The Lavendel/Wilson family: Corn Cook Out!

The family that we spend a lot of time with (Jose, Aurora, Lissett and Josecito) are very close to one another, so it's really nice to be with them and feel like a part of their close circle. We met them the first time we came to Tepoztlan in 2009, and shortly after we met, they took us in like we were part of their family. How incredible it has been to experience life as an insider as they shlep us around to all kinds of things that outsiders would never otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

We drove with our friends in their pick up truck (with most of us in the open back) up to the mountains for a corn cook out. We picked up a huge bag of corn en route from a friend, Adrián, who has a milpa (corn field) and met us on the side of the road. The wind blew through our hair and on our faces. The ride felt rugged with the jerks of the truck as we made our way on the uneven, back dirt road. We talked, laughed, and felt carefree... Once we arrived, I was taken back by the beauty of the place; an open field dotted with yellow flowers all around, surrounded by the glory and strength of the mountains. Warm and sunny with a lovely breeze.

We loaded off the old pick up truck (along with the huge bag of corn) and gathered firewood close by. The kids ran off together and picked flowers while our close friend (Jose) got the fire started with Brian. Others pitched in to help as we fanned the fire to keep it going. Tortillas (and great food to stuff inside of them!) were set up on the back of the truck.

As we were collecting firewood, a few cows passed by --- who knows where they came from? You can see loose cows, bulls, and horses just wandering in the streets free here. Most likely they made their way out of their fenced in area.

There was more corn than we could possibly eat, fresh off the fire. We peeled off the burnt husks and thoroughly enjoyed the "elote" either plain, or with the many possible toppings, including mayonnaise, lime, cheese, and chili powder.

Even though we were stuffed with all the corn and the other food we played running games. Musical chairs and a kind of tag game were really light hearted and active. Kites that the kids from here had made were also flown. When we loaded back in the truck and headed back to the village and to our homes, I had the thought that this is why we're here... We're getting more and more tastes of the Mexican daily life as time goes by. This is just one example of something we did that made me think, Wow, they sure do know how to live here!