of the family came in and out with trays of pastries, chickens, tea, everything you can imagine. Before we even started eating they brought what looked like a silver teapot with a huge silver urn underneath and brought the handwashing process to us. I could not believe the extent to which the family went to make sure that we were not inconvenienced in any way but rather sat and enjoyed the hospitality. I thought this had to be an exception but they assured me that this type of hospitality is normal with any lunch invitation. I just can't get over the incredible hospitality here...I have not met someone unkind yet. I have never been so spoiled in my life. I am going to have to get someone to help me write a thank you note in Arabic; because the mom doesnt speak French.