Viva Mexico!

"GRITO!"

We celebrated almost in true Mexican style - except we didn't stay late enough for the real partying to begin! (I think the tequila came out after we left.) Our friend, Antonio (a.k.a. the music teacher from ISR), invited us over for a "Carne Asada" to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Of course, the invitation was for 9:30pm, and we even TRIED to arrive tarde, as Mexican time is even worse than Chinese time!

We didn't leave our house till after 9:30pm, got lost, and still managed to arrive too early :)! I was worried that I wouldn't know what to say, or that no one would talk to me. But all of his friends, and his wife were so incredibly nice and kind!!!! They all came up to us to talk, teaching us all sorts of Spanish vocabulary. We spoke in Spanish for hours, and finally, at about midnight, the Carne Asada part of the night started.

Jose Antonio & his family. (And Kris).

Apparently, only the men cook at the barbecue here in Mexico. They made quesadillas on the grill, threw foil-wrapped onions into the fire (not really sure what those were for), and grilled bistec, which we later wrapped into our grilled tortillas, topped off with guacamole and salsa, and chowed into. Great stuff for a midnight supper. We also had "salchichoneria", a kind of sausage that was also "asada", and tasted really good. We won't ask what is stuffed into it. Last time I asked, I apparently had eaten tacos with beef that was taken from the cow's head and cheeks (barbacoa).

Apparently it's necessary to wipe a grill with an onion first.

Manly men grilling lots of meat!

In Mexico, everyone yells "Grito" at midnight in memory of the guy who started the revolution a long time ago for Mexican Independence from Spain. That's all I know about the celebration - even though the official day is technically tomorrow (September 16), apparently tonight was IT - the real celebration.

I had mucho fun tonight making new friends - Mexicans who want to speak Spanish with us! And apparently, beat Kris at the Game of Risk.