Wednesday, June 25, 2008

It's a monologue & E's news! Lucky you!

It was our privilege to host the farewell party for the other Gringos in the congregation - who have all deserted us!!! Thank goodness Barbara is still here!
Let me tell you about the Party System here. 1st the find some poor fool to say yes to being the hosts (well should I say the supplier of the house - it's really a Clayton's Party - the party you have without having a party). They converge on the house and no place is sacred or out of bounds. We were asked to each give $1 towards the dinner and we could have left it all in their hands but I have learnt from previous experiences that dinner won't turn up till at least 7.30 (the party starts at 4pm) so I decided to provide snacks too - a good idea but I should have had a lot more - they ran out by 6pm. We were happy to do it for C & M and the others though - they have done so much for us.
When the dancing got started the PO happily said that Mark and I would demonstrate NZ dancing. After a long day of preparation and also a couple of hours witnessing (starting at 8a.m) - I was so not in the mood but of course there was no getting out of it so once again we trotted out a chacha. We are definitely practicing something else before the next do!
There were so many people here - it was just amazing. In fact it seemed like there were 4 separate parties were going on at one stage. Some out in the front courtyard - singing to the guitar, dancing in the lounge - a group chatting in the back courtyard and of course the kids playing havoc in the upstairs rooms.
Dinner consisted of a huge pot of rice, another of a meat dish - supposedly chili - but they don't like really spice food here so it was very very mild. Also a slightly strange salad made of beans, corn and what looked like beetroot.
They have the system of feeding the multitudes down pat with the kids fed first - then sisters and finally brothers. In the line you are handed a spoon, a plate of food and a fizz drink of whatever variety (no choosing - I always end up with a fruity variety that tends to make me feel a little sick).
After the tucker it's back to dancing and having a great time.
The house was trashed and it took days to get the mud out of the "carpet" and the floor needed 5 washes but really it was quite cool and at least we didn't have a long walk home!
With reference to my new look - yeah I know I said I wouldn't do it again - but really who could resist the $25 dye jobs they offer here? I am hoping it will mean I don't get so stared at - although that may be a little too much to ask for.

7 comments:

The Kinlocher's said...

love the new look - very fetching indeed. So is that $25 NZ dollars? Might send my hair over for dying!not so sure about the number of people you had to have at your house - hmmm interesting about the kids upstairs and the story or the key! What a hassle - did it take you long to sort out?

Unknown said...

Hi Kiwi's,

You don't have to worry, so far we don't like it here! :-) We really miss you guys. Unfortunately we can't get in touch with you to speak of our sadness because we don't have your email address or skype. :-( We'll be in touch somehow.

The Scottys said...

OOH LA LA love the hair Beth! Wish we were there what an exciting life, and you are true to who you both are GREAT hosts.
Do they have the SMACKING BILL over there for kids??
Make up a sign in spanish for the no toilet paper left issue.
"Bless U for using the TISSUES" No toilet paper left tell BETH!"tE BENDIGA PARA EL USO DE LA TEJIDOS. NO PAPEL HIGIENICO IZUIERDA DECIRLE QUE!
AROHANUIXXXX

Elizabeth in Ecuador (de nuevo) said...

Scottys: Usted es muy cómico mis amigos y con ese español - usted debe estar aquí!

You are so smart see if you can work out what I am saying!

The Scottys said...

"You are very comic my friends and with that spanish you must be here"
GOOD ONE GUYS! Think I will stay with english! Heres one more.
Nosotros lo adorando amigo, la Marca trata a un maori expresa tarjeta de credito proimo tiempo puede mejorarse los resultades. Mantengase al ritmo del gran trabajo amigo posteriores.
Arohanuixx

catherine said...

Love the new look. Looks like some weight has come off to. Well done. Great seeing your friends on the E news lotsaluv

Elizabeth in Ecuador (de nuevo) said...

Lo Siento Scottys - yo no entender

I say that 100 times a day!