We got the opportunity to go with Sarah´s family, Edwin and Lorena, last night to a traditional wedding reception. I thought for the most part that it was the same as our weddings. They played the wedding song as the bride and groom walked through the doors (they also played happy birthday), there were decorations and food and a big ol cake and a band complete with marimba. The only real differences were that the women were dressed traditionally and they did a traditional dance. There were two rows of people facing eachother and they just swayed back and forth, back and forth to the music of the marimba. I think that even we three could do it.
We brought them a gift: a set of tasteful white-with-gold trim cups and saucers. Later we frantically wondered whether we had the same idea of tasteful as they did. Most dishes here have colorful pictures of fruit or flowers or ¨Happy Mother´s Day¨ on them. Were plain ones considered tacky? I think we were okay though because we were served tea at the wedding in cups very similar to the ones we had bought.
Once there, we joined a long procession of people waiting to give their congratulations and gifts to the newlyweds. I couldn´t help feeling awkward as I handed ours to the groom with a meek ¨Felicitaciones¨. And though he was gracious, I couldn´t help but wonder if he was wondering ¨Who the heck are you people and why are you at my wedding?¨ Maybe they don´t think like that here. Probably, the more the merrier.
We didn´t dance except for at the end. It was a special dance for all the women who came alone. It ended up being a different and much safer version of when the bride throws her boquet. Instead of standing in a huddle behind her ready to body slam anyone who gets in your way, you dance in a circle around her. And she throws it 3 times so there isn´t only one winner. How nice.
It was a lovely evening and it was made complete by Edwin´s 80´s mix, including Billy Jean and Eye of the Tiger, that we listened to on the way home.
8 comments:
No mention of whether one of you 3 caught one of the 3 bouquets??
We didn´t tell you? Andrea caught the bouquet and had to get married. She will be having her stuff shipped down here shortly. And by the way Dad, you owe a dowry of three chickens and a milking goat.
The three chickens, I can do. But the goat is dry.
BRAVO! More More More!
Sarah - This is the first time I have been to your blog. The reading is wonderful, and the humor if great! Thank for all the details. We can live vicariously through you fully wishing that we were there. I can almost hear the spanish guitar playing in the background. I will have to go dig out a disc for today.
Tell us about the food that you have been eating. Have you eaten any fish? Have you gone fishing?
The first frost of the season came last night to parts of the front range. We have had a weekend of overcast skys with a light drizzle (in FC). This morning the sun is trying to break through the haze.
THe food here? today it is multi-grain Cherios and tea. Do you get much tea?
I'll put up a flock of pigeons against the chickens to take the deal off el mesa.
Wait a minute! I believe I should be the receiver of a dowry.
Chickens, did some one mention chickens? Tell me where to send 'em.
We could probably feed the whole country for a few months.
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