 |
| the family's rice field right out our bedroom window |
One week ago Sunday, was the biggest Holiday for the
majority of the population here.
To
celebrate the conclusion of their month long fast, people travel to the home of
the eldest family member.
Thus most
people return to their villages, unless their parents are living in the city of
course.
The first day people gather with
their family and eat traditional food; usually consisting of at least rice
wrapped and cooked in leaves.
There are
at least a dozen different methods and leaves for preparing these individually
wrapped rice pockets; each with its own name too.
The second day people go around visiting other
family and friends at their homes.
We had
the pleasure of accompanying some friends to the husband's village.
We spent two nights with his family.
 |
| Caedmon played with cousins and fed chickens! |
 |
| cookies, fried bananas, and a corn-jello dessert |
We visited aunts, uncles, and cousins. At every house we were served traditional
cookies (tasting like short bread and arranged very nicely in jars), drinks,
and other snacks.
Traditionally during this
time, people also visit the graves of family members.
At the end of the stay, we spent one night at a beach well
known here for the white sand. It was
beautiful! We appreciated the time to
enjoy the beach, though it wasn't always relaxing as everyone desired our picture. We did have the opportunity for a boat ride,
which provided some alone time!
 |
| stopped for a picture |
 |
| enjoying the beach |
 |
| finally asked to take a picture of just us |
 |
boat ride!
|
On the way, we stopped at a village that specializes in boat
making.
These boats are made by hand (with
the exception of a chain saw and power drill) and sent all over the country.
