ESL Meeting #7 - 12/1/11

ESL Meeting #7 - 12/1/11

            Jeanelie and I were both feeling the lack of sleep catch up to us as we had had a busy night the night before. Needing a little caffeine in my system, I had purchased a Redbull at Union Grounds and was drinking it when Jeanelie approached me. Almost taken away by the fact that I was drinking a Redbull, Jeanelie explained to me how bad the energy drink was for me. I had heard this a thousand and two times now, however Jeanelie wanted to make sure that I heard it again. Practically addicted to the energy drink, I told Jeanelie how I had cut back my consumption. I explained to her that I knew that the energy drink was not the best thing for me, but that I needed the pick me up. She made me promise her that I wouldn’t drink many Redbulls in the future.

            Jeanelie expressed to me that she too was feeling more tired than usual today. She explained that the day before was the first year anniversary of her and her husband’s marriage. Congratulating Jeanelie, I asked her how her husband and her celebrated. Jeanelie, her husband, and her American family had gone out to dinner in downtown Fort Worth to celebrate. Unable to recall what restaurant they went to in particular, Jeanelie explained how good the food was and how nice and generous her American family was. Jeanelie said that the four of them had stayed out very late and she did not get into bed until late at night.

            I asked Jeanelie more about her marriage and about some of the traditions held around marriages and anniversaries in Venezuela. I asked Jeanelie if couples in the United States celebrated anniversaries in a similar fashion in Venezuela. Jeanelie explained that many couples do celebrate by going out to nice dinners and exchanging gifts just as couples in the United States do. Jeanelie explained that one of the biggest differences was that in Venezuela, the extended family is also very much involved in the celebration of the anniversary. Jeanelie explained how her mother cooks a big meal for her family to come celebrate and congratulate her older sister for her anniversary year after year.

            I always find it interesting to talk about and learn of the many different traditions people across the world practice. It fascinates me to hear about the ways holidays and special occasions are celebrated throughout the world. While it may first seem strange to imagine participating in the same activities Jeanelie and her family do to celebrate anniversaries, I can easily imagine my family all getting together to celebrate the anniversary of our close family members. My family is always looking for an excuse to get together and share a delicious meal. Hearing about Jeanelie’s traditions and different practices further sparks my desire to travel the world and emerge myself in other cultures. I cannot wait to study abroad and have always wanted to live in another country for an extended period of time. Talking with Jeanelie has further excited me to travel the globe meeting all types of people from all types of places.

David Belpedio