Khalil Shalabi had just returned from a vacation in Dubai. He used his turn as host to transport the barn to the Middle East. Home-made Middle Eastern delicacies were served as we drank Moroccan beer and puffed on a Houka pipe. Khalil gave us a primer on the ancient game of Backgammon, and then organized a tournament. Three boards were set up and beginers and experienced players competed side by side with great enthusiasm. As if that weren’t enough, we had a surprise visit by a belly dancer named Zaina, complete with veiled outfit and Middle Eastern music. Her excellent dancing was enjoyable and entertaining.
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I think all the backgammon strategies taught that night were forgotten once the belly dancer showed up!