I have to admit, it's a little strange being in another country again during Thanksgiving. And this year is a lot less Thanksgiving-y than last year. Last year I was in Kampala. Because it was a USAID project, the office was closed on Thanksgiving day, so I gathered with a whole lotta American ex-pats (and one German who was thrilled with the discovery of pumpkin pie - Happy Thanksgiving Ruth, if you are reading this!) to eat, drink and be merry the good old American way.
Here, the office is open for business, since the little piece of the project I'm working on is really the only USAID part of the deal.
But in honor of Thanksgiving, here are some interesting facts about one of the favorite Thansgiving foods that you all will probably be eating tonight. The Mighty Potato (Sara S. - this is dedicated to you):
- There are nearly 4000 varieties of potato found in the Andes that come from 8 different species.
- Scientists believe they were first domesticated about 8000 years ago around Lake Titicaca.
- There are lots of ceremonies associated with the potato harvest, for example:
"Ritual ceremonies marked by singing, dancing, and drinking still take place throughout the year to ensure a successful harvest. Young men playfully drag young women across potato fields to make the land fertile. Cow horns and flutes are played to cheer on the plants and bring rains." (From National Geographic News, online)
Hmmm, being a young woman, I'd better stay away from those young guys when I go visit the lake. I don't know what time of year they drag women across the potato fields, but that's not a cultural experience I want to have!
I hope everyone enjoys their turkey today. Happy Thanksgiving.
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