Tag: hospitality

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contemplations inspiration morning coffee talk Photography street photography UAE

Morning Coffee Talk~ 40/365

Good Morning,

We were treated yesterday to a beautiful tradition of Dukhoon where incense was burnt on our arrival and several times throughout the day during our visit and the midkhan or incense burner was passed around to allow us to incense our hair and clothing following the example of our hostess.

Dukhoon has a very long tradition in the Arabic culture of being used in religious ceremonies as well as social events and it’s use is reputed to heal, repel bad spirits, enhance smells and increase creativity and motivation.

There is something quite haunting about witnessing and being part of this tradition and obviously I go back home tomorrow with a variety of oud and incense to burn in my home and keep this tradition alive.

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contemplations inspiration morning coffee talk Photography street photography UAE

Morning Coffee Talk~ 39/365

Liwa Desert~

Good Morning,

We are in the desert today in Liwa, close to the border of the emirates and Saudi Arabia, the empty quarter (الربع الخالي) and very close to the Tropic of Cancer.

The sand get more and more red as you drive towards Liwa due to its concentration of copper and the world gets more and more quiet. All you see are sand dunes a blue sky and a bright yellow sun.

We had privilege of the hospitality of a local lady who is a force of nature with her incredibly powerful presence, her utter pride of her culture, history and tradition and her generous nature that she gifts in abundance.

We were shown around, offered food continuously since we arrived and were directed to have a rest before we continue our journey into the desert until it’s time for dinner and a bonfire after sunset.

It is an amazingly beautiful experience to add into the archives of good memories and photography.

Photograph from earlier today of the beautiful granddaughter of the Lady.

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inspiration life Photography story

Day 11~ June 11th~ Xinjiang

Kyrgyz hospitality

Those who have little often are the ones who give selflessly…

This is so true of nomadic people all over the world. Hospitality is part of who they are as people and they are known to welcome their guest by offering them the best of the little that they have. It is an insult to reject their hospitality perhaps because that would suggest hostility towards the host. The Kyrgus people of lake Karakol are no different and their soup is a most delicious offering to a traveler in the high mountains. Dare mention how good the food is and you are sure to be force-fed a second portion!

photo taken: a grandmother hostess in her yurt offering soup to one of my fellow travelers.

 

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lebanon life Photography street

Day 16~ February 16th~ Lebanon

hospitality

It can safely be said that hospitality is an essence that lives and resonates strongly in Lebanese people and in their society. It is a place that a visitor is often invited to a meal several times a day by total strangers, and it is not a matter of speech, they really do mean it and they do receive great pleasure from feeding you. It is an open door policy, especially in villages and a warmth and generosity that is very difficult to say no to. In fact you must choose between getting fat during the holidays or upsetting quite a few people who cannot handle your rejection. In a world where anonymity is becoming the rule of day, returning to such openness and close contact with people is so heartwarming and refreshing.