Dinner at Aracellis'

Talk about your local flavor. Last night Paula and I--along with Finca la Anita guests Anthony and Shauna from Portland-- shared dinner with Aracelli and her family. Who is Aracelli you ask? She is a local "homemaker" who opens her home to guests of Finca la Anita who are interested in meeting a local family and enjoying her food. Aracelli is a master on her kitchen wood stove-- this means wood lit on a simplebase). A simple meal of salad, stewed chicken, plaintains and rice and a custard like dessert were truly delicious in this native setting. But, the best part of the evening was meeting her family....husband Alfredo, sons Steven age 16, Jonathan, age 12, and daughter Allejandra- age 10. These people were so warm and welcoming, like most everyone we have met in this country. You are immediately embraced and kissed. Everyone greets us with smiles and warm hellos! Even though Liz was the only one in our group to speak fluent Spanish (mine is getting much better as the week progresses), and they spoke little English we had so much fun. We even played a Spanish/English version of Bingo after the meal with the cards holding different categories. When the word "snake" came up--Alfredo yelled "BUSH"!! Lots of laughs and high fives! There were many smiles at the mere mention of the name of our new President. Yes--we feel proud to be Americans away from home. We all laughed and laughed as we each tried to speak the others native language like a native! They insisted we pronounce the words exactly! Paula swears she is going to learn Spanish now.
Whatever these people lack in material things they make up in warmth and appreciation for the simple things they do have. We could all take a lesson from them.
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