Sobremesa

Pretend that I posted this a month ago:

Whenever I talk to people here about language differences and words that don't translate well, sobremesa always comes up. We don't have a word for it in english, but it basically is the time spent around the table, talking and eating together.

Today my hogar had an asado, basically an Argentine barbecue, complete with hours of sobremesa. The school year and the actual year are both coming to a close, so many of my housemates will be going to their respective homes all over Argentina this week and will return when classes start again in February.

Alexis, who lives in the apartment above us, was the asador today so he got up and started the fire early this morning. He told me that the lechon we ate today took around 4 hours to cook. Marilina and Karen prepared the lettuce and tomato salad and the potato salad. For dessert, Karen made chocotorta, which is delicious layers of chocolate cookies and dulce de leche. It was very Argentine and very good.

Between bites of well cooked, delicious meat, I looked around the table at my friends laughing and sharing food, and remembered that this is holy. These are the important and beautiful parts of life. Being able to share your thoughts and share your food is something universal, something that happens all over the world, with all kinds of people. Breaking bread is sacred. Oftentimes, it is when we are finally able to recognize the face of Christ in those we meet.

Housemates and friends

Karen making potato salad.

My plate! Pork and salads!

Chocotorta!