The House of Coffee had their Grand Opening today beginning at 3pm. J and I arrived fashionably late but just in time for the party. A crowd stood outside the coffee shop. Gold and black balloon arches framed a small hut where hibiscus tea and mint lemonade awaited tasting. Gold and black bags emblazoned with The House of Coffee and their logo held party favors: A pen, a keychain, a coaster and a small coffee cup – all carrying the name and emblem of the shop. In addition, a small note with “thank you for celebrating with us” and a tea bag sized sample of coffee rounded out the gift’s contents.
Men in – you guessed it – gold and black danced around in a circle as an older gentleman kept time to the music with a drum. The leader of the dancing men carried a staff similar to a drum major and began throwing it to other men in the crowd, inviting them to join the dance. About half of the men came out to dance and half did not. All of the would-be recruits were dressed in suits and ties – a terribly hot choice on a sunny, 80-degree day.
Bayt Al Qahwah (The House of Coffee) is a Yemeni coffee house which officially opened its doors with music and dance, food and drink, smiles and welcoming.
J commented as we left, given the political climate of the country these days, he was glad the event went off so smoothly. I shared his relief. So many things could have happened to infuse the event with fear or hate. Instead, people smiled, laughed, danced, ate great food, imbibed fruity concoctions as well as caffeinated beverages and celebrated a new type of coffee shop in our area.
I am glad to celebrate the opening of a Yemeni coffeehouse. I am grateful for the diversity of this world. I pray every act of celebration will break down the walls which separate us.
3/27/26
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