PHOTO Darbuka

Here is a photo of my new Darbuka. I bought it in the Old City of Jerusalem -- in the Arab shuk (market). I paid 110 shekels which is between 20 and 25 dollars. I still haven't decided whether to wrap it well and put it in checked baggage or carry it as my carry-on through Heathrow and O'Hare. Ugh.

I also picked up a few CD's with Middle-Eastern music all of which include great samples of darbuka-playing.

I think playing the darbuka is an excellent new hobby for this humble, middle-aged housewife. I draw the line at dreadlocks, however...