Well of course it's a survival mechanism! If you live somewhere with a harsh environment like that, you learn to view the environment as a greater enemy than p

Well of course it's a survival mechanism! If you live somewhere with a harsh environment like that, you learn to view the environment as a greater enemy than people. Besides, giving people food and drink when they come to your house is just common sense. I mean, hell, I've never lived in a tent in the desert, but if someone's coming to my house as a guest, I damn well make sure I have something for them. If I don't, I cook, and preferably I cook something nice. This story about being impressed with barbecue Because Hospitality is a little exoticizing to my eyes, but then again, "Bedouin hospitality" isn't that dissimilar from my Jewish culture's attitude on these matters, modulo the exacting etiquette around coffee and time-limits.