Compañante at the Quincañera

After watching the two youngest boys', (Oscar, 11 and Brian, 9) basketball practice at an outdoor court in Turri,  we walked back to have lunch with Juan's mom and Juan's brother-in-law, Alex who was very nice and even though he said he didn't speak much English, he tried. And it was nice, for a change. I'm actually surprised how little English people speak in this town. I really am grateful. I think when I get to San José, I will find more English speakers- not what I want! Anyways, Alex works at a cookie factory so he brought us about 12 packages of cookies, yum! I love the Marten's dining room because of its french doors so you have an incredible view and it has an extra large sized table. One side is just a long bench and I would say it could seat up to 12. Lunch today there were 9 of us. We had rice, pork, and salad with fresh cherry tomatoes from their yard.

Later, we made signs for the quinceañera and helped the birthday girl get ready. Tammy did her hair and make-up and Becky helped with her shoes and tiara and lotion! For a girl who just turned 15, she looks like she could be much older, very pretty girl! Quinceañera, if you don't know, is when a girl turns 15 she has a birthday party much bigger and more elaborate than any other year. She is celebrating becoming a young woman. The format of the party is very formal and similar to a wedding. For example, the birthday girl chooses either 14 people or 14 couples, called compañantes. Fourteen because the birthday girl is the fifteenth person. The compañantes are like bridesmaids/groomsmen who walk into the room arm in arm. The first couple of compañantes tonight were young, they looked like a ring bearer and flower girl. Then all couples continue in, the girl is escorted by her dad and other male family members. Then the father and daughter share a dance together. Then the compañantes dance the waltz! And then sit, and feast, and talk, and dance some more, and eat cake, and sing!

The most exciting thing of the night happened when we arrived. The birthday girl, Kristhyn, said that one of her compañantes showed up in pants (Ay yay yay!) so she asked ME if I wanted to be a compañante--ummm YES!!! I said yes. And boom, I got in line to walk in with Tony, Tammy's brother. Becky was also a compañante, which made it really nice for me! Even though I still had no idea what I was doing, at least I could speak some English to clarify some key parts: how do we walk in, where do we go, how do you waltz, etc. So you could say I got the FULL experience of a quinceañera! (We helped decorate the night before, too!) So glad I packed a dress and a nice pair of heels! I even got complements on them!

Here Tony and I are waiting to enter into the salón.


See the balloon arch? I helped with that. It's a good skill to have. If you ever need one for a special occasion, you know who to call...

I'm keeping that candle forever! It was such a great, fun, memorable, exciting experience. I was so happy to be a part of this!


<This is the waltz of the compañantes.








<Becky and Tony! So much fun! I had a blast dancing with them. And by the way, most of the time, it was Becky, Tony, Tammy and I on the dance floor. You could say we WERE the party.













< Here is the birthday girl! Feliz cumple!











Here is Tammy and Juan! <3

 Sra. Marten, Becky, Tony, me and Juan. (And Tammy is taking the photo)