OUR FIRST PARILLADA

I feel something on top of my feet. I feel around searching for Ramiro’s feet. They’re on the other side of the bed. I push away whatever is on bed and hear the cat jump on the floor. Something else moves. I grab my flashlight and see the dog on the bed. A Cockerspaniel and another cat. How did they get in here? Was the door not closed all the way? This is not only Nena and Pepe’s bedroom this is also the room of the pets. They belong here. I chase them all out of the room and try to close the door as tight as I can.The house has moved over the years and most of the door frames are out of shape. I put my earplugs in and go back to sleep to wake up at 8:30 am. It is so quiet in the house, everyone is still asleep. We spend the entire morning organizing our things, moving things around in our suitcase, searching for things, talking with Nena. Check the internet for used cars. I write a little and meet more family members and friends. I enjoy some time in the garden, while Ramiro is on the phone asking for information about the cars. By now everyone has left the house, to work, shop or play. Every room in the house is dark. That’s how it stays cool and of course it conserves energy.

This family is one of the many who work hard, take good care of the kids, but barely make ends meet. Every piece of furniture is modest and old. The walls and woodwork could use some paint and the wiring needs fixing. They recently redid the bathroom; The Latino way. These material things that we find so important are the least important here. It’s the family that is more important. We are comfortable here. It is a cultural thing and make us appreciate everything we have so much more.

We decide to explore the neighbourhood and pass the old railroad building. This entire neighbourhood at one time belonged to the railroad company. The house Nena and Pepe live in, was built by the company for which Nena’s Dad one worked. Somehow the workers end up owning the houses. The family has lived in it for many years. When Grandma passed away, a year ago. Nena stayed in the house, which now belongs to the entire family, including Ramiro. All the land around here was bought by the biggest developer in the country. They built stores and modern houses and considered turning the old building into apartments and even a mall, but it has been protected as a heritage site. So here it sits, as an eye sore.

We visit Nena, who works in a little Pizza place.

On the same street is the veterinary/dog groomer/pet store where Pepe works. 

Wolfi picks us up at 8:30 and takes us to his
house in the city; A good half hour drive.
He prepares a Parillada (BBQ).

His wife is still at work. Meanwhile the daughter and her boyfriend prepare the rest of the food and shop for more supplies. Later, I learn that it is customary here. Those who can afford to hire help do so and sit and talk and be a hostess. Those who cannot afford it will have a younger family member take care of the food and the cleaning up. Now, How can I think of at home who will take on this role?

This is going to be a late night. Our schedule is totally out of whack. It will take some time
 to adjust. We remind each other to eat light. It is midnight when we finally eat. The taste of the charcoal comes through in the meat, which is only seasoned with salt. We are served the customary dishes. Tomato and onion salad, potato salad, pork and beef. How is it possible to eat light, when everything tastes so good? What a great night. Wolfi drops us off at home at 3:30 am