Hola,
It is December 25th, and here I am writing a blog. Being far away from home is so different from the usual and we have had many new experiences over the last week.
On 
the 21st we were invited to attend a pig roast out in the country in Arroyo Seco. This was a celebration marking the end of school and Christmas. The farmer next door to the school and his wife donate a pig every year and the church and many from the community gather. We were allowed to contribute the pop and so loaded down with about 12 (2l) bottles of pop, 3 bags of ice and 200 cups we arrived in time to catch a pre-view of the already roasted pig. It lay wrapped in dry leaves of some kind (and a garbage bag draped over it). We weren't sure if it was a good idea to catch this glimpse!
the 21st we were invited to attend a pig roast out in the country in Arroyo Seco. This was a celebration marking the end of school and Christmas. The farmer next door to the school and his wife donate a pig every year and the church and many from the community gather. We were allowed to contribute the pop and so loaded down with about 12 (2l) bottles of pop, 3 bags of ice and 200 cups we arrived in time to catch a pre-view of the already roasted pig. It lay wrapped in dry leaves of some kind (and a garbage bag draped over it). We weren't sure if it was a good idea to catch this glimpse!Several donors, including a doctor and his wife from Sosua, had donated inexpensive toys for each of the kids. Giving first choice to the students from the school, each child got a plastic dump truck, imitation barbie, flute or tea set, among other 
items. Then we all lined up outside in the dark (no electricity in the area most evenings) for a plate of food. It really was quite tasty, with rice, cole slaw and yucca slices supplementing the pork.
items. Then we all lined up outside in the dark (no electricity in the area most evenings) for a plate of food. It really was quite tasty, with rice, cole slaw and yucca slices supplementing the pork.It was a special time of celebrating with the community. The main challenge was wiping out the image of the roasted pig!
The next morning we returned to the same community to assist in packaging 100 f
ood hampers for those less resourced in the area. As we were waiting to get started, we noticed there was a cow being slaughtered in the pasture next door. We were curious and asked if we could watch. It was fascinating to see the precision and speed (about one hour start to finish) with which the cow was reduced to 4 quarters plus pieces of meat in the back of a truck on the way to the meat market in town. Hardly a thing was wasted, from the intestines being carted away to be prepared for food to teh neighbourhood dogs cleaning up the scene when all was said and done.
ood hampers for those less resourced in the area. As we were waiting to get started, we noticed there was a cow being slaughtered in the pasture next door. We were curious and asked if we could watch. It was fascinating to see the precision and speed (about one hour start to finish) with which the cow was reduced to 4 quarters plus pieces of meat in the back of a truck on the way to the meat market in town. Hardly a thing was wasted, from the intestines being carted away to be prepared for food to teh neighbourhood dogs cleaning up the scene when all was said and done.Yes, we still eat meat, both pork and beef, but realize how conditioned we are by seeing it only as cuts of meat in a supermarket. This is a livelihood for the rural people where life is hard and life is basic. Puts a new perspective on life again.
2 comments:
The pig looks like it would have been quite tasty. The cow slaughter would have been tough to watch. That piggy in the picture doesn't look too concerned that it may be next.
Merry Christmas to you both.
The piggy was not concerned about being next, was only waiting for a share of the spoil. And a Merry Christmas to you.
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