Claudia

This is one of my teacher´s names. She´s about 22 years old and studying economics at university. Her birthday was this week- on Monday. I went on an open invitation- LAura was going, and said basically, your friends just drop by your house on the night of your birthday. We came from another meeting at about 9. Everyone was seated in a circle and there were snacks and drinks on the table. American music was playing. I realized I need to get used to this-- in this culture-- American music is playing everywhere- in the stores, on the buses. Claudia lived in the states for a while so she know a lot fo American music. Comversation is more with those you sit next to, than across the room. Her friends from the neighborhood were there as well as cousins and others that work at the Insitute. As more people came in, she introduced each of us and we all greeted with the customary cheek kiss. We were given a fork and a napkin and so I figured it was for cake, but little did I know we would be served a meal! It was good! And guess who served it- Claudia! When it was time for the cake the lights were turned off, and we sang three versions of Happy Birthday- a christian version in Spanish, the English version and then the Spanish one- they joked we would sing the Norwegian one next. Once she blew out the candles the lights were turned on, the candles were taken out and we were waiting for something. Her close friends gathered around close to the cake. I wasn´t sure what they were gonna do but it seemed like it was gonna be messy- she made it without too much frosting on her face. And she only took a small bite. Then another cake was served. Guess who served it- Claudia! I was blown away that in America we are the ones served on our birthdays! As I talked to her the next day in class, I commented on this difference and she said it´s because they´re Christians. At a normal Peruvian birthday they would be drinking! It was very fun and I was glad to be a part!