Cubans, Columbians y Puerto Ricans

Last Friday night, the boys got a taste of reality. They were invited to the farm of the owner of the local Latino Market to participate in the killing of the pig for a traditional cuban pig roast. The boys had to slaughter and butcher the pig, and then prepare it for the party the next day. I knew that I would not have been strong enough to watch an animal get killed, but i believe it was a great lesson in humility for everyone, and helped us all to remember to be greatful for the food we have everyday because it is afterall, a life given up for our nourishment. They came back muddy and dirty, but full of helpful knowledge and insight into butchering meat, something we will need to know for some of the countries that we visit.

The following day was the day of the pig roast. After a half day of work at the boat, we ventured over to Ramon's house, where the whole pig was already roasting on top of a big open fire. Much of his and Claudia's family came over and we began to prepare many of the great Columbian, Puerto Rican and Cuban dishes. Sky and I attempted to help in the kitchen, with a bunch of women who did not speak english, which made for many laughs. We were making arrepas, which are similar to tortillas...but sky and i could not figure out how to form them into the perfect round shape that all the other women were doing. After all of them watched us struggle, they all (at different times) started yelling "mira! mira!" ("watch me! watch!) and were trying to show us the correct way, which of course, went right past our heads because we were laughing too hard. We also learned how to make platanos (fried plaintains), chorizo, arroz con frijoles (rice and black beans) and yucca (a root like vegetable). Hours upon hours passed, and many laughs were shared and our spanish was definately practiced! We brought over some of our guitars and we played and sang, until finally the pig was finished and all the food was prepared. And what a feast! The food was phenominal, and the company was even better, and I felt like I had formed a giant family. The latino culture is so welcoming and warm, and I felt right at home, even though I didn't speak the language. By the end of the night everyone was salsa dancing and having a great time. I wished the night would have never ended! And with the way that they party, it really didn't have to (everyone was up until about 4am) but I left early because I was so exhausted.

Since the party, we have had an outpouring of love ( and leftovers) from all of our new friends. Our community here is so wonderful and we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many fantastic and generous new people!