MUNGO EATS Latin America

Today we started our homestay.  We met our “dad” at the school.  Because he knew we had a vehicle, he rode his motorcycle to the school to meet him.  He asked Sean to hop on the back of the motorcycle with him and I thought Sean was going to pee himself he was so happy.  We were not really sure what to expect from this family.  Would they have room for us to store our vehicle?  Would they be okay with the dog?  We were told there was a yard, but what did that mean exactly? 

The moment we stepped through the garden gates, all our fears were alleviated.  They have a HUGE parking area, enough for 10 cars.  The home is out in the country, so they have an enormous yard, all covered in grass (Mungo is SO happy).  The grass is only interrupted by fruit and shade trees.  There are mango, avocado, orange and lime trees.  They seem to think that Mungo is an okay hound.  I don’t think they noticed him ripping around the back yard like an idiot.

This is our room.  I think it looks crowded in the picture, but trust me there is plenty of room, especially compared to a VW van!!

The family consists of a mom, dad, grandpa, two daughters and a 2 day old son!!  They are hosting us and another 2 girls from Austin, Texas.  Why are they doing this when they have a new baby???  I am not sure.  Luis, the “dad” made us lunch today.  When we first got here, he asked Kevin if he was a veterinarian, but I told him that I was the veterinarian.  It became apparent at lunch, that that was NOT what he was asking after all.  We were served a delicious rice dish, full of finely diced vegetables as our main dish, then he served us a meat and fish mixture on the side.  Well, he served everyone some of this meat except for me.  Then he made a big point of telling me that there was no meat in the rice.  Oh no, I’m not a veterinarian, apparently I am a vegetarian!!!  I feel so  bad!!  The only saving grace is that one of the other girls that is staying here is a vegetarian, so he has to make sure there is vegetarian food for her anyway.  So now, do I try to recant my vegetarian claim, or do I just  play along?  The meat he made today was quite salty, so I think I will just play along for the week.  I just hope my mouth doesn’t start watering at the site of meat and betray me!  Next time I must listen more carefully!!!!