Wow, how fascinating! It shows how important it is to learn all the nuances of a culture when we travel to these places. I remember arriving in a Bedouin community and being given a coffee. It was extremely strong and bitter with strong spices added. It turns out that the coffee is a test for newcomers to show them the bitterness of the lives Bedouins have led. If the newcomer will humbly accept and can manage to drink the coffee, they are then rewarded with a cup of sweet tea to follow as a sign that they have now been welcomed in. Luckily, I like the taste of strong coffee. But I had never had coffee AND tea in such quick succession before.