Happy Thanksgiving from Costa Rica! Believe it or not we did have a thanksgiving meal here, although it had some Tico flare.
I had my doubts that we would be able to eat turkey because this morning when I arrived at the ACM building the power was out. I was very concerned since turkey is the most essential part of the meal. So I asked my professors, “Cómo vamos a cocinar el pavo sin electricidad?” (Translation: How are we going to cook the turkey without electricity?) Their response made my heart stop. Here’s what they said: “Vamos a cambiar la cultura. El día que nos comemos mucho, vamos a ayunarnos.” (Translation: We’re going to change the tradition. Instead of eating a lot, we’re going to fast.) Well, I wasn’t exactly ok with that and I think my expression showed it because they then started laughing and said, “No podemos preparar un pavo! La comida está cocinando en otro lugar. No se preocupe, el pavo casi viene.” (Translation: We can’t cook a turkey! The food is catered. Don’t worry, the turkey is almost here.) It’s a good thing my professors didn’t have confidence in their ability to cook a turkey because I’m not sure we would have eaten otherwise. But we did eat; juicy turkey, tico-style sweet potatoes (they were green, not orange like in the US), stuffing, corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. I did miss my grandma’s gravy and Aunt Heidi’s apple pie, but I am thankful for the meal I got to share with my classmates and professors. This year I have many things to be thankful for;
- My family; Mom, Dad, sister, Grandpa, Grandma, uncles, aunts, cousins. I’m so glad I had the chance to skype with you all today. You made my Thanksgiving in Costa Rica feel more like home.
- My Tica family; Mamá, Papá, mis tres hermanas. They have made me a part of their family and I feel like I have a home here.
- My classmates and new friends. I’ve made so many great friends during my time here, relationships that hopefully we’ll maintain into the future.
Phrase of the Week: Estoy agradecida. – I am thankful.
