11 Nov Sahtain! from Amman Jordan

[From my time in Amman Jordan – Capturing Grace around the world on a 34 day, 8 country, 3 continent trip, photographing for organizations in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Israel and Jordan.

From my time in Israel – Capturing Grace around the world on a 34 day, 8 country, 3 continent trip, photographing for organizations in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Israel and Jordan.

Almost four weeks ago I left the US with a suitcase that included copious amounts of beef jerky and power bars (in case i were to get hungry ???), not one has been touched; did I have a lot to learn!

Hospitality, friendship and happiness are deeply woven into the DNA of the Jordanian culture; lingering and laughing over amazing meals is a common pastime. Gary and I have attempted to refuse 3rd and 4th helpings but with smiles and food that is this irresistible, who could refuse!!
So the new arabic word that has ben engrafted into my language is “Sahtain”…. there is no english version of this word but the urban dictionary describes it like this … “it’s an arabic word that means double health, when you wish someone to enjoy their food. before or after eating.”

The following photographs are from some of our favorite culinary adventures, lifting my glass to you from Amman Jordan… Sahtain!!

Zuwwadeh’s for Sunday lunch… this is where I discovered how much I love Limonana, a frozen drink that is popular here…

Abu Hatem Grills (since 1942)

Our favorite dessert in Amman Jordan was kunafeh at Habibah, Be sure and read this story about Habibah! The article explains this amazing delicacy (kunafeh ) that left Gary and I gasping for air and looking for new words to describe its cheesy deliciousness….

Nisreen’s homemade Mansaf is beyond my ability to describe. It’s always hard to determine what is my favorite here in Jordan, the food or the lingering around the meal to laugh and share. One thing for sure, there is an abundance of both. You are right Jodi Tucker, there seems to be nothing that Salam and Nisreen cannot do! This meal was homemade with an abundance of love…. ❤️