We've begun entertaining in our new home.  My wonderful host mom, Haja, seasoned the tajine pot I purchased so that it's ready to serve as my clay oven.

Haja, with the honorary title of "best cook in Morocco", prepared the first tajine in our home during our regional manager's visit.  Haja was once the cook for all Peace Corps events in Morocco, although she currently caters weddings and similar events.  The meal she prepared was tastier than any wedding fare I've ever sampled.  Haja has been traveling a lot since we got our own place, and we miss her.

Our second entertainment event was somewhat less successful, i.e. I did the cooking.  I probably should have experimented a bit with the tajine before hosting a gathering, but even still, it was wonderful to be able to entertain a family who's been such a help to us in integrating into our community.  Soukaina, one of the daughters, tutors both Mal and me in darija and also serves as our interpreter and go-between with the local and area-wide police force.

Badr, pictured here with his beautiful wife, was instrumental in securing our incredible apartment.  He is the best bargainer in our entire town, and besides talking the landlord down to a rent that falls within the Peace Corps budget, he negotiated a great price on our punj seating arrangement.

Speaking of great food, Mal took me to a nearby restaurant/hotel for Mother's Day, and we enjoyed an incredible view as we dined on traditional Moroccan cuisine. 

 The hotel was tastefully decorated both inside and out and sported a rose garden and other beautiful landscaping, as well as Moroccan artwork and ancient treasures within.

Speaking of great food, my second attempt at tajine is ready for taste testing - thankfully only Mal and me this time.  Bismillah!

Oh, my, that was good!