A few weeks ago in Morocco I was in a small town and realised my cellphone was running low on credit.
Often abroad I buy a cheap mobile and find making calls - even international ones - is far cheaper through the local provider - in this case Meditel.
I stopped at a shop proudly displaying the sign MEDITEL outside. Of course, in Morocco this only means it's a pretty sign (like Coca Cola); the shop had nothing to do with Meditel but pointed me to a cafe across the street.
The cafe owner said no, he didn't sell Meditel credits but summoned his son, working on his car outside (covered from head to foot in oil and grease) and gave him my 50 Dirhams (£4) and phone number and sent him down the road to another cafe whilst he sat me down to a free coffee and chatted to me.
The lad came back, my credit added; the cafe owner refused payment for the coffee so I gave his son the equivalent of 50p which he accepted with a smile and they waved me on my way.
It seems like a small thing but it symbolises why I find so many Arabs generous, friendly, open, charming and a pleasure to be with. See a beggar on the street eating a sandwich, smile at him and he will offer you his food and drink.
Of course it's stupid to generalise (Racist apart from anything else) but there is a kindness of spirit and affection which I miss in the UK.

That's a nice story, JK.

When I lived in Paris I had a Lebanese boyfriend, and therefore knew lots of Lebanese people in the city. Their generosity and hospitality was amazing- not to mention the food! (it's amazing how much veggie food they have).

lovely tale..very fond of Arab people.

I do the same in Asia..get a new mobile and card and give it away when I leave.

Hotel house maids love me...the number of presents I leave behind !

A friend loved this story and said he now understands why I love the country so much.

There is a very generous streak in the Arab soul.