The last Thursday of November marks the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. My American friends told me that Thanksgiving is all about food and family--a short break for recuperating from the stressful work and an opportunity to give thanks for blessings in one’s life.
The week before Thanksgiving, I noticed that everyone, including my professors and people at work, were in the holiday mood. In discussing plans with my classmates, I learned that almost everybody from my cohort was visiting their families, and was looking forward to spend some time relaxing over the weekend. It was just enough reason for me to miss my family back home. However, I was grateful that Gina, my American roommate, had invited me and Naomi, my Indian roommate, to join her at her family’s home for Thanksgiving.
We visited Gina’s family on Thursday. We took a Metra train to Naperville, a city in the southwest part of Chicago. Gina’s mom then picked us up at the train station. The car ride from the station to Gina’s house was awesome—I immensely enjoyed the beautiful views of all the houses and Thanksgiving decorations in the verandas. After a half an hour ride we reached at Gina’s home. Her house was large and nicely decorated. Her parents were busy cooking a turkey and other delicious food so we utilized the time to tour her house and backyard. Afterwards we played lots of games on Wi-Fi (Video games) and enjoyed some a snack of hot chocolate and cheese and crackers. It was surprising that we were hungry again in just 2 hours. By that time, the much awaited dinner was ready.
We all gathered at dinner table, offered prayers and enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast. The table was full of bowls of different kinds of food, which looked and smelled delicious. Turkey was the main course. However, thankfully for vegetarians like me; there were lots of vegetarian dishes too. I enjoyed mashed potatoes (boiled potatoes with cheese and garlic flavor), green bean casserole (beans and crunchy onions cooked in the mushroom sauce), cranberries, Waldorf salad, and sweet potatoes. Everything was just irresistible!
After diner we all sat and talked, watched some movies, and enjoyed warm tea. It was a very relaxing day filled with great food and conversation. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this American holiday with Gina and her family.
The following day, I ventured out to participate in shopping on what is known as “Black Friday” because of all the great sales. Shopping the day after Thanksgiving is very chaotic; people are all pepped and set out early in the morning to get good deals on their purchases. I was quite thrilled to know that everything was extremely reasonable. I bought myself winter boots and a sweater for a real deal! Since we were in Naperville, we decided to visit shopping malls there, before coming to downtown. I bought my shoes from Nordstrom. Gina and her mother helped me choose proper winter boots, having no exposure to snowfall buying boots was really challenging. It is advisable to go for winter shopping with someone who is from Chicago or have been here for couple of years. Winter clothes are available in great variety and reasonable prices at most stores so having someone to assist you in the decision process can be helpful.
Shopping in general is fun in Chicago, There are really good shopping malls making it an ideal location for shopping. However despite good deals, it is always a good idea for students to stick to the budget.
After a long tiring shopping day we returned home. I was so tired that with all the pleasant memories of my thanksgiving holidays I collapsed in my bed and was fast asleep.
In reflecting upon the Thanksgiving weekend, I can truly say that Thanksgiving is a great time to eat, sleep, shop, and be merry. It also provided me with a much needed break in preparation for finals! I couldn’t have asked for anything more from God, I consider myself truly blessed for having such loving and friendly people around.
The week before Thanksgiving, I noticed that everyone, including my professors and people at work, were in the holiday mood. In discussing plans with my classmates, I learned that almost everybody from my cohort was visiting their families, and was looking forward to spend some time relaxing over the weekend. It was just enough reason for me to miss my family back home. However, I was grateful that Gina, my American roommate, had invited me and Naomi, my Indian roommate, to join her at her family’s home for Thanksgiving.
We visited Gina’s family on Thursday. We took a Metra train to Naperville, a city in the southwest part of Chicago. Gina’s mom then picked us up at the train station. The car ride from the station to Gina’s house was awesome—I immensely enjoyed the beautiful views of all the houses and Thanksgiving decorations in the verandas. After a half an hour ride we reached at Gina’s home. Her house was large and nicely decorated. Her parents were busy cooking a turkey and other delicious food so we utilized the time to tour her house and backyard. Afterwards we played lots of games on Wi-Fi (Video games) and enjoyed some a snack of hot chocolate and cheese and crackers. It was surprising that we were hungry again in just 2 hours. By that time, the much awaited dinner was ready.
We all gathered at dinner table, offered prayers and enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast. The table was full of bowls of different kinds of food, which looked and smelled delicious. Turkey was the main course. However, thankfully for vegetarians like me; there were lots of vegetarian dishes too. I enjoyed mashed potatoes (boiled potatoes with cheese and garlic flavor), green bean casserole (beans and crunchy onions cooked in the mushroom sauce), cranberries, Waldorf salad, and sweet potatoes. Everything was just irresistible!
After diner we all sat and talked, watched some movies, and enjoyed warm tea. It was a very relaxing day filled with great food and conversation. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this American holiday with Gina and her family.
The following day, I ventured out to participate in shopping on what is known as “Black Friday” because of all the great sales. Shopping the day after Thanksgiving is very chaotic; people are all pepped and set out early in the morning to get good deals on their purchases. I was quite thrilled to know that everything was extremely reasonable. I bought myself winter boots and a sweater for a real deal! Since we were in Naperville, we decided to visit shopping malls there, before coming to downtown. I bought my shoes from Nordstrom. Gina and her mother helped me choose proper winter boots, having no exposure to snowfall buying boots was really challenging. It is advisable to go for winter shopping with someone who is from Chicago or have been here for couple of years. Winter clothes are available in great variety and reasonable prices at most stores so having someone to assist you in the decision process can be helpful.
Shopping in general is fun in Chicago, There are really good shopping malls making it an ideal location for shopping. However despite good deals, it is always a good idea for students to stick to the budget.
After a long tiring shopping day we returned home. I was so tired that with all the pleasant memories of my thanksgiving holidays I collapsed in my bed and was fast asleep.
In reflecting upon the Thanksgiving weekend, I can truly say that Thanksgiving is a great time to eat, sleep, shop, and be merry. It also provided me with a much needed break in preparation for finals! I couldn’t have asked for anything more from God, I consider myself truly blessed for having such loving and friendly people around.
