November 19, 2007

• A Mulitcultural Thanksgiving

  I'm headed to a friend's home for Thanksgiving. They invited me about a month ago. I'm just getting to know them, so this will be a chance to get to know them even better. They are an interesting family. Joe is American. Debbie is from Argentina. Their children, Lucas and Raquel, are completely bilingual. (I'm always so proud of myself when I hear Debbie interacting with them and can follow the gist of the conversation -- just the broad picture, not the  specifics!)

  Yesterday, I found out for sure that the holiday meal is going to be a mix of Vietnamese food and Korean food. (No roots on either side to account for this.) Joe is cooking and he likes to experiment. Can't say that I've ever had Vietnamese or Korean food. Though I did have a Korean roommate for awhile. She made something called Kim Chi. (I think that is the spelling.) It's basically fermented cabbage. Supposedly it ranges from bland to spicy. I admit to never trying it. The smell was very strong, and it always left me with a bit of a headache. Sigh. I think I have a sensitive nose. I don't like the smell of alcohol either. As a result, I've never even really dabbled in it.

  I must admit to being slightly disappointed about not having turkey and the fixings. It's the only time of the year I get it! But I do like Chinese food. Debbie tells me Vietnamese food is better than Chinese food . . . .

  But the food isn't really what the holiday is about. It is about being thankful. And I am thankful for the mutifaceted way in which I'm going to celebrate this holiday. I'm thankful for friends to share it with. I'm thankful to God for his mercy to me this year.

  And I'm bringing dessert. I know everyone thinks pumpkin, but growing up we always had apple pie. My mom said it was her biggest craving when she was carrying me and my sister. I'm bringing apple pie and ice cream.

  And my chiropractor promised to save me a plate of turkey. She said her mom will love the idea.

  Have a great Thanksgiving no matter where you have it -- with new or old traditions or a blend of both!

   

  • 10:05 pm
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