Reunion (Tunisia)

Tataouine had changed quite a bit in less than 2 years. Many avenues and housing were being developed as the pickup sped through roads that were now decorated with grandiose--though rather gaudy--ornaments like white cement statues and vases. A vast expanse of sand, hills and desert oases soon came into view, along with exotic, eco-friendly houses that were made of honey-infused clay. Occasionally, women adorned with brightly coloured red, blue or green flowing robes ebbed and flowed in the distance.

The lad who had invited me for an afternoon tea got off from the pickup, reminding the foreign guest to visit him the next day. In a minute, the pickup stopped abruptly in front of a humble adobe graced with two rusted iron gates. The kind interloper rushed indoors; an elderly man in a Muslim prayer cap and a woman adorned with a patterned red dress, silver bracelets and necklaces ran out to greet the Taiwanese visitor.

The man hugged me tightly to his heart; the woman kissed me five times on the cheeks, as if I were a long-lost son that had returned for a family reunion. I was touched, not believing this was the same family that I had stayed with for 3 unforgettable days nearly 2 years ago. And while the little Arabic I picked up was inadequate for the occasion, it did not seem to matter.

Emotions transcended social and language boundaries.