Finally made it to see Najla and Khitam, 3,050 miles from my house to their shop. It was good to see them.
He was a proud old man, and thinks I am frightened of my wife because I do not smoke at home, and will not take a second wife. (I can apply for Iraqi citizenship after ten years in Iraq, but only 5 if I have an Iraqi wife. I put this to Clare, but she assured me if I progressed I would have only one wife and it wouldn't be her. That would be a shame, I am quite fond of her).
I was invited to have lunch with Najla and her family. Khitam came also. Families who have very little still host generously. Her father continued to heap more and more on my plate, despite my protests. There is no way we could finish the food they set out. But I think that is the way here. I had dinner with friends here and finished my plate. It was just right. They immediately ordered a second meal, to avoid the shame of appearing tight-fisted hosts.
