For Lilian and the Indigos - Above Top Secret

Sarah had brought with her a stand supporting an ornate, enameled bowl atop. She set it
before us and ducked out, returning with a tall silver ewer and a tray of finger towels.
Nassim reached his hands out over the bowl and Sarah poured rose water from high up in
a stream over Nassim’s hands. He rubbed and cleansed his hands and then reached for a
towel, wiping the moisture away.
Taking Nassim’s cue, I held my hands out and felt the warm, sweet waters splash
enjoyably onto my hands and through my fingers. Having ablated, I too took a towel and
watched as Lee and then Lil did the same.
As she was pouring the aromatic water, I asked Sarah how she came to offer her services
to Chef Allouba in this capacity. It is unusual to have serving staff in human form. Most
places use ’botties for service. Sarah smiled and explained that she loves facilitating such
experiences, and besides, she admitted, she got the best Moroccan food on Earth! All the
time! I laughed, and we all thanked her warmly for her service.
As we chatted and laughed, happy in one another’s company, Chef Allouba began
sending, via Sarah, dish after dish of fragrant, pungent, sweet and tart and savory delights
for us to eat. Lamb and couscous, mint and pears, figs and apples, came in dish after
dish, set upon the table, and eaten by all of us with our fingers. All was very traditional,
and very delightful.
Sarah also poured glasses of a sweet wine, an aromatic tea, a strong coffee as the meal
progressed and as each of us might want.
In the middle of the meal, belly dancers and a troupe of musicians made their way into
our little space, and we gleefully applauded, commenting on the delicate design of the
outfits the dancers wore, and laughing in our joy and camaraderie. The enjoyment the
performers were experiencing was evident. They were in their bliss.
As the performers smiled and left to entertain other guests, with thanks for our
appreciation and attention, I brought up my Calendar above my lap and asked Lil, “Hey,
what are you doing here?” as I pointed to a day a couple of days ahead. “We’re going to
the fireworks show in San Francisco and I was hoping you could come over.”
Lil brought up her Calendar and wrinkled her nose. “Sorry, Izzy. I have plans to be with
Rajid Gupta for his class in jewelry-making – I couldn’t believe he had an opening and I
got in! – and Nassim will be giving a lecture in London on his theories in particle
physics. Wish we had the time free, though. I LOVE fireworks!”
“Maybe next year,” I suggested as I shrugged and shut off my Calendar. “It’s really
spectacular. And gets more so every year!” I grinned.
“Next year for sure!” Lil promised.