Ginger Snap Cookie

Dear Diary,

A most interesting evening since I arrived in this forsaken land.  It appeared to start as a normal day, hunting for provisions, performing the day to day tasks that enable survival.  It turned out to be more interesting than usual.

While performing a small menial task, I was reminded by one of the natives that I was to attend a yearly celebration that only a few rare visitors are permitted to see.  I don't see how I had forgotten as I had been looking forward to this event for quite some time. Fortunately others were more vigilant in keeping track than I.  Sadly I seem to be keeping my head in the books these days and not out in the field as I probably should.

The evening came and the strange celebration of "Winefest" began.  The entire village was gathered in a large room and the festivities began.  The personalities of the villagers came to light in most amusing ways.  For example, there were the individuals who took their drink and analyzed it through and through.  I came to think of these villagers as "The Elitists."  A great of example was when, in my apparent ignorance, I stated that a particular type of intoxicant was quite lovely...it was a fruity type beverage.  The person I spoke to ask, "Yes, but how does one drink it."  Perhaps she meant what she should drink with it, but my natural reaction was "Put it to your lips and pour it down one's throat."  

I held back in my comments...yet I was thinking which set of lips she would have imbibed through as obviously my way was errant.  I did tell her one should drink it for the sheer joy of it but I don't think she understood that normal beings drink beverages they enjoy....not beverages they think they should drink.

Alas, I am not wise in the ways of this culture, but to my credit held my opinions at bay.

Another amusing event was when one of the local females picked up a piece of bread and announced "Cheese!" to which her friend replied, "That's a piece of bread."  Her friend indignantly replied, "I know, but I can call it whatever I want."   I could not help but hear and burst into a peal of laughter, along with the two ladies.  It was quite amusing.  Perhaps you needed to be there.

There was also some samples of the local culinary fare.  I was especially fond of the cheeses.  It is truly amazing what can be created.

All in all I sampled an excessive amount of the local liquid fare.

This is another example of the wonderful cultural experiences I will take with me when I leave this place.