i've never done something like this before.

Shawarma.

A mass of unknown meat, rotating on a pole, being cooked like rotisserie. Then wrapped in warm pita, filled with veggies, a peculiar sauce, and grilled.

You eat it once, only to find it becomes part of you; an addiction. You need your shawarma. And you
need it regularly. No matter if you are warned you could get sick from the street vendors.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is when a discovery of shawarma is made, lives are changed. In fact, the attachment to this savory food is changed so much that two metro transfers, a walk through a forest, and a long line won't deter you from purchasing the best shawarma in the city.


On the last day in Moscow, Danielle, Becky, and I only had one goal: eat shawarma from the little kiosk by the University of Moscow, roasted for you by two Syrian men. I had eaten there previously [as in the day before] and I knew it was worth whatever we had to do.

So, at about 2 p.m. we endeavored on our rugged course to eat the beloved meal. But, alas, as we approached the stand our hearts sank. All of the stands surrounding the area were closed. Except for ice-cream stands. And one restaurant that smelled pretty...well, weird.

Sadly, we meandered our way to an area that overlooked all of Moscow and moped about the lack of shawarma in our lives, and our tummies grumbled as much as our mouths.

Then, Becky miraculously spotted one the back doors of the stand to the infamous shawarma shop. Next thing I know, Danielle is halfway across the street, determined to get food.

She exchanges a couple words, only to find that if we want their food, we have to come back the next day. Pity, because we will be in St. Peters-burg on that day.

It was then decided that we would buy a frozen treat to fill our empty stomachs.  As we were buying these treats, we realized the Syrian man was also in charge of this booth. He turns to his friend and says: "These girls told me that they think our Shawarma is the best in Moscow."

They exchange words in Arabic. Next thing we know we are told, "We will give you shawarma. But in a packet. So that the police can't see."

And boy was it worth it. Eating illegal food is a feeling i have never felt. But, i think it may have made my shawarma taste better.

 As he handed us the bag with 3, steaming, delicious shawarmas, he handed danielle his name [abdal.....] and said, "you will add me on facebook?"

Unfortunately we were unable to find him on Facebook. However, we did snap a picture with him!






He actually isn't as creepy as this photo may make him seem.


k.billy