My mother (as mentioned in a previous post) hosted this year's Thanksgiving. She hurdled up about 40 of our closest relatives into our home despite the fact that we owned maybe 10 chairs altogether.In true Filipino tradition, everyone brought something to consume. From mashed potatoes and salad to bibinka (a dessert made with coconut milk) and lengua (beef tongue), our Thanksgiving meal spanned continents. The food probably took up about 3 normal length dining room tables.
Uncle Ed, an old white uncle, managed to bring Balut. Surely from the outside it appears to be a normal egg. However, once the eggshell is cracked, your dinner is revealed: an "almost" baby chick. This, to me, has always been the most horrifying of Filipino cuisine. It's difficult for me even to be in the same room with someone eating it. So leave it to my mother to torment our "non-Filipino" relatives and loved ones and force them to eat it. (Yes, we are a very diverse family) My mother's method of psychological hazing almost appears to be a "welcome" to the family or just a joke at their expense. I'm still not quite sure. Loud laughter from our doors could be heard blocks away.
After I had caught up with my relatives, some of us explored the world of Rockband. (My father would like to add the disclaimer that Rockband is NOT a performance art and that he has the REAL thing in his office.) Yes even my grandma played the guitar to Ballroom Blitz. Or was it Gimme Shelter? I can't remember.
Overall, an exhausting and rewarding holiday. Typically unorthodox, just like my unbelievably cool family. Maybe you'll be invited next year.
