update time...

i thought that i would give a little pictoral essay about my weekend a couple weeks ago when i went up to toronto with my roommate. i spent the weekend with all her persian friends and family, which meant that i got very good at the left-cheek-right-cheek hello and goodbye kiss. i still only know about 5 farsi words, so it felt a little like being in a different country. or i should say, a country more different than canada.

friday night party with afarin's parents' friends. they were a wild bunch. a lot of dancing, loud music, booze...things that transcend cultural barriers. you all know that i had no problem joining in on the dancing...they were pleasantly surprised at my ability...

getting dinner ready. the young man there is nick, who's engaged to afarin's sister anoush. he's a lovely american from a catholic background...can you imagine how excited his mom is about his pending marriage? i've enjoyed hearing about all the gossip of prejudices and disappointment....

setting up the grub. i have to say, i love that persian food. they certainly made good use of its ridiculously long history to perfect some awesome grub. i enjoy the use of fruit, like raisins and cranberries, and the yogurt. and the crispy rice that comes from the bottom of the pan....