"Extended family"

Sat1dec07
Lunch with Gabi’s extended family, with fresh venison stew and a variety of salads (salata “sha-la-ta) for this visiting vegan. Being there was like being at home with my own family in growing years… Gabi’s mom working to make sure there was enough and everyone is comfortable, her father puttering in his workshop and keeping an eye on Gabi’s husband as he cooked the stew over an outdoor fire, conversation about anything and everything… only the languages were different. There is something inherently wondrous and familiar in experiencing yet again that as people we are so much more alike than different… the differences enriching all through the exchange of culture, history, family traditions and more.

Lunch is the main meal in Hungary, often preceded by a shot of liquor or liqueur to your health, in this case home brewed palinka and cherry cordial. Both definitely warm the innards on a cold day, the former easiest as a shot, the latter delightful sipped slowly.

The afternoon and early evening were spent conversing (often with Gabi as translator) with Gabi and family, her parents, and her brother and his wife and family of four children. Simply put, yet another relaxing “feel good” day, and lovely to part of their family for those shared moments. Funny, gracious, warm, generous, giving, practical… all of these describe these and the multitude of other persons I have met while here.