lunch outside the paved city streets

One October day, Carlos came to the hospital, likely accompanying a family member or getting his blood pressure checked.  Little did he know that two American girls would gently harass him and ask to join their study.  He kindly obliged.  Two weeks later, he came back for results (Chagas test, diabetes A1c test, EKG).  He was thankful and invited us over for lunch, which we unfortunately forgot about until we saw him again last week.

So today, Jackie, Toria (another med student located in a nearby city) and I went to Carlos's house!  We were told to take a taxi to the end of one road, where he would wait by his "white volvo".  So here I am hanging out the window inspecting each old sedan.  What a surprise when we found him standing outside his only car...! (his daughter later confessed she was slightly mortified haha)

So we went 5mph on dirt road to his house where his wife and 2 daughters cooked as the 3 grandkids ran amuck.  I stuffed myself with pork and chicken (likely one that was running around the backyard), corn and cheese salad, and rice.  We all chatted, watched tv, and looked at photos.  Then 4 hours later we decided to go- they were so surprised we weren't staying for a cafecito (small coffee) too!  Anyways, it was a such a lovely lunch, and I hope one day I can offer whatever of a home, family, and cooking skills I may have amassed to others.

Jackie and the grandkids

like many houses in neighborhoods,
they sell something out of their door.
here they have ice, soda, and cold beer

their lack of smiles in this picture is not reflective of how much they love to
joke around and smile in real life! (smiling in pictures isn't a fad here)