Southern Hemisphere Thanksgiving

When I planned my trip to Brazil this year I realized that I would be in the Southern Hemisphere for Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is a truly American holiday I knew my turkey dinner smothered in gravy would have to wait until next year. To my surprise I started working at the American School of Belo Horizonte (EABH) and all of a sudden that turkey dinner was like a light at the end of a tunnel. EABH is an international K – 12 school that follows American educational values as well as the American school calender. The language of instruction is English and both Brazilian and American holidays are observed. I am not sure when these kids go to school! Because of this fact EABH celebrates Thanksgiving for the parents and their children. I was told it would be a “traditional Thanksgiving meal.” The food at the school cafeteria is much better than what I remember when I was a kid eating frozen pizza for lunch at school. I was still suspicious. This is Brazil after all and Brazilians like to eat bean and rice with everything including pasta and potatoes. Imagine ordering a big hunk of lasagna and right next to it is a big pile of white rice. What would this “Thanksgiving” meal be like and what would their take be on one of my favorite times of the year to eat until I have to unbutton my pants? I found out on last Wednesday.

I arrived to a packed house with overwhelmed parents and excited children stuffing themselves. I tried not to look at what they were eating so I could be surprised when I got my food. I got in the line and anxiously waited to see what I was going to eat for this most sacred of American holidays. After 5 minutes in line and some small talk I finally arrived at the food. The first thing on the menu were ovos de codorna or quail eggs. What? You heard me right, hard boiled quail eggs and a cheese plate for starters. I passed. I am a turkey, stuffing, and gravy kind of guy. I was holding out hope. I arrived at the hot food to be greeted by what else but rice! I had a feeling they would not be able to make a meal without it. I passed again. Immediately after the rice I said hello to what I know as a thanksgiving meal: turkey, mashed potatoes, glorious gravy, candied carrots and my favorite...stuffing. I loaded my plate without trying to seem like too much of a pig and am American and I found a seat.

I started with the carrots because I wasn't sure what they were. They were sweet, crisp, and cooked just right. Next on the hit list were the mashed potatoes and they did not disappoint. There were thick, creamy, and rich and combined with the gravy they received two thumbs up from me. The turkey was a little dry but with the gravy or a little mashed potatoes it was good and scratched my itch for turkey. I saved the best for last and my experience with the rest of the meal gave me hope for the stuffing. Sadly, I was disappointed. It tasted like white bread with some liquid, of unknown origin, haphazardly poured over it with some green crunchy things that resembled lettuce. It didn't seem to be baked and there was no trace of sage. Your standard Stove Top Stuffing would have been better than what they attempted here.

Not to end on a sour note, I have to say that my overall impression of the meal: it was delicious and I have never sweated so much eating a Thanksgiving meal in my life! It was great to see people from all over the world enjoying something that is uniquely American other than Coca-Cola, Starbucks, or Michael Jackson. Thanksgiving is about bringing people together, slowing down, and remembering the importance of each other. At the EABH Thanksgiving Open House it was hot, there were people from all over the world speaking different languages, but I saw Thanksgiving in action.