Hospitality

I can experience stunning hospitality with many traditional references here. I am assigned a seat at the front of the table opposite the door (so I can always see who enters the room). Naturally, one sits on the floor. First, I am offered drinks and food. Normally, the main dish is eaten with fingers - but because I am a guest, everyone makes an effort to eat with spoon and fork (knives are not available anyway). I have the honor of sharing meat in portions (with the only knife) and distributing it.

After the appetizer and main course, tea is served and cake is eaten. Then the hostess distributes small gifts - of course, I receive more (see photos). And when it’s time to say goodbye, the guest of honor is given food for the evening! Resisting this is hopeless!

Kazakh people, as I am informed, love food, which holds a very high significance. At traditional celebrations, for example, when parents agree to a wedding, at least 5-course menus are served. Fortunately, I am only here for work!