Hey everyone, I'm Hibah Fisher and this is Kearning Cultures.

Stories from the Middle East and the spaces in between.

And one story that always kind of captures my imagination.

And you're listening to Kearning Cultures. And you're listening to Kearning cultures.

Today, we're sharing a story we produced back in May of 2017.

It's one of our favorites from the KC Vault, and we thought we'd bring it back up, especially

for our newer listeners.

If you've already heard it, still stick around to the end because we have a special update to share with you on Ellie and Zied's story and where they are now.

Okay, here's the episode.

Where do you want to start?

Let's start back in April.

This is producer Persia Verlin.

Sunday, the 12th of April, 2015, which is Orthodox Easter, and we're in Istanbul, Turkey.

So the party was an Orthodox Easter party. This is Ellie Gardner. So I'm Ellie Gardner,

and I'm a freelance photojournalist and filmmaker.

So my Greek-American friend was known for making this amazing lamb.

I was actually traveling to the United States the next day, and, you know, was in the middle of packing the bags, thought about not even going.

But it was this beautiful sunny day, and there was this lamb.

So I thought, okay, I'm going to make an effort and go. She lived far away. I went to take a bus

there. The bus never came. There was tons of people in line. It was a big tulip festival that day.

So I ended up having to take a taxi, which I never do, and finally made it there.

And there was no lamb.

...