The evening was turning to a good one, coolly mild. Good jams in the car from world DJ's to Persian pop, kept us hitting the high notes of our musical enjoyment as we drove from Nashville to Knoxville. Smooth drive, less traffic after we've made sure some smoothies take on the responsibility of satisfying our tastes buds while walking the fine line of healthy calories intake.
By the time we arrived the city of Knoxville, the night sky was upon us and a few stars dazzled in distant parts of the horizon. We pulled into a porch neighborhood, parked the car and entered the beautiful house filled with beautiful people of different backgrounds and races. We gave and received welcoming hugs and smiling hellos. No sooner had I relieved my tired legs, before I was kindly ushered into an adjacent room to the kitchen, were to the satisfaction of my gastronomic dreams, before my eyes, a spread of Persian dishes were beckoning for consumption.
From the sabzi polo (rice with dill, cilantro and green onions) , zereshk polo (rice with berries) to the salad, plus the sweet chicken, my plate was filled. I sat down to good conversation, happily eating away the fine foods. Which made it easier for me to follow the presentation of the evening: a fantastic presentation (with visuals) on the significance of the year 1844 by Joel Price.
By the time the night was over, the camaraderie, the joy of meeting old friends, the pleasure of making new friends, and that air of "Its Good to be here" had enveloped my being, and I knew from then on my stay in Knoxville and surrounding communities was going to be great.
And Great Indeed it was. The colorful trees and hills of the area was as colorful as the welcoming spirit of the friends here. Their gratefulness, enthusiasm, hospitality and above all, a high spirit of service to humanity, makes it an inestimable Blessing to be in their midst.
