I know, that isn’t something completely abnormal for me on the race. But, a day in the kitchen with a stove and oven is something to write home about. But, that really isn’t the point of this blog.
On Sunday, it is very uncommon outside of the large city for people in the Philippines to work. As we are trying to be sensitive to the culture, that means we get to cook our own food on Sunday this month. Woohoo! The food so far has been incredibly good, but there is something therapeutic about being in a kitchen for me. You already know I am a bit off, just go with it.
Today was entertaining as I had lots and lots of helpers. I felt a bit like I was using child labor as about 5 kids stood around waiting for me to ask them to do something. They helped make the scrambled eggs for lunch and were quite impressed with my pancake making skills. I am pretty sure it wasn’t my skills they were impressed with, more the opportunity that if they stayed long enough and praised me enough I might give them some. I guess pancakes are a hit in the Philippines just like they are in America.
My favorite part was I sat down to peel and cut vegetables for the soup we were going to have for dinner. I got up to wash vegetables and when I turned around, I had 3 kids who had stolen my knives and were waiting for the vegetables. I wasn’t sure if young kids with big knives was a great idea so I replaced a couple of the big knives with butter knives and they went to town. They peeled my potatoes and carrots and then helped me carve a chicken. It was rather entertaining for me and they seemed to love the time with an adult (and the food I let them steal as they worked).
I have to admit, I did make a few cry. No, I wasn’t yelling at them, but I did let them chop the onions. I ended up finishing that job. They were great helpers and it really does feel like the soup was a labor of love.
