Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, June/July 2022, p. 63
Diplomatic Doings
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, crowds of tourists and locals alike experienced the food, culture and history of Washington, DC’s many embassies with the return of Cultural Tourism DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour on May 7.
Despite unseasonably cold and rainy weather, throngs lined up early to view the artwork, furnishings and architecture of the different diplomatic missions. The highlight for many visitors was the delicious cuisine of the different regions, along with musical performances.
At Algeria’s Embassy, musicians entertained the long line of visitors waiting to enter with traditional Chaabi, North African Arabic music. Once inside, guests were treated to plates of couscous with meat and vegetables, facilitating what is known in some circles as “couscous diplomacy.”
Ladies and girls visiting Pakistan’s Embassy waited patiently to have delicate henna designs created on their hands by an expert artist. This special art—mehndi in Urdu—has been practiced in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia for over 5,000 years.
Some 30 embassies participated in the day-long event, including Egypt, Oman and Iraq.
—Elaine Pasquini
