A fairy tale night

For a long time, Persians have been celebrating long summer afternoons with a spread of chilled iced watermelon drinks in glass goblets, fire grilled kebob skewers wrapped in long thin sheets of oven baked breads, fresh herbs and vegetables on a medley of platters, and seasonal fruits posing beautifully on pedestals. There's nothing more mouth watering than the smell of charcoal toasted meat skewers, the fresh scent of mint, parsley, and basil leaves arranged around rosettes of radishes, the tart aroma of Shiraz Salad with strong vinegar dressing, and the bouquets of grapes, berries, and melon slices overflowing the dishes. Noosh e jan نوش جان is what is said at the beginning of each meal. It simply means "enjoy". On warm summer nights, when stars begin to appear one by one, after a nibble off the soft flesh of figs and a dive at the delicate dessert plates topped with dates and walnuts, remember the songs of birds fluttering about the garden, the late ocean breeze gently passing through, whispering old fairy tales onto the trees' ears. If you listen carefully, they'd tell you stories of love, romance, and infinite wisdom.