Although it's very cultural to sit on the floor on top of a mat for dinner here, we had not experienced it yet. Every time we would go to the family's house for dinner they would have us sit at the table with the dad and some of the guest if they had people over, or with the dad and the younger kids if it was just the family. The mom and older daughters never sit to eat with us. They always serve and refill the food to make sure we are well taken care of, and then eat later. Such hospitality!
This day, while our friends were with us, the dinner was a little different than usual. The mom had invited her mother, who visits often, and two of her sisters to come over. Then the dinner was served on the mat on the floor. I was a little surprised, but very pleased. This day the mom and her sisters sat and ate with us as well. I told the mom I was glad she was eating when she wanted me to eat. Her meal was very small though because she said she wanted to eat the rest when her mother did, who was watching the kids.
There was a big spread of food - quite a variety.
Our two friends from Mexico (left picture, first two girls on the left side) were having their fill of food for sure. It's very cultural for Indians to continue insisting that you eat more food. It makes them feel very good and honored when you enjoy what they've served. However, there can be a limit, and the family knows what mine (a little) and Neal's (a lot) is. Our friends, though, were being very kind and felt bad saying no...so the limit was pressed, but they enjoyed it.
We'd taught some of the kids how to play UNO and they loved it! It became popular so quickly that everyone in the house was sitting on or gathered round the bed either playing or watching in order to learn. We had about 10 people playing before we were finished. I think this will become a regular game for all of us.
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