Due to the late homecoming on Saturday morning, we did not quite manage to uphold our virtuous intentions; in other words, we got up slightly late, and only arrived in La Ventanilla around 8.30 (very late in fishmarket terms), to find that the tuna was already sold out. However, we found another nice big fish, of which we bought another huge chunk. After a quick stroll around, we went home again, to tidy the flat, wake up and go to buy the rest of the food.Amazingly we almost finished in time for Michael to go and pick up his mother. There had been a lot of discussion on how we would get her up the five sets of stairs because she is quite weak. In the end, she managed to climb them almost completely on her own while Michael was getting a chair to carry her on. I guess the only thing needed was the right motivation!
Very out of character, the rest of the family almost fell over the doorstep at once, and ON TIME! All the aunts settled in our living room after having inspected the flat and the balcony. Fortunately they had brought some drinks, because that was the one thing we still had to do... they passed plastic cups around and I made some canchitas...corn prepared like popcorn but a type which doesn't explode to the same extent. Soon the conversation was in full motion, while the male minority tried to light the bbq. Once that was done, aunt Rita took over organising the grill, while I tried to keep in the background, finishing off the salads and things. It was a slightly overwhelming experience with about 8 aunts storming the kitchen demanding all sorts of utensils that we lack. I was introduced to Michael's god mother, a woman with a very probing stare! Her only comment was "muy joven" (very young)...although she came around later and turned out a sympathetic lady.
In the end everyone was happy - Michael and his friend Toño went and bought drinks and ice, we managed to set up a buffet table and the fish turned out very nicely. Sophie and Arnaud (the BOSS!) turned up and were duly exposed to the family. I made some cocktails with pisco and a jungle fruit, and the old beer carousel started, with various uncles and cousins taking turns to go buy more...
Around 23, Michael's mum decided to call it a night, and most of the others left too. Only Franco and Angie and uncle Veto stayed for some more pisco and conversation. I started nodding off, and snuck off to bed around 1. Michael followed suit rather later and could not remember when they left the day after...all in all; it was a great success, it seems!
Conchi's Birthday Party
Conchi's birthday party
