A Mexican welcome!

On Sunday, Mini's brother-in-law's (Hector's) family invited myself and mum and dad to join them for lunch to welcome mum and dad to Mexico. We were picked up at 1 and I mentioned to dad on the way there, that it could potentiallygo on till 8 (we got back at around 9!). They live in the village of Queseria which is North of Colimatowards the volcano. When we arrived we were given beer and sat around a big table in the garden. More and more people arrived until there was all of Mini's family and all of Hector's family, plus friends - there must have been about 20 of us! Bowls of meat and veg were plonked on the table along with tortillas and limes, so we all started tucking in whole-heartedly (the food was great!), until Hector told us that this was just a starter!

Everyone gather ing around the table in the garden, and Hector at the BBQ

As the afternoon wore on, more and more food was cooked on the BBQ and we were urged to eat everything. Dad seemed to get the brunt of the force-feeding, so in the end I let him know that it wouldn't be offensive to say no! He was also fed tequila, which he cunningly managed to pass along to an American lady who loves tequila!

Hector's dad is a typical short round bearded Mexican who loves his tequila and cigarettes. I went and sat next to him and thanked him for inviting us and he replied "I didn't invite you. I was told you were coming"! He then asked me about the volcano and then mid-sentence suddenly stood up and told me he had a big rock for me to see. He wanted to know if it was deposited by a glacier in his garden. I told him I thought it was more likely it was deposited by a debris avalanche seeing as we were so close to the volcano. He didn't like this reply and then told everyone I said it wasn't a real rock and that it's plastic!

Margerita and Hector's dad (also Hector) setting fire to a cloth! Mum eating watermelon!

Mini's mum was eating a piece of watermelon, and then recited a short poem to us abut how the watermelon is like the Mexican flag, which then started a whole bunch of poems and songs about the flag. Mexicans are very proud of their country, and having seen a bit more of Mexico, I completely understand why. I love it.

This a video of everyone singing a song about the Mexican flag. It gives a little insight as to how the afternoon was!