7 Feb

Well February is 25% over...hey everyday matters when I am counting the days until I go home. I think this is the first day I have eaten three Iraqi meals in a row...my stomach and I agree that there is no reason to repeat this feat anytime in the future. Here is how I get "talked" into have an meal with the Iraqis. In the middle of a conversation, in-walks the junior soldier with a big silver platter of food, the conversation stops mid sentence as the senior Iraqi in the room stands-up and points to the food saying, "Please...lets finish after we eat." If you do not eat they think the food they prepared is not good enough for you, so to avoid offending them you partake in the meal. As I start eating they continue to put more and more food in front of me. Iraqi Lesson #8. When a guest sits down to dine with an Iraqi it is common practice to give half of the meal to the guest. For example, if one of the four people at the table is a guest, three of the four will share half of the main course, and the guest gets the other half. Only after it is clear that the guest is finished eating will the other three individuals at the table partake in what remains of the visitors portion. Needless to say this is very hospitable but it does go overboard, at least compared to what I have experienced in the America culture. So for those who are wondering...even though I had three Iraqi feast there was enough room for a small bowl of "Very Berry Strawberry Ice Cream," I guess I will just have to run an extra mile or two tomorrow. The weekend is halfway here...hang-in-there.