baby shower!

Last night I went to the baby shower (sort of) of my host sister. In tunisia they have this part seven days after the baby is born, rather than before like in the US. Instead of bringing presents, people just put money in the baby's crib. this way there is some level of anonymity and everyone just puts in what they can afford (mostly 5 or 10 dinar). It was really overwhelming when we walked in because there were approximately 40 women (mostly in their 30's and 40's) sitting in the front room, and i didn't know any of them. Thus i spent the majority of the party in the kitchen, helping prepare the food and drinks as well as doing dishes. They served three different types of homemade juice/punch, various tunisian pastries, and a dish made specifically for baby showers called zhreer. it's a thick paste made with hazelnuts, butter, and sugar. it's absolutely delicious and is served in tiny gold cups that have no other purpose than for serving zhreer. Tunisians seem to have a thing for beautiful, small dishes. tea is always served in tiny decorative cups. After helping in the kitchen, i went into the bedroom where the mother stays through out the party. She lies in the bed with the baby next to her and everyone comes in to visit her and the baby. It was really cute to see all the little kids on the bed, completely intrigued by the baby. After most people left, and it was just family, we had a big dinner together. the whole thing was pretty exhausting but i really enjoyed witnessing that sort of tradition. i'm hoping that at some point i'll also get to see a wedding.

it's still raining, and its getting pretty old. we're all ready for some sun and warmer temperatures. then we all plan on spending a lot of time on the beach. and i think it will be a lot warmer when we go to the south. which is monday! i can't wait!