Thanksgiving to remember

Thanksgiving has all always been a wonderful joy with people whom you call "your own"! Every year the motto has been the same, but the people have changed. I can proudly say, that I have three families here, who are not my own or are not even remotely related to me, but who are not less than a family to me. Every year, it has been a non-american family, that has hosted the traditional Thanksgiving meal for me. The very first year in this country, An Iranian Professor hosted it for me. I was totally not aware of the tradition, but I was willing to learn. So, as always the festival is marked with feast and loads of fun. My professor had a very nice menu consisting of traditional Turkey, Hams, Smashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Though, I would have gorged on the feast, if I was a meat-eater. But, the fact that I am a vegeterian, made me relish on potatoes and salad:O Neverthless, I experienced the most talked of event in America after Christmas. Well, this year was truly the most memorable of them all. It was hosted by a Maharashtrian couple over her, who are very close to few of us Grad students. Well, considering that uncle and Aunty have been living in the US for past 40 years and they are well past 65 years of age. Despite that, they are as Indian as can be. They do not fake the american accent, they do not roll their R's:). The most striking thing about the couple is the way they guard Indian traditions at the same time being liberal and having a modern outlook. People who have acquired a lot and given a lot, back too. That combination is too rare. They are someone whom anyone can relate to. People to whom you can talk about science, philosophy, literature and voila..they have a huge mansion here. The first floor of their house consists of two rooms full of books. One with all english and other with Marathi books and CDs. Aunty, stil teaches Sanskrit to the little kids and yes! I do attend few classes sometimes:) So, well they had a Banquet for all of us today. We were in all 60 people!!!!! I cannot imagine the pains that they have taken to make this "A family reunion" Aunty, single handedly managed a meal for so many of us. Not to mention we had alteast 20 different dishes to choose from!!!!!!! Evey family has a history. Every family has certain rules and traditions that they abide to. In this case, when they got married 35 years back, they had resolved that they would have a traditional meal for people whom they are close to. And that they would observe it every year, regardless of what. As years went by, they came to know a lot more people and with time, the number of guest entries shot to 60 (with obvious subtractions, of course). They are non meat eaters, and can you imagine she roasts a Turkey only for this special day and which she does not eat. She roasts it because if you are doing something the traditional way, you stick to the traditions. You don't bend them according to your convenience. Since there are many Americans whom she knows and who do not have a family anymore, she does not want to deprive them of a Thanksgiving meal. Some people are inspiring and she is one amongst them. Anyhow, so this was a formal meal in the banquet hall of their house. Man, it was unbelievable and grand. Apart from the traditional meal we also had Salad, Rice, Cranberry pickle, Green bean casserole, Sprouts. huh!I dont even know half of the dishes names;( The best course was the dessert. Cakes and pies with Awesome sounding names: Here goes:- 1. Death by Chocolate 2. Better than Sex 3.Pumpkin Pie 4. Apple Pie 5. Strawberry Cheese Pudding I don't know from where people derive such motivation from. But, I was certainly amongst the lucky ones to be invited to it. Of course! felt like a family:) I know this one, will go down the memory lane too:) Now, my stomach is so damn full that I can easily go without food for next 3 days:O:O I hope I have gained a few pounds too, thats been my dream, since ages:(