Had chunks of red meat on top of spaghetti for dinner last night. Definitely wasn't beef, and that's all I know.
On the other hand, preparations are starting here for Eid al-Adha, a holiday commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael by sacrificing a sheep (as God gave to Abraham to sacrifice instead of Ishmael). The sheep are bought a few days in advance, and I've been well forewarned by my host sisters as to the quality of sleep I'll get in a neighborhood of balconies and bathrooms full of sheep. I've also been warned (by a still semi-traumatized host sister) to not get too friendly with the sheep in the days preceding the Eid, like she did a few years ago.
Our wonderful program director/fairy godmother's email about Eid advises against watching or participating if we have a weak stomach as "the process is very bloody and messy." The sheep is slaughtered, gutted, and skinned on the balcony, then butchered to be eaten over the next month or so. Each family brings a portion of their sheep (or cow/multiple sheep, for large families) to be distributed to families unable to buy their own sheep. The day of the slaughter we'll eat the liver and head, then the day after lunch will be stomach, entrails, and chopped lung. Hooves are served with couscous, then the next few days are barbeque-sheep-filled.
Somewhat surprisingly, I'm not nervous for the slaughter and I'm actually excited for the food. After 5 years of vegetarianism (halted for this trip), I figure if I wouldn't kill something myself, I shouldn't eat it. This is the first chance I've had to actually kill something and eat it (though my host dad will probably do most of it), so we'll see if I do as well as I hope (or potentially have a complete breakdown). I've watched enough Anthony Bourdain to be excited for not-so-normal food, especially considering how well my host family cooks. With the unfortunate exception of my younger host sister, whose culinary skills we sampled a few days ago-- over-cooked macaroni salad with grated canned lunch meat and olives, anyone?
I'll keep you posted...
On the other hand, preparations are starting here for Eid al-Adha, a holiday commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael by sacrificing a sheep (as God gave to Abraham to sacrifice instead of Ishmael). The sheep are bought a few days in advance, and I've been well forewarned by my host sisters as to the quality of sleep I'll get in a neighborhood of balconies and bathrooms full of sheep. I've also been warned (by a still semi-traumatized host sister) to not get too friendly with the sheep in the days preceding the Eid, like she did a few years ago.
Our wonderful program director/fairy godmother's email about Eid advises against watching or participating if we have a weak stomach as "the process is very bloody and messy." The sheep is slaughtered, gutted, and skinned on the balcony, then butchered to be eaten over the next month or so. Each family brings a portion of their sheep (or cow/multiple sheep, for large families) to be distributed to families unable to buy their own sheep. The day of the slaughter we'll eat the liver and head, then the day after lunch will be stomach, entrails, and chopped lung. Hooves are served with couscous, then the next few days are barbeque-sheep-filled.
Somewhat surprisingly, I'm not nervous for the slaughter and I'm actually excited for the food. After 5 years of vegetarianism (halted for this trip), I figure if I wouldn't kill something myself, I shouldn't eat it. This is the first chance I've had to actually kill something and eat it (though my host dad will probably do most of it), so we'll see if I do as well as I hope (or potentially have a complete breakdown). I've watched enough Anthony Bourdain to be excited for not-so-normal food, especially considering how well my host family cooks. With the unfortunate exception of my younger host sister, whose culinary skills we sampled a few days ago-- over-cooked macaroni salad with grated canned lunch meat and olives, anyone?
I'll keep you posted...
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