It's Braai Time!

After a long week of learning and adventures, we went too our professor Vernon's home for a traditional South African Braii.  A braai can be compared to an American barbeque. It is a social gathering where food is cooked by the men on a grill and the women typically entertain the company. Many meats are served such as chicken, sausage, and lamb. The food is usually seasoned with a special mix of spices or marinade that make this occasion special and out of the ordinary.   He so graciously opened his home to us and welcomed us with great food and drink. This was definitely the best welcome we could have had to our new home for the semester.

When we arrived at Vernon and Esme's home we were so excited for the braai to finally be here. Two weeks ago this essential event seemed so far away but after tourism tales, travel adventures, and great fun our orientation was over and we were ready to experience "the braai".  We snacked on chips and crackers while we talked with the guests and some people helped prepare the salads. Vernon was hard at work cooking the meat and the delicious smells made us hungry, that's for sure! Everyone was enjoying the weather and the company and after a short while the food was ready!

Unlike any barbecue that I've ever attended, we did not just "dig in"  to the food. Before we began to enjoy the immense meal that had been prepared, we all gathered in a circle holding hands for a memorable moment. Vernon then explained to us the concept of Ubuntu. It means, I am who I am because of you. This is a widely held belief in South Africa and it is exemplified every day by everyone's actions and words. Vernon shared with us how happy he was that we were guests in his home and at that point he welcomed us into his family.  He told us that we were welcome at any time to visit and come in and that we should be comfortable in this home too. It was touching and really beautiful. After such an amazing week this small gesture bundled up in an overwhelming concept, Ubuntu, definitely made Cape Town special. As a community we showed appreciation for the food and the celebration through prayer and then it was time to eat!

Vernon the braai master cooking chicken and sausage!

The table was set with more food than we could have expected. There was chicken, sausage, lamb, fish, salad, pasta, pizza, and more! We were practically in heaven. Although I did not taste many of these foods, here's what I gathered: everything was outstanding but the lamb was exceptionally good! My favorite part was the Snook. The Snook was cooked in the traditional South African way in the oven and baked with tomatoes, peppers, and lemon. It was delicious and flavorful! We ate almost all the food and savored every single bite until we were stuffed to the brim. We sat for a long time and I was thinking that this was the most full I could ever be. We got tired from being so full but once dessert was served the excitement kept going. We played games and had great conversations. For dessert ate a South African milk tart and pudding. A milk tart is a classic dessert served in South Africa. It is a sweet pastry crust containing a creamy filling made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs. Esme's homemade milk tart was excellent! Everyone loved the taste and we were all wondering if it would be excessive to take seconds and even thirds! Although we were guests in someone's home we were also family now so we all served ourselves and helped to clean up the kitchen when the meal was over. I was happy to see us all working together and we had a great time too!

After chatting with friends and meeting new people our night was complete with hugs and "thank yous". I was so happy to be invited to Vernon's home and meet his friends and family. This was a wonderful South African experience and I am so appreciative for everything I've seen and done these last two weeks. On Monday we start our internships and before that we will be attending Vernon's church to hear him preach. I am feeling motivated, inspired and ready because of the incredible welcome I've received. It's time to get to work and I know I can't wait another minute!