Here in Chile, the 18th of September is like our 4th of July in the USA. On September 18, 1810, Chile broke away from Spanish rule and declared their independence. They celebrate in a big way, all week long! You see Chileans in their native costumes downtown, and there are flags of Chile flying everywhere! Lots of eating, asados (cookouts), and dancing. It's a happy time!
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| We attended our Ward Activity and this is our Bishop and his wife. You will soon catch on that Chile's colors are red, white & blue - just like ours in the USA! |
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This is an interesting traditional drink called mote con huesillo.
What you see floating is wheat (mote) and somewhere in there is
a dried peach (huesillo). The rest is sugar, water and cinnamon.
I think it is an acquired taste:). |
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| Here is President with one of our ward members, Juanita. |
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| There was some great entertainment and history telling. The flag looks a little like Texas, right? |
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| Ward members enjoying the evening. |
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| Fuzzy photo, but CUTE little girls! |
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| And two of our fantastic missionaries - |
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| And two more. The feast was great! Always lots of mayo on hand:) |
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| And then the dancing began - the Cueca (pronounced qwayka)! It is a courting dance, so the missionaries just get to watch. |
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It was SO much fun to watch, and every age participated. You can see white
handkerchiefs - an important part of the dance. There was a definite structure
and the dancers knew their stuff - and the ladies were so graceful! |
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| A cute young couple - they were great! |
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| Always a couple of foreigners hanging around:) - the members provided the props! |
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| Cute little girls in traditional dress. |
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| The last dance was a fun and funny little German type dance. There is a strong German influence here. In the center is our Stake President and his wife - so fun to watch them! See that roast chicken on the plate? THAT was delicious! |
