Canadian Dinner, 2012

My colleague, Bonolo, invited me to cook a 'Canadian' meal for her friends and family. I mulled over this prospect for a couple of weeks, as the date was shifted to accommodate more guests, and consulted with friends and family over Facebook to determine what would constitute a 'Canadian' meal.

If I were at home, I would serve visitors from overseas something like bison meat, or smoked salmon -- items that are not found here.  If  I were serving dinner to my fellow Canadian friends, it would likely be take-out sushi or a pre-cooked lasagne from M&Ms (just being honest, guys) -- again, not options here (and not what one would typically consider to be 'Canadian').

So, what constitutes a 'Canadian' meal in a foreign land ?

Ready to be served...(it's dark because the power is out)

The Menu

Green Salad                             (because Canadians like multiple courses?)

Shepherd's Pie                         (to represent the English/Irish tradition, Alberta beef, 

                                                  and PEI potatoes)

Chicken curry and rice            (to represent more of Canada's multi-cultural heritage)

Macaroni and Cheese             (in tribute to Canadian cheddar cheese... and because 

                                                 I honestly didn't know how many people I was cooking for, 

                                                 if I had enough food, 

                                                 and if there would be kids present who would like mac'n cheese 

                                                 as much as I did as a kid -- and still do);

and for dessert, 

Apple cobbler, served with ice cream and maple syrup 

                                              (apples, to represent a Canadian fall harvest 

                                               -- if it was fall in Canada like it is here --

                                              and the ice cream as a vehicle to serve the maple syrup.)

Self-serve, buffet style.  That's Bonolo's home made ginger beer in the jugs.

 The Dinner

Bonolo picked me up at 4:00 pm so I could get things ready before her guests arrived.  They were expected to arrive by 5:00 pm.  Dinner got off to a bit of a late start as some guests were late arriving and a power failure slowed the heating time.  Once the evening got underway with formal welcomes and introductions, we were a table of 8 -- three married couples (all expecting a second or third child), another single colleague, Tebogo, and myself.  Three little kids (one dressed as spider man) and their aunties / nannies milled about on the periphery, but didn't join us at the table.  

Waiting for the others to arrive, by candle light (black out).  Do you like the centre piece ?

The Verdict

Mixed reviews.  Diners commented that the Shepherd's Pie constituted a full, balanced meal, on its own; no comments on the curry and rice, but it was all eaten; there was a lot of leftover macaroni (kids had already been fed, and it had dried out while being reheated); I was asked for my apple cobbler recipe; and people seemed to really enjoy the maple syrup.

What's next on the 'Eat Like a Canuck' menu ?  Canadian brunch - with Dad's pancake recipe and more fresh maple syrup, recently delivered by a fellow volunteer.    
Where ?  My beautiful new house, with indoor and outdoor dining areas.  
When ?  Once my new house-mate has had a chance to settle in.   
For Whom ?  For everyone who has been helpful to me here -- the list is growing !
Why ? Because entertaining is fun -- even in the dark !

Leave for Change

I mentioned in my previous post that there are two new volunteers in town.  Gulnur and Renee are here for between 3-4 weeks on the WUSC/Uniterra Leave for Change program.  At home, they work for the University of British Columbia (UBC), who helps supplement their travel expenses so they can volunteer during their vacation time. Part of Gulner and Renee's responsibility to UBC is to keep their colleagues informed about their experiences.  Check out Gulnur Birol's UBC blog posts to learn about what she is doing for BOCAIP, the organization for whom I  work.  She is here to evaluate two different models BOCAIP uses for a program to provide psychosocial support to orphans and other vulnerable children and their caregivers (living in situations like Violet's family-- see previous post), to help BOCAIP determine which is the most effective and sustainable of the two models.  Part of her project involves interviewing project staff, clients, and stakeholders in the different communities where the program is run.  I haven't yet had an opportunity to see BOCAIP in action in its different sites, so I am learning vicariously through Gulnur's observations.  I think we both agree that BOCAIP is making a difference in the communities it serves.

Mother's Day Flowers: One Rose and A Violet

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  I spent the afternoon at a lovely outdoor cafe that is part of a greenhouse/nursery.  I went with two newly arrived volunteers, looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon.  It seemed a fitting tribute to my late mother to be surrounded by roses on Mother's Day.  I made it a point to smell and appreciate a budding peace rose, Mom's favourite.  My Mother's Day rose to Mom.  Those who remember my mother will recall her fondness for roses. 

We parted ways after lunch so I could prepare for my move (yes, I have moved!).  One of my (now former) housemates, Melissa, kindly offered to take me and my belongings to the new place. 

The housekeeper, Violet, was there to let us in.  As I was transferring my bags to my new room, Melissa chatted with Violet. From the snippets of the conversation I heard, I could tell they were making small talk about Mother's Day.

Violet: "I have one daughter."
Melissa:  "She must be a very special daughter."
Violet:  "Too special !"  (meaning what, that she is spoiled?)

Violet:  "But she is not my only child.  I also look after the children of my late brothers and sisters.  So, I really have 10 children."

At an appropriate time, I will ask Violet more about her life and how she looks after these 10 children.

I don't need to ask what happened to shorten the lives of her brothers and sisters.  Some things just don't need to be asked here.

Violet lives on the property with us, so I am curious to know where the children live, who looks after them while she is here with us, how often she gets to go see them (given she is here 6 days a week), what kind of support and help she gets, if any, etc.  If I find out, I will let you know. 

I am sure there are many more Violets here and elsewhere who deserve a Mother's Day rose.

Tree Talk

 Life Happens Under Trees.

“Under her acacia tree was a dusty place to sit… 

 It was a place that encouraged thought. It was here that Mma Ramotswe would 

contemplate some of the issues which, in everyday life, may be so easily pushed aside.” 

 There are more trees in Gaborone than I expected to see in a city that hugs the Kalahari.   

I’ve come to learn that not only thought happens under the shade provided by Gaborone’s 

and Botswana’s trees...Significant moments happen under trees.     There is a 100+ year old 

morula tree that spans over Nelson Mandela Drive.    It is protected as the founding site of the  Botswana Democratic Party in 1962.  In Kasane, there is  baobob tree in whose hollow prisoners were held until the town’s first prison was built ...Enterprise happens under trees. Trees provide shade for make-shift snack stands, for car washes, for tire shops.    When I direct friends to my house, I say, "Turn right after the car wash tree."  They know what I mean. 

My taxi stop is an unmarked tree behind the Methodist Church....

  Rest and respite        happen         under trees.   

           Half way       through     my walk home, 

I pass under a small grove 

of large trees.    

Their roots 

poke through

the pavement, 

as a reminder 
to the city that, 

“ We were here 
before you rose

 and we will be here

long after you fall.”   

For the 30 seconds or so 

that it takes for me to pass under the trees, 

    the din of traffic     is replaced     by the banter of birds   who breed in the branches.  
For 30 seconds,         I am transported     to another world.       Life Happens Under Trees.

 

Taxi Talk

Special Taxi - Conversation with male driver:

I want to go back to Canada with you.

No - You wouldn't like it there.  It is too cold for you.

I want to be your friend.

I don't need a friend.  I just need a taxi driver.

I want to be your boyfriend. 

I don't need a boyfriend.  I just need a taxi driver.

I want to be your husband.

I don't need a husband.  I just need a taxi driver.

(sigh!)

Shared Taxi - Conversation with fellow female passsenger:

I want to be your friend.

(ummm...??)

Where is your brother ?

He is at home, with his wife and kids.

When is your brother coming here ?

If he comes for a visit, he will come with his wife and kids.

I want to meet your brother.

(sigh!)