The groom's wedding party last night was a big surprise.  First off, it was not on the East Bank, but here.  I knew there was a Syrian Sufi group hired to play, and I knew the bride would not be present.  Thinking back it might be likened to a bachelor party without the booze, dancing, music, and minimally clad women jumping out of cakes.  Would that still be a bachelor party?

What I found:

We were greeted warmly and led to a seat behind some German guests from Marsam who had been brought by the owner.  They only stayed less than an hour.  Mohammed's friend greeted us and stayed for  a chat.

Aside from the three or four German women, and yours truly, there were no women present.  There was seating for about seven or eight hundred guests although half were empty by the time we got there.

Apparently earlier dinner was served to all, then there was a two hour prayer session.  During our time the groom was greeted and best wishes said (or the equivalent).  The music group was playing religious music.  All this was taking place at the front quite a distance way, but monitors were set throughout so that all could see what was happening up close.

We stayed for about an hour more then took our leave.