Today was long. Saturday here. They take off on Friday and Saturday and start their week on Sunday. So today was like Sunday dinner. We drove to try great aunts and I waited outside with my cousin till she gave the ok for the guys to come in. There were 4 of their 11 families there. So just about 30 of us for lunch.Funny thing was Arabs all broke out their cell phones just like Americans as soon as they sit down. Meal was large. Barani, saffron rice, chicken with rice, and Beshemille and salad. All served family style ie: eat on the floor on large piece of unrolled plastic. Toss all waste pieces just onto the plastic next to your plate (chicken bones) after all who has a table that seats 30 more? No chairs so great on you knees! Large glass of fresh buttermilk to wash down with- almost the consistency of a malt.Most eat with left hand but they broke out silverware for us. 2nd course was fruit, oranges, and Bomalee (fruit) and nectarines. Then Arab coffee- strong cardamom in little glasses, then Arab tea with cardamon and saffron and sugar. Dessert was chocolate brownie, and cemtee and some Turkisk nougat and soft Iranian jellies and cheesecake for a birthday cake. Trust me u won't need to eat for at least 24 hrs after this meal! Or maybe even 48 hrs!! Many of the women wore their traditional black Burkas and the men their headress and gown. There were still some dressed in western garb but the kids-they all looked like a bunch of kids from anywhere. The families form very tight units. There is a code for men and women to follow for introductions but all kids under about 10 are exempt from most of the rules- except to show respect for their aunts and uncles and grandparents with a recognizable peck on both cheeks followed sometimes a kiss on the head from the parent.