Thursday evening we were invited to the home of Les' clerk, Asef and his family - wife Afshan, 2 1/2 year old daughter Zaneb and 10 month old son Adam. Asef and his family are very devout Muslim's from Pakistan and this was quite an honour for us to be invited to their home. Asef and the kids met us at the door and I was directed to one side of the house and Les to the other. Les was not allowed to meet or speak with Afshan because the family follow strict Islamic beliefs. (Both Asef and Afshan speak English so the evening would be easy!) Afshan welcomed me to her home and we visited while she finished cooking a very traditional Pakistani meal. Their home is furnished with many carpets and traditional items. No western furniture!
When dinner was ready, Asef came to the kitchen to take the food for him and Les to the dining room. Afshan and I took ours to the sitting room and the kids went back and forth between the two areas. We had a wonderful dinner and I thanked Afshan for cutting her usual input of spices by about 3/4!! It was all still very tasty and spicy! Afshan and the kids ate traditionally without utensils and I heard later that Les and Asef did as well. I'm not as adept at "scooping" so I did have a fork so I didn't make a mess of myself and the beautiful carpet we were sitting on! We enjoyed rice, dal (cooked chick peas, curry and spices), butter chicken (cooked in yoghurt with coconut, poppy seeds, onion, and spices), kebobs (cooked meat, ground with grains and spices) coated with egg and re-fried in butter), salad, and chapaty (pita like bread freshly made) and for dessert milk based pudding with pistachios and sunflower seeds).
Afshan wears beautiful Pakistani clothing; pants, shirt and shawl over her head and shoulders. When she goes outside she wears the black robe and scarf that cover her totally. Zaneb wears shirt and pants like her mommy and had a head scarf on when we arrived, but like any active little girl, that didn't stay on very long. Asef wears the mens white outfit - pants and long tunic. Adams was like his daddy's but green in color.
Afshan and I had a lot to talk about. I discovered that she has a degree in commerce and before marriage she taught elementary aged kids and some adult courses as well. She told me she wouldn't go back to teaching, staying at home and looking after her family are her job now. I know that Les wishes I would spend more time with Afshan just to learn what HE thinks my place should be!!! Before we knew it the evening was over and it was time to go. This was a fabulous evening and I learned a lot about this totally different culture. I hope that we keep in touch with this family.
(No picture with this post as Asef does not believe in photographing his family.)
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