On Wednesday the time had finally come, our Moroccan meal that would be cooked at the house of and by Fatima, a lady from Essaouira, was waiting for us! We were expected at 5 pm at the taxi stand at Bab Sbaa. Fatima would first take us to the market in the Medina to do the required groceries with us.
It was busy at the taxi stand. We were, a bit awkwardly, looking around when we noticed a lady who was like wisely searching the market. And as expected that was our host of the evening, Fatima.
At the Medina
While we were talking, we walked into the Medina. Fatima is a well-English speaker, luckily as we were very curious and asked her many questions.
First we visited the poultryman. Fatima confidently pointed out the chicken she wanted, let it weigh, was satisfied and bought it. The man quickly dealt with the chicken and within a short time the chicken was plucked and ready to take with. Up to the next stand! Here we bought the required vegetables for our meal of the night. Everything was neatly displayed in the baskets and Fatima took what she needed.
At home by Fatima
After our market-grocery shopping we drove home with a taxi. Here, we met Fatima’s husband and sister. We were hospitably welcomed with a delicious pot of mint tea. After the tea Fatima and I went to the kitchen. After the vegetables were cleaned and the potatoes were peeled, she filled the tagin with the chicken, herbs, vegetables and potatoes.
Fatima put the filled tagin on the gas stove where it would be steamed for a little while. In the meantime, she roasted the green pepper in the flames of the gas stove, which she would later use for a delicious salad.
When the food was ready, her sister had gone home and the four of us sat on the couch with the tempting smelling food in front of us. The plates were richly filled. While eating, we exchanged many intercultural experiences as we were curious about the Moroccan customs. And, Fatima and her husband were just as curious about the Dutch customs. Around 9 pm we took a taxi back to our hotel. Looking back on the great evening we have had with Fatima and her husband.
We want to thank Fatima, her husband, sister and ResiRest gratefully for this wonderful experience.
By Machiel Mulder and Jacqueline Stokman
