Last spring, Nadia traveled to Fez to attend the wedding of her Moroccan friend, Salma. She had never seen a traditional Moroccan wedding before, so everything felt new and exciting. The celebration took place in an old house with a beautiful courtyard full of orange trees. Women were singing traditional songs while musicians played drums near the fountain. Salma wore a green kaftan that her grandmother had made by hand many years ago. According to tradition, the bride changes her dress several times during the night. Nadia was surprised when the guests lifted the bride on a decorated wooden chair. An old woman explained that this custom shows respect and joy for the new couple. Later, the guests shared large plates of couscous and sweet tea with fresh mint. Nadia tried henna for the first time, and an artist drew delicate flowers on her hands. Although she didn't understand every song, she felt the meaning through the music. She realized that celebrations connect people even when their languages are different. Before she left, Salma's mother gave her a small bottle of orange-blossom water as a gift. "If you come back next year, we will teach you our songs," she promised with a warm smile. On the plane home, Nadia wrote in her notebook that culture is something you feel, not just something you watch.
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