Fiesta Gallega

My friend, Irene, the woman that I lived with during my first 3 weeks, continues to give me memorable experiences that make my stay here more interesting and culturally rich. She invited me, Bridget (New York), and Mary (California) to a traditional countryside Sunday lunch. It was a gathering of her closest family, about 25 people, to celebrate a patron saint of Spain and the upcoming rival match between Deportivo (A Coruña´s soccer team) and Celta ( a neighboring city). It was splendid. Her grandparent´s house is in the countryside where each family has a plot of land with vegetables growing, an outhouse, and an orange-shingled roof. We chatted and drank sweet vermouth with a lemon slice (very nice!) until the food was ready. The dining room was crowded with 3 big tables, and everyone squeezed in and got prepared. My seat looked out of the window at the rolling hills and small gardens, the dew soaked grass and the grey skies, and I couldn´t help but imagine that I was being filmed in a Pilsbury crescent rolls commercial. Suddenly, the sweet smell of stewed meat and potatoes, cabbage, fresh bread, sausage, and chicken filled my body with intoxicating hunger. I went a bit overboard on the entrees, and was almost subdued by a coma when dessert came. They served a type of dessert cheese, a pastry tray, and cakes--all followed by coffee and Crema de Orujo, which is similar to Bailey´s, only much better. Daaaamn was I full! Then--the best part of all. The table of older gallegos ( the name of people from Galicia with their own language) broke out into magnificent song! It was awesome. They pounded the table and laughed and we just watched in wide-eyed wonder. Finally, a few hours later we left with many thanks and headed to the soccer match. Twas´ a great day, thanks again to Irene.
                                                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89PWyqWc42Y