this phrase, which means "you're in your home" is one i have seriously heard so many times while traveling. as in, when we visit people and/or stay the night in their homes, and they're saying, 'make yourself at home.' and usually, the visit ends with them saying, 'tienes tu casa' or 'you have your home', as in, if you ever come back to this area, you are welcome to stay here.
i mention this because i am continually reminded of the incredible hospitality that i have experienced in latin america. it really is unlike anything i've ever experienced in the states. for instance, this weekend, when i went to guadalajara with some friends (which was fantastic, more pictures and stories to follow), we stayed with the friend of a friend and her brother. but also, her parents were visiting. so, the first night, there were 8 of us in their tiny 2 bedroom apartment. the parents slept in one full-size bed, the brother and sister slept on the futon in the living room, and the rest of us slept a couple of twin beds in the other bedroom. when we woke up in the morning (pretty late, i'll admit) the mom cooked us all eggs for breakfast, with fresh vegetables, even when we insisted that she didn't. and she doesn't even live there, nor know us! and as we left, they assured us that we were welcome any time, and it really is sincere. to the point that if i went by myself or with other friends, i would feel comfortable calling them up.
also, last week we had dinner with one of the board members of the foundation whom i've met a couple times. it was a really great dinner in her amazing house--overlooking the whole city. and she assured that i was welcome anytime i wanted to stop in and INSISTED that i bring my dad there when he comes to visit in a few weeks--which we will totally do.
and one final example that is always the best for me of 'latin american hospitality' is when i was traveling in chile. we stayed with my host dad's brother and his family for a couple nights, and the entire family of 4 slept in the parents' tiny bedroom so that we 4 girls could have the sons' rooms to sleep in. and they of course fed us and drove us around. and again, i feel like if i'm ever back in that city, i wouldn't hesitate to call them.
this is something i think a lot about and really want to bring back to my life in the states. because, really, it's not just about being willing to let people stay in your home, to crash on your couch. people here willingly sacrifice quite a lot for their guests, often times people they don't even know! in fact, i have never been offered a couch, always the bed. and like i've mentioned before, anytime we go to any of the small, poor communities where we work, we are ALWAYS offered food. and NEVER rushed out the door. which, is probably the thing i'll most have trouble with in the states. even if i welcome people in unexpectedly, i'm always looking at the clock, waiting to get back to my day and all the things i had planned.
just one of the many things i'm learning and hoping to take back with me.
2 comments:
I have some stories about similar hospitality. I am looking forward to meeting some of these wonderful people. This type of relationship may be the most important thing that you have experienced. Love, DAD
so does this mean that dad and i have to give you our bedroom now when you come home for a visit??? I have to tell you, wherever we have traveled in this country (and that's a lot) we have stayed in folks homes and we have always experienced the exact thing you have there. most people, in my opinion, are the same everywhere-hospitable, kind, and generous- I am sure there are others who are the opposite, but i haven't stayed with any of those folks.
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