Cultural Differences

I have been exposed to many different cultures and lifestyles in the past 5 months. Malawi culture, obviously, but also Hindu and Muslim and a few others. Two nights ago we were asked by our coordinator here if we wanted to go to a Muslim wedding reception. We jumped at the chance. We've gone to Muslim's home for Eid earlier in the year so we are aware of huge parts of their culture but this was all new. We got dressed up in our nicest clothes we have here and headed off. The invitation told us to be there at 7:30 sharp. Like all of Africa and most Indian and Arab culture, time is a lose term. We were the first ones to arrive, people didn't start showing up until 8:30. Woman after woman walked through the door, dressed amazingly( it felt like we were at a fashion show) all in their beautiful Saris and dresses, we felt very under dressed. We all sat and waited some more. We waited a total of 2 hours until the bride and groom showed up. They were truly beautiful, dressed in rich colors and perfect fabrics. As soon as they sat down it became a feeding frenzy. Everyone dashed for the buffet tables and scooped up as much Indian food as they could. In typical Indian style there are no silverware so its all with the hands, it can get quite messy. After 20 minutes of consuming food we noticed the room had grown more empty. Apparently Muslim wedding receptions are all about the food. You sit and wait until the wedding party graces you with their presence and then the food is shoveled in and away you go. A true example of eat and run.