(Tangent: One PCV commented that she found out a teacher was retiring in the middle of the school year and could not believe that a teacher would be willing to abandon her class in the middle, even if that is when the teacher's retirement date fell. I commented that I absolutely would believe that, and I was asked whether or not I care about the kids. Jigga whaaaa? Firstly, it's not the teacher's fault when the retirement fell - that seems like an administration problem - I don't understand why or how retirement can fall in the middle of a school year, but that teacher should never be shunned for taking it on the date it falls. Additionally, no one would say (in their right mind), oh my goodness - I cannot believe that doctor took his retirement - he still has patients! Even the Pope was allowed to take retirement. It frustrates me when people act like the fate of the world seems to be in the hands of educators. And to act like the teacher is selfish for taking retirement - I'm over that sentiment. I do understand where the PCV was coming from. It seems sad for a teacher to not finish the school year, but the reality is - teachers are replaceable. I left my school year this year right in the middle of the semester after exams. Yes, my students were surprised to learn I'd be leaving at Christmas, but by the end of January at exam time, they were given enough time to emotionally prepare for the change. Anyway. Good teachers are, of course, invaluable, but don't put the fate of the world in the hands of a group of underpaid, overworked, societally under-appreciated workers and then say it's absurd for them to desire to take retirement. Ranteth completeth.)
Back to the party. So, mom now works for MEDUCA, the school system here - oh hey, connections! :) And she has upped the ante of her other business. In her other business, she delivers perfume, shoes, and other beauty products to people in Santiago. She keeps meticulous records and collects money. I'm not really sure what you would call this, but it seems to be a form of Avon lady, but for more stuff and without any real allegiance to one brand. Last Wednesday, there was a huge party celebrating the grand opening of her business. We visited the office in the past, so I knew something was going down - but I didn't grasp the extent of this business. I thought she had 2 partners in her business, because during the ribbon cutting ceremony - yep, there was one - two other people held the scissors with her, but it was just clarified that they are her employees. Mmm hmmm entrepreneurial mom. Take that traditional social roles! There was an awesome spread of food, a champagne toast, some soda, a Priest gave a longer than expected blessing of the building (there was a reading and reflection involved...), a drag queen gave a performance and MC'd a bit, and there was a DJ pumping the jams.
Firstly, WOW. I had visited my mom's office maybe 7 days prior, and the walls were still being painted and there were some splatters on the floor, but SHAZAM! Just like that, the office was ready for business. The party displayed many of the options you could have for your upcoming event. For instance, wedding attire, quince attire, food spreads, drinks, etc. One girl was walking around in what I presume was a Princess ball gown modeling a quince dress. Some of the teachers from the colegio (secondary school) showed up, so I was delighted to see "my people." I also spent a lot of time hanging out with Marina and her daughter. Marina is our housekeeper.
So, let's compare Panaparties to American parties. Firstly, when we arrived - no one was allowed to touch the food and there were no drinks. We were given about 1.5 hours to just look longingly at the food. (Otherwise known as socializing and paying attention during the many presentations.) Then after all the business was finished, we got in massive lines and buffeted the heck out of that food. It was demolished. I'm not saying the American way is better here, but we were pretty darn hungry by that point, so tensions were high. I would argue that people would've been a little more calm had we been able to eat the food at the start, but that's probably just my hunger talking. ha. Also, no booze except for the champagne toast. Not gonna lie, smart move, mom. Way cheaper for a party full of potential customers, plus, it was a work night. I did feel a little left out of the family stuff at times, but I get it - they were busy, but I did make an attempt to hang with Abuelo at times. He insisted I take my picture with the decorations, so I could update my Whatsapp picture. Oh, Abuelo.
It ended up an excellent night, and it was definitely a night of immersion, since we only spoke Spanish and I learned tons about yeye Pana-party customs. Really impressed with mi mamá for taking this leap in her business. Pretty darn brave if you ask me.
My potential new Whatsapp pictures. Thanks for the suggestion, Abuelo.
