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What an honor! I have been invited by a Bolivian family to dine with them for lunch which is Bolivian's largest meal of the day. I have been excited to try all of the fabulous dishes served in Bolivian culture and now is my chance to do so. Apart from knowing that I sound arrive on time for my lunch which is usually served around 12-3pm I do not know a whole lot more about proper dining in Bolivia. I wouldn't want to offend my hosts due to my lack of knowledge so I will write this blog in preparation for this lunch.
Here in Bolivia I should never use my hands as utensils even when eating pizza, chicken or even fruit. Unless I am eating a hot dog or a sandwich my utensils will be used to pick up my food. Forks, knives and spoons are all used in Bolivia so I will not have to learn to eat with a different kind of utensil.
Burping or farting while at the table must never be allowed to happen. Just like in America those actions are also considered rude to my hosts. As they should be.
This is one that would have given me trouble. When I am asked to pass food to another person I am not to directly hand them the food but set it on the table next to them in case they are superstitious and believe that taking from another persons hand will bring bad luck. In that case I hope I don't break a mirror!
An obvious one is not ever to complain about my meal. I should always be thankful for the food I am given and be content with the food that I am given. Good thing that I am the least picky person I know. I will eat and enjoy just about everything made for me. I also must eat everything on my plate or it looks like I did not enjoy my food which in turn would offend the cook.
I must remember to not arrive to my hosts house without a something to share with them. I could make a dish of food or bring over a nice bottle of wine for the occasion. Whatever it is I cannot show up empty handed.
I enjoy complimenting the cook when I thoroughly enjoyed the meal but I must also be careful doing so. Compliments are encouraged and necessary but only when I have not had my full. A compliment would mean that I want more food, and I would have to eat that food even if I was stuffed to the gills. When I would like more food I must ask my host permission and not get the food myself without asking first.
These etiquette techniques should not be too hard to follow. As long as I am thankful and kind to my hosts I should not have any problem following these dinning rules. I do believe I am ready for my lunch and cannot wait to see what has been cooked in my honor!
Here in Bolivia I should never use my hands as utensils even when eating pizza, chicken or even fruit. Unless I am eating a hot dog or a sandwich my utensils will be used to pick up my food. Forks, knives and spoons are all used in Bolivia so I will not have to learn to eat with a different kind of utensil.
Burping or farting while at the table must never be allowed to happen. Just like in America those actions are also considered rude to my hosts. As they should be.
This is one that would have given me trouble. When I am asked to pass food to another person I am not to directly hand them the food but set it on the table next to them in case they are superstitious and believe that taking from another persons hand will bring bad luck. In that case I hope I don't break a mirror!
An obvious one is not ever to complain about my meal. I should always be thankful for the food I am given and be content with the food that I am given. Good thing that I am the least picky person I know. I will eat and enjoy just about everything made for me. I also must eat everything on my plate or it looks like I did not enjoy my food which in turn would offend the cook.
I must remember to not arrive to my hosts house without a something to share with them. I could make a dish of food or bring over a nice bottle of wine for the occasion. Whatever it is I cannot show up empty handed.
I enjoy complimenting the cook when I thoroughly enjoyed the meal but I must also be careful doing so. Compliments are encouraged and necessary but only when I have not had my full. A compliment would mean that I want more food, and I would have to eat that food even if I was stuffed to the gills. When I would like more food I must ask my host permission and not get the food myself without asking first.
These etiquette techniques should not be too hard to follow. As long as I am thankful and kind to my hosts I should not have any problem following these dinning rules. I do believe I am ready for my lunch and cannot wait to see what has been cooked in my honor!