A Family Affair

***This was previously written on my phone, but I forgot to transfer it over to the blog ***

Today we went over to Magui's grandmother's house for lunch. We were supposed to be there at 2, but arrived at 2:45 since she was late coming home from work.

It was truly a family affair. At the table, there were 14 of us, and 4 generations of women. Magui's Grandmother, Magui's Mother,  Magui and Mercedes. It was quite the experience, and I'm so glad to have been there for it.

Being with so many people was intimidating at first, but they were so excited that I knew Spanish that they were all asking me questions about my experience in Madrid, traveling abroad, Chicago, and their various visits to the US. It was really fun to see just how good I've gotten at Spanish as I could not only understand 90% of what they were saying/asking me, but most of the time I was able to respond fluidly and in beat with the conversation.

The food we had was excellent. Definitely better than anything I would have bought for myself in the city. First everyone was served Gazpacho, the best one I've had yet as it actually had flavor and spice (I thought some of the others I've tasted were pretty bland. . .). Next it was an Alfredo pasta with bits of ham, and then salad. Once the main course arrived, I was excited to see how good it would be as everything prior was excellent.

We had patatas (potatoes), rice, and chicken.I don't know what it was, but this chicken was amazing. So tender and soft and delicious. People couldn't get enough. After the meal it was time for postre (dessert) which at these big meals is always some variety of fruit. Today it was watermelon and melon slices. Then, there was a bowl of some fruit on ice that looked like cherries, but tasted sweeter. And they're not 'cherries' but a cousin rather. We had a bit of a debate about this, and what the name for it is in English, when they finally chose to accept that they just may not have them in the US.

There were a few other words we tried to explain in English or Spanish. For example, they have a word for when people look very dirty, uneducated, have lots of tattoos and piercings, and speak a different way. They also have a word for "someone who dresses in all pink and has a pink car, pink purse, pink shoes, and is very Barbie". While we don't exactly have words for these phrases, I see how they came to be applicable in conversation later on.

After the fruit course, there was a plate of mini pastries, and everyone took a smoke break. Not really a break, but there was no food at the table and most of the 14 people lit up a cigarette. It was quite interesting to see the nature of this and how cultural smoking itself can be. Once this was done it was time for coffee, which most everyone partook in as well. I sorta felt bad for not being a smoker nor a coffee drinker, but once they got over the immediate shock, it was alright.

I really enjoy these large Spanish meals, as you can really see all the intricacies of a big family. the power structures and the dynamics between individuals are quite interesting and enjoyable to observe. I find it quite appealing, their interest in English and the US, and had some great exchanges about the American Rules vs. that of Spain. In particular the age at which you can do things.

I told them I was going to Madrid after lunch, then they asked if I could drive. I explained how in the states you can get your license at 16, here its 18. To rent a car, in the states its early 20s, here, its 21 (I believe). Drinking in the US, 21, drinking in Spain 18 (beer cans even say 18+ on them). They were baffled by some of the seemingly 'backwards' ways of the US, and all I could do was shrug and say "no se'" when the questioned it.

All in all, another fabulous meal accompanied by fabulous conversation. It's gonna be weird to go back to speaking in only English.

~Jenna