What makes holiday special? For some, it’s the family reunion, tradition or secret receive. For others, it may be religious, political, or professional association.
For me, holiday is usually travel time. I’ve had a motorcycle tour of Santiago, Chile; biked around country side of Cuba and helped harvest pineapples & tasted the sweetest ever; ate 3 breakfasts (everybody wanted to feed you when visiting) in Colombia, joined Turkish family and helped make fried sardine and börek. I’d always remember my 1st thanksgiving turkey with an American family who I’ve kept in touch since for 15 years. This year, I’ve enjoyed the Guatemala Xmas traditional food – tamales (see image) made by the sister of a hotel staff and napped on a hamlet by the river in a ‘lazy’ afternoon.
The stories can go on ‘n on…different country, culture yet what makes holiday special is the same – people…the generosity, kindness, and warm welcome. Language, politics, religion or race is never a barrier. Feliz navidad y prospero ano nuevo!