Straight from a Magazine

Traveling throughout the Middle East and Africa you see it all, but once in a while a scene unfolds before you that is truly beautiful. This happened of all places in the Istanbul airport while waiting to board our final flight home. There they were, covered from head to toe, a bit weary from travel and looking like they had just stepped off the cover of National Geographic.

They were a pleasant and happy family of 6 traveling from Israel to Morocco on what appeared to be a pilgrimage of sorts.  Their clothing and style suggested a more rural homeland and the distinctive markings of Jewish tradition covered them.  From tassels on the corners of their clothing, to a box with scripture around their fathers head they were like nothing I had ever seen before.  They appeared timeless, representing an era I had only ever read about in history books and Biblical texts.  Clutched in their hands was a Torah scroll and as I found out later, filling their bags were stacks of books!  

On the plane they sat in the row behind us and I was able to engage the mother in small conversations scattered throughout the flight.  She was breathtakingly gorgeous despite the years of wear and hard work that showed upon her face.  Patient and kind she lovingly cared for her family, producing home cooked meals and fresh fruit from within her belongings.  I wish I could have spent more time with them, listening to their stories, interacting with their children and learning about the journey they were on.  Unfortunately though neither language or time would allow, perhaps our paths will cross again somewhere in the heart of Morocco.