Couscous and Kindness

Last summer I took a photo of the little kids that live on our block. As with all things in Italy, things take time and it wasn’t until this past week that we were able to give them  copies of the photo.   Later that day there was a meticulously written note telling us that we would be getting a plate of couscous on Sunday. At different time we would run into our little friends and they would keep reminding us of the couscous to come.
Lo and behold on Sunday, a bit before lunchtime, our bell rings and Ysamine, Rima and MiMi are at our door offering us a plate of Algerian style couscous. How wonderful! Being young and curious they asked to see our house and as soon as they saw my desk they explained that they were artists and demanded (most politely, but firmly) paper and pens and Rima and Yasmine proceeded to draw us pictures of little blonde princesses.  Of course I’m wondering why these young Muslim girls are drawing pictures of little blonde princesses, but that’s a discussion for another day.

Lunchtime was a delicious affair as we sat and enjoyed our couscous and our growing friendship with our little neighbors. What good luck we have!