A Mauritanian family, camel races

While all this craziness takes place we get into a conversation with Ahmed Moctar, a man in front of whose house we had parked. It turns out his family left Oadane for Noukchott, the capital, many years ago to become one of the richest families in the country.
They keep this house solely to be able to network with ministers during this festival once every 4 years!
We are invited into a huge tent for tea. Lying on the floor like Romans with cushions for support, we are introduced to his brother's, cousins, and nephews as well as grand son. Huge bronze trays of dates are served.
As we leave, we are invited to lunch the next day.
This time the tent is full (40 persons) in small groups of 8. Everyone sitting or lying on the huge carpet.
First come various dates eaten with creme fraiche, then mutton meat, cooked or roasted which you have to rip off, one handed with the right hand (no left hand allowed!)
And then as a next course, huge quantities of camel meat with couscous or rice which you rip off (right handed) wrap it in rice and sauce and then somehow maneuver it into your 👄 mouth.
What a challenge!
What an experience!

In the process our guide Moustapha gives me a turban as a gift and shows me how to tie it.
We leave with a huge invitation to visit the family when we reach Noukchott.

What a visit!!!!!Read more