MONDAY 26th JANUARY

TARROFING

Writing this on the Philadelphia - New York express on Monday morning. Has been a good weekend at the Lady's parents house in the 'burbs of Philly.

Adapting to an Iranian-American household isn't too difficult. Luckily the Persians like to have a nice cup of tea fairly frequently - how very civilized. On the other hand they have this notion called 'Tarrof' which is like an ultra polite no-thanks when you mean yes. It goes as far as offering stuff you don't want to out of courtesy. And when you offer to help, they say no when they really want to.

It sounds very nicebut what actually happens is that I return with a very large belly, having done sweet f all, all weekend - leaving the Lady's parent's house empty of all food goods and spare cash.

I'm sure they get their own back tho' - the tea keeps me up all night...