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| 22 years of age & Co-hosting my very first Thanksgiving Dinner (in Spain, no less!) |
I was reminded this week that Thanksgiving (also referred to El Dia de Accion de Gracias or Dia del Pavo) is not celebrated in Spain (or Uruguay or Panama or Italy), which I do not find surprising seeing as it is an American holiday. Who could have imagined that working in Spain would give rise to the (grand) opportunity to help prepare my very first Thanksgiving Meal [mind you, the Turkey was only 9 pounds)? It was incredible! I unearthed my ability to remove a gizzard, intestines, heart, liver, etc.
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| An unanticipated interest (Fortunate for our crony, Chelsea!) |
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| Almost having too much fun in the Rodriguez-Dixon department. |
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| Note: Polar Opposite Reactions to Turkey Prepping |
Chelsea (Yes, our own Martha Stewart, who has been planning this event for almost three weeks now) nearly vomited at this stage in the process. Hey, we’re a team. Today, I did the dirty work and Chelsea created something magical. Needless to say, we [representing 4 different countries: Spain, Italy, Panama, Uruguay, United States] all LOVED the finished product - by far, the best Turkey I have EVER had.
*Excellent Job researching the proper way to prepare a Turkey, Norita!
*Excellent Job researching the proper way to prepare a Turkey, Norita!
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| Respect the process, people! Way to go Nora! |
Speaking of Chelsea. What an incredible individual. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to live with some one who actually ENJOYS cooking! The majority of the food served for la cena (dinner) was prepared Ms. C Dixon [inspired by Martha Stewart]
Oh my goodness! And how irresistible were Nora’s brown sugar-sweet potato-green apple dish and roasted vegetables!? My mashed potatoes (Humphrey style!) were enjoyed, as well (Thank you for taking the time to share the recipe with me, Carlita).
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| Chelsea, Rosemarie, Amber and Nora |
Two fellow Fulbrighters, Amber and Rosemarie, came to partake in and contribute to the festivities.
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| [Rather] (Im)patiently Waiting for the Turkey! |
It was an honor hosting our second dinner party at the apartment (piso), particularly for a holiday as FABULOUS as Thanksgiving. What a GREAT experience: We cooked a Thanksgiving meal, in its entirety (As in, Chelsea went out and purchased an uncooked BIRD). Phenomenal. More importantly [from a multicultural stance] we hoped to express our gratitude for the kindness our new friends here in Spain have bestowed upon us, by sharing our own cultural traditions.
Once the table was set, the feast so wonderfully positioned in front of our eyes, Chelsea initiated the let’s-go-around-and-express-our-gratitude ritual. Beautiful play, Chelsea. I was touched by the words of our guests, particularly new lifelong friends, Melitza (Mely) and Ruben.
Once the table was set, the feast so wonderfully positioned in front of our eyes, Chelsea initiated the let’s-go-around-and-express-our-gratitude ritual. Beautiful play, Chelsea. I was touched by the words of our guests, particularly new lifelong friends, Melitza (Mely) and Ruben.
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| We love you, "Papa" (Francesco's father) I mean LOOK at this Turron (literally 1/14 of the dessert selection) |
While we miss our family and friends back home, I am so very grateful for the chance to expose our new friends (ALL first-time Thanksgiving dinner participants) to a holiday that I personally hold near and dear to my heart!
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
~~Author Unknown~~
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
~~Author Unknown~~
(Specifically Selected for This Year's Feast. Courtesy of C. Dixon)
Our Invitation E-mail (Slightly Modified):
Queremos invitarles a nuestra cena: del día de acción de gracias. Es este viernes a las 7:30 PM. Queremos compartir con ustedes como ustedes nos han ensenado durante nuestra tiempo aqui. Preparase por pavo, "mashed potatoes", "cranberry sauce", y todo lo bueno (que Chelsea esta MUY emocionada de ser la jefa cocinera)!
Si quieres traer sus postres favoritos..pues, "molt be"! Puedes abrir el "attachment" en este mensaje y si quieres También podemos traducirlo!
Si tiene algunas dudas, comunica con nosotros. :-)
Hasta el viernes, mis amores.
Besos,
[Adaliss, Chelsea y Nora]
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Join Us for a
Thanksgiving Feast!
v Date: Friday, 26 of November 2010
v Time: 19:30 (7:30 PM)
v What to bring? Yourself & Drink/Dessert of your choice
We will See you soon!
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