One sweltering hot day in Bahrain’s Muharraq district, I was sitting on a ledge in the shade, scribbling random thoughts in a notebook. After a few minutes, I was interrupted by two young men from a large house across the street. “My name is Yousef,” said the tallest. “I would like to invite you to my home. This is Hassan, my cousin. We have a family gathering. Please come in and join us.”
I hesitated. A single woman, entering a house with two complete strangers? In my head, curiosity and skepticism fought a brief battle. I’m glad to say curiosity won. Inside, I was welcomed by the entire family – about 15 of them, mostly women.
Every Friday, the extended al-Matrook family meets for lunch. Everyone brings dishes.
Had I eaten lunch or should they set a table for me? Afraid of imposing, I said no thanks. Instead, I joined them for coffee. They insisted I try the whole buffet: bakhlava, creme caramel, pancakes, sweets, fruits, nuts and more.
Along with delicious Arabic coffee. I jotted down the recipe, spilling a bit as I went. After making sure I wrote it down properly, one of the women went into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with a jar containing some coffee and a bag of accompanying spices: cloves, cardamom and saffron. “Take this home with you,” she said. “Of course, with Arabic coffee you must have this,” she continued – and produced a large bag of ripe dates.
After a while, afraid to outstay my welcome, I got up to leave. But by then it was time for tea. I stayed for nearly two hours, made new friends, learned heaps and had a wonderful afternoon. (Probably gained a few kilos as well – but well worth it.)
Arab hospitality is legendary. Where else would a wandering stranger be invited into people’s homes like that? Certainly not in my part of the world.
Oh, and the dates? Didn’t take them on the plane with me. Ate them all for dinner. Ambrosial!
have had so many similar situations in my travels around the globe. Had I descended into fear rather than accept these impromptu invitations, I would have missed some of the most treasured experiences of my travels. Kudos for trusting your gut in this instance. Wonderful story.
Sophie,
What a great story of kindness and generosity. Thanks for sharing it.
Jason
What a great story! This is also my experience with people in the Middle East – so generous!
That’s very moving. Too often people choose skepticism.
What a lovely story!
Thanks for the kind words, everyone!
Looks like a happy family 🙂
Interesting comment, Tina. You know, I think they are a happy family. The atmosphere was light-hearted, free-spirited. They seemed to care a great deal about each other.
What a wonderful and unexpected way to spend an afternoon.
I love this story! I wish it would happen to me.
Well, Sabina, you’re in the right part of the world (you’re still in the Emirates, no?)
I would have been scared, too. but how WONDERFULLY it turned out – and what a photo – the smiles!
What a nice story! Thanks so much for entering our competition. Good luck!
I’ve also learned the value of saying ‘yes’ although I’m often fearful that I’m imposing. But I’d never turn down food 🙂
Hi Sophie
Great story! Totally relate having lived in the Middle East for so long. I’m missing their hospitality!
Lara
I can’t wait to go to the middle east. I hope the safety situation in syria etc improves soon (of course mostly I hope this for the people who live there, not my own travel plans)
Thanks for reading, Kathryn. I do like the Middle East, especially the people. Hope you’ll enjoy your visit to the region 🙂
Thank you so much for this lovely piece!! We just found out about this article through a friend. It was a great pleasure having you and you are always welcome here! By the way I am the second one from the right in the first picture :P. I wish you the very best with your traveling and maybe one day we will get to see you again 🙂
Sorry I’m the second one from the left* in the first pic 😛
Mariam, how wonderful to hear from you.
Although it’s been three years, being invited to your house remains one of my favourite travel memories. Unfortunately, I managed to leave my notebook in the hotel that night, and with it your e-mail addresses.
Please give my love to your family – I hope everyone is well 🙂
Hello sophie, hope you had a grand christmas. It was my pleasure to have you in my house, unfortunately I was away from Bahrain, so I missed meeting you. My wife and children told me about you and for a long time they were waiting to to hear from you (now we know the reason).
We are glad to read your article about the visit and hope to see you soon.
Wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
Jameel Almatrook
Mr. Almatrook,
Thank you – and sorry I didn’t meet you then, the father of such a kind and generous family. All the best for the new year to you, too 🙂
[…] “Along with delicious Arabic coffee. I jotted down the recipe, spilling a bit as I went. After making sure I wrote it down properly, one of the women went into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with a jar containing some coffee and a bag of accompanying spices: cloves, cardamom and saffron. “Take this home with you,” she said. “Of course, with Arabic coffee you must have this,” she continued – and produced a large bag of ripe dates…Arab hospitality is legendary. Where else would a wandering stranger be invited into people’s homes like that?” from Anne-Sophie of Sophie’s World in The Kindness of Strangers […]