In a program comprised of 32 people from 20 countries, the sheer diversity means that there is always something to celebrate or commemorate. There’s Deepavali, the mid-Autumn Festival, Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, the Hungry Ghost Festival, Fourth of July, Canada Day… the list goes on. Having missed our batch’s celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving last October (non-traditional as it was, as they partook of butter chicken in the heart of Little India), I was not going to miss out on my first (possibly only?) American Thanksgiving as well. Exam or no exam.
thanksgiving turkey--and no, this is NOT what i feasted on 
There was no way my first (American) Thanksgiving was going to be one of those traditional Rockefeller-type dinners.
spot the tankers in the horizon
Dinner, yes. Indoors, no. Think prayers offered for the rain gods to shy away, think beachside barbecue–and oil tankers in the distance? That’s East Coast Park for you.
Our American friends valiantly trooped to Barbecue Pit no. 64F, hangovers notwithstanding, to prepare for the feast. No turkey–but plenty of barbecued pork and chicken skewers, grilled veggies, and mock meat kebabs. Salads, tater tots and corn on the grill were plentiful, as were chips. Beer, wine and vodka overflowed. Throw in some amazing portobello mushroom enchiladas and authentic fajitas (our Mexican friends’ contribution), Canadian-Dominican chicken wings (c/o Jonathan and Laura, who provided the recipe but failed to put in an appearance), dried mangoes, and German apple pie that did not have to be baked*, and you’re starting to get the picture.
No big football game (hell, no TV!), but we did kick around the football (read: soccer ball) a bit. And there was a Frisbee just waiting to be tossed and caught. And, yes, we stuffed ourselves over and above the protests of our stomachs. It’s thanksgiving. It’s what you do.
enchiladas, anyone?
And while we never got around to the part where people say what they’re thankful for, it just has to be said. I am thankful for that feast, for family and friends, for this wonderful experience, and for having had the pleasure and privilege to get to know such a fascinatingly diverse group of people.
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*German “Apple Pie” recipe
1 shot vodka
apple pie, german-style 
splash of apple juice
squirt of whipped cream
cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
- pour ingredients into mouth in that order (refrain from swallowing)
- swirl the mixture, then swallow.
