Helpful tips when in Africa/Morocco

My daughters had coke a cola for the first time today.  I was not a happy camperL When being hosted in Morocco it is an insult to tell the host no. We ran out of juice and she did not want the children to be thirsty.  They were like wow!! We never tasted this before. So here are a couple helpful tips when eating in Morocco.  It is better to be hosted that to stay in a hotel; you will learn the culture faster and you will eat much better. Every meal is well balanced with veggies, meat, starch, fruit and tea. If you have any allergies it is best to let the person in the house that speaks English know and they will inform the host. (Most likely your host will not speak English) Try not to have more then 3, try not to be a Booshie American.  The host will go out of her way to make things you like. It is best to like everything and keep smiling.  Every day in Morocco the family eats together. Everything shuts down for 2 hours during the day and the children and husbands come home to eat and nap before going back to school and work. When at the table timing is key;, it is respectful to try a little everything. Find the item that you like the most, because every time it is low she will keep adding more and insisting that you eat up. Your host has been working very hard all-day in the kitchen to prepare your meal, you don’t want to insult her. Now getting up from the table is very tricky. If you get up first she will think that you did not like the food and are not enjoying the company. If you try to get up last she will want your company and will keep putting more food on your plate. (I learned this that hard way) The best thing is to eat kind of fast at the beginning and then slow down at your second and third serving (it is customary to have more than one serving of food). Then watch the person next to you or across from you and try to time yourself so when they get up, you can get up. And keep smiling.  The Host will not let you wash dishes, but try to help by offering to wipe the table or sweep the floor, most likely she will say no and insist that you go rest, but keep trying to help she will appreciate it.