Meal Times in La Maná

Introduction:

Families usually really like spending time with each other. The family I am living with consists of a mother and four children that vary from 14 years old to 28 years old. They all care for one another and help each other out. Every family member has a busy schedule, but meal times are specific moments that they spend together. Dinner is particularly important to the family because they all sit down to talk about their day and share stories. Dinnertime is a very special moment that I have gotten to share with them. Do you eat dinner with your family? 

What tradition did I learn about?:

For many families here, spending meal times together is a tradition that is taught since childhood. The head of the house, in my case, the mother, will start to cook and ask her children to help her cook rice, tea, soup, or any part of the meal. Then the children will set the table while the mother continues to cook. When the food is done, the mother or oldest daughter will serve the food, while the others are seated. When the mother or oldest is done serving, they all start to eat. While they are sitting down, there are a lot of conversations that come up. There are also many moments of laughter and serious talks. It is very interesting seeing all of the members of the family come together and help each other out. 

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