Independence Day

We left the house this morning at 8:30 am to meet our lawyer, Diego, at his parents' house, which is located between Santa Maria and San Marcos. We all went to the San Marcos Independence Day parade where kids from regional schools marched in their costumes. None of them seemed particularly happy. Diego explained that this activity was mandatory for these kids and they've been practicing for months and were no doubt up very early for dress rehearsal. The sun was beating down and quite intense, as well, so they were probably hot and exhausted. Let's just say the energy did not quite compare to the American 4th of July extravaganza we're used to seeing on TV. After the parade and people quickly dispersed, Diego drove us back to his parents' house, where several relatives and friends came over for lunch. There were several tables under a canopy and an outdoor kitchen where the cook had been preparing food all morning. By the time we got back, it was time to eat. We were told what everything was, but I can't for the life of me remember. All I know is it was delicious. Diego and his wife, Maria Fernandez, were very attentive, introducing us to everyone including his older brother Aldo and his family and a bunch of aunts, uncles, family friends. There was Spanish music coming through the loud speakers and Diego took the time to translate the songs into English so that we would understand what we were listening to. We learnt that most Latin American songs are about getting drunk. Diego also showed us some amazing pictures he took with his very cool Hero 2 fish-eye lens camera. I have to tell Phoenix about it, she'd love it. By the time we left, we felt like family.