The Gang goes American all over Belize

On Tuesday we decided that since our families have cooked so many delicious meals for us that we would return the favor. Enter one of the most American foods you can think of: pigs in a blanket. It began with us telling them about a week before that we would do this but not telling them what pigs in a blanket were. This led to them making ridiculous guesses to what exactly they were and a very enjoyable time for us to hear said guesses. When the day arrived we involved the kids in the cooking and a good time was had by all.

 The ingredients.

 Preparing the food.

 More preparing.

 Na.

 I love this picture. It has to be one of the best pictures I have ever been in. Let me begin by saying my mom was supposed to be eating cheese with me. Next, let me draw your attention to their faces, I don't think I need to write anything more about this. Finally, look how out of place the tall white gringo (me) is. I don't know if the cheese adds or takes away from it. I am wondering if it would have been funnier if I had the same face as them or not...

 Final product.

 Eating.

 Can you get more American? Ketchup, chips, and hot dogs. 

Going back to last weekend we got to go back down to Toledo to go to Maya Day which was a lot of fun. We got to see some dancing, a woodcutting competition, a tortilla making competition, and best dressed Mayan. The best dressed Mayan was hilarious because they did it by the applause-o-meter and apparently Mayans don’t applaud. It was ridiculously quiet when they asked to cheer for the women and I’m pretty sure that all the cheering came from me and other gringos. I was also very bummed out because they said they would have a gringo tortilla making competition and I was ready to go and win but then the competition never came. Also, the few food and drink I wanted I ordered in Q’eqchi and I was very happy and not a little surprised when they actually came back with the stuff I asked for (it’s all about the little victories right?).

 We climbed this huge hill with a great view of the lagoon. We could see a very long way and we could  also hear howler monkeys. 

 Dancing.

 Harp.

 Chopping wood.

 Peeling the tree to tie the wood together.

 The winner.

 Tortilla making contest.

 We also went to a huge cave right outside the festival.

Who would have thought I would go spelunking this much???

Best dressed Maya

CBT is coming to a close (I move out of my host family Tuesday alreadyL) so last night we had a host appreciation dinner. We had a slide show, games, and delicious food. Again, a jolly time was had by all.

 Manning the grill. This may or may not have been why the food was so delicious. 

 Pablo and I doing work.

 I feel like this too is a fantastic photo and that I don't need to say anything else about it.

Parents.

I will end on a cultural note that I have been meaning to tell you fine people about for a while. From day one after every meal the kids would individually thank everyone (including me) at the table when they were done eating. I found this very strange seeing as I did not cook the meal and felt like I did not do anything to deserve a thank you. About two weeks in my host dad’s mom came to visit and when she did the same thing and thanked me too I was really confused. I kept thinking that I did not do anything and they should thank my mom who cooked the food. Finally, I decided I should ask my LCF and he said that it was not about who did and did not cook the food, but rather that everyone took time to share the meal together and that they were thanking you for your time and company. I really like this and now I too always go around and thank everyone I eat with, even if I’m not in a Maya setting.

 The fam.

 All of us.