Catching up while winding down

Here it's Monday and I've just finished organizing Saturday's pictures. I'm running out of steam.

The suq drew us in again. This time we went by bus with Suha and Vera. Thanks for adding to my pictures, Vera. We had a list of things we wanted, but just browsing was fun. Suha knows her way around, so we were quite successful. Also tried a few things we would have skipped if she hadn't recommended them: fresh prickly pear and hod-hod, a baked treat. Beyond the variety offered by all the vendors, the suq's swarming activity fascinates. While some shops target tourists, the majority of business is for locals; slice of life, you know. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time!

Saturday evening most of the group cleaned up for a traditional mensef meal. (I decided to take pictures of everyone sans dirt.) Our group dined on an outdoor terrace with a splendid view of the plain below and later of the full moon. For the meal, large platters of seasoned rice and grilled veggies, or grilled meat for omnivores, were shared by groups. The trick is to use only your right hand to scoop and form food into a ball, then pop the morsel in without allowing fingers to touch mouth. Ken tried this and succeeded. I chose the less daring plate and cutlery approach. After the meal, dessert and coffee, awards were given honoring many support staff as well as several from the dig team.

A few team members missed the festivities, so not everyone was captured in best dress. Oh, well.

Knowing we'd have to work Sunday morning, we went right to bed.