How many times have you been asking why you do things the way you do? How many times were you able to come up with a decent answer.

What can we say, except, it’s just the way it is! 

1. The real science is in how you make shisha

Because how you make sisha either makes or breaks the taste. As with all things though, practice makes perfect.

2. We turn obscurity into an art form.

Some people are black and white thinkers, others are just … ‘inshallah’

3. You get called ‘dad/mom’ from age zero.

You call your mom “mama” and she calls you “mama”. So does your dad and grandma and grandpa. You look pretty good for a grandma/grandpa!

4. These rugs are everywhere

Not to forget those colorful wool blankets we all have in stock for the cold.

5. Pita bread is the only bread we really need

They are the most versatile things on earth, and frankly, we don’t know how non-Arabs (and some other Mediterranean folks like Greeks) can do without it!

6. And in how many kids you have

You’ll need more than a canvas to draw your family tree of endless aunts, uncles and cousins.

7. Half a lemon must be available at all times

Because we basically squeeze lemon on everything, from eggs to mlookhiye to foul medames.

8. There’s superstition around every corner

Even if you don’t believe in superstitions, you gotta admit you rush to flip the shahata when it’s faced upside down, because you don’t want it “to face God.”