A Taste of Culture

I was not planning on blogging again this soon, but I just have to share my adventures from this weekend. My favorite things that I have done so far happened this weekend, and I got a bigger glimpse into the culture that is present here in Uruguay. I can't wait to learn and discover more.

SATURDAY:
-We spent most of the day relaxing and just hanging out in the house. I am always up for that as I am always tired.
-Gaby, Abuela and I went to the mall so that I could buy a phone. On the way, we stopped by the gym that they go to so that I could take a look around. The trip to the mall was not all that exciting except that I got to hang out with some awesome women. When we were done, we found a little place in the mall to rest, have coffee, and enjoy each other's company(and that we did).                   

SUNDAY:
I woke up in the morning and went to a club soccer game with my older host sister, Valentina. She was going to cheer on her friends and she invited me to go with her. Of course, I accepted. I love soccer and new adventures! It was great to get to meet some of her friends and just hang out and watch a good game on a beautiful day. I couldn't really keep up with conversation enough to talk and make new friends, so I just enjoyed being there. It was also fun to observe the culture surrounding games like greeting friends and drinking mate(a type of tea that is very customary for Uruguayans to drink). It is winter here but it was a gorgeous day when we arrived at the field. I almost took off my jacket at one point. But about halfway through the game, it started to get dark, foggy and cold. I made sure to take a couple of pictures while I was there to share with you all and I realized afterwards, that they made the perfect before and after pictures. haha.

 

When we got back home after the game, we had an "asado": a traditional barbecue. It is customary for Urugayan families to gather together and have an asado on Sunday afternoons. Abuela and her "novio"(boyfriend) came over and we all cooked and ate together. It was so much fun and such a great taste of Uruguay's cuisine and customs. Here is a look at some of the food...yummmm.
                      
As you can tell, Uruguayans love their meat. We had chorizo, ribs(although they are cut differently than they are in the US), and gizzards. My favorite meat was the chorizo, but don't worry, I tried it all! In the  picture on the right, you can see thick slices of provolone cheese cooking over the fire. Who knew? Delish!



 Some munchies before lunch: bread, cheese, green olives, peanuts, oregano flavored potato chips(yum), and salami. Oh! And a charming picture of Abuela and her novio.

 
 

Here are some more pictures of the fam and the food. Too good not to share. And also features is a lovely and delicious torte cooked by Abuela(and some dulce de leche ice cream)! 

Thanks for reading! Talk to you soon.