Gift and Heat

Today (which was so hot the govt declared a national holiday), I visited a lady who had just returned from pilgrimage to Mecca. We had to drink 'sacred' water, eat dates and I was given this headscarf. Going on haj is so expensive partly due to all the visitors who come to greet you on your return (this lady has already had nearly 200 in 3 days) each of whom need to be given presents and refreshments.