Argentinean food is the center of many gatherings. Their cuisine is what bonds them together. They will often have family members and friends over for an asado. Although, I have never participated in an asado I find the custom extremely interesting.
The group will gather in the afternoon and begin the asado by roasting sausages and small meats. The guests who offer to help will be politely, but firmly, denied. The host is territorial over the grill - which is more like a large burning of coals with metal grates covering them up, sometimes stretching for several yards. The host will do all the roasting, which ends up being many in quantity and variety.
After the sausages are consumed, the next stage is other types of meat such as roasting beef (steak, tongue, udder, large hunks etc) and then they move onto pork. The roasting will go on for several hours, long into the night. The cooking times provide time for the stomach to rest and gear up for the next course.
A lovely sauce, that they put on the meat called "chimichurri", is made with parsley, garlic, olive oil and shallots. It is very flavorful and fresh. And adds a perfect compliment to the meats or the salad and rice that is prepared by the women in an asado.
The asado is not just a time for people to come and eat together. It provides several hours of slowing down, not rushing to consume everything at ones. They talk about life and events while sitting over the fire roasting meats. They pick the bones of a rib while they sing a tango. They look at the stars as night falls, breathing in the aroma of steak and enjoy the time spent with their friends.
Although I have never participated in an asado, it inspires me to find ways to slow down life, enjoy the moment, and have a slab of steak. Perhaps, by sitting by the grill with my family and playing darts, talking about politics, or maybe just sitting. I encourage you to enjoy your family in new and peaceful ways. Perhaps, around the grill!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Music of Burundi
There is not a lot of information about Burundian music, however most of their music is very traditional and goes far back into their history.
The traditional music of a Burundian stems from the villages. After a hard day of labor, the family unit would gather and someone would play a traditional instrument. Sometimes they would pull out a flute or recorder made from wood or bones, other times drums made of stretched leather.
As the music would play a simple rhythmic tune, a whisper-like voice would come in and sing. Perhaps, they would sing familiar tunes or make up new ones. Sometimes the voice would not say any words, but contort their voice into new sounds. The voice would rarely make it about a whisper adding a mysterious quality.
The music of Burundi sometimes discusses their violent pasts. The bloodshed, pain and horror that the musicians felt, reaches into anyone of the listeners hearts. They will also sing about their love for Burundi itself: the mountains, plains, animals and people. This too will give a connection between the composer and the listener.
Burundian villagers use music as one of their few forms of entertainment and relaxation. Even the most untalented at performing the music is able to enjoy and connect with it on a deeper level. It becomes a bridge between strangers, a bond that sometimes is deeper than one could imagine.
The traditional music of a Burundian stems from the villages. After a hard day of labor, the family unit would gather and someone would play a traditional instrument. Sometimes they would pull out a flute or recorder made from wood or bones, other times drums made of stretched leather.
As the music would play a simple rhythmic tune, a whisper-like voice would come in and sing. Perhaps, they would sing familiar tunes or make up new ones. Sometimes the voice would not say any words, but contort their voice into new sounds. The voice would rarely make it about a whisper adding a mysterious quality.
The music of Burundi sometimes discusses their violent pasts. The bloodshed, pain and horror that the musicians felt, reaches into anyone of the listeners hearts. They will also sing about their love for Burundi itself: the mountains, plains, animals and people. This too will give a connection between the composer and the listener.
Burundian villagers use music as one of their few forms of entertainment and relaxation. Even the most untalented at performing the music is able to enjoy and connect with it on a deeper level. It becomes a bridge between strangers, a bond that sometimes is deeper than one could imagine.
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