A few times during the ten-week run of my Urdu II class, I brought treats to class with me. I was just so excited to be in a room full of people at least mildly interested in Pakistan and it's trappings that I wanted to share some of my favorite things.
On the first day, I brought some candy. Chili Mili, little gummy sweets in the shape of chili peppers that also have some ACTUAL pepper in them - they're spicy! I love them, and I took them to class and handed them out. Next time I brought a different kind of candy, amrood (guava) candy that also has a little spicy masala in the middle. On our next to last class, I brought Pak Cola. It was mentioned in the dialouge we were working on that week, and I wanted everyone to be able to taste what they were talking about. Now, Pak Cola doesn't qualify as one of *MY* favorites, I actually can't stand the stuff. But I took it nontheless.
Tonight is the 3rd installment of my Urdu III class, and that's the background to why my work refrigerator is stocked with Mirinda and Limca and why there are candy-coated saunf seeds sitting on the passenger seat of my car. If only I could find a why to fry pakoras and bring them with me. Or maybe I can convince my classmates to drive all the way out to the 'burbs for a full Pakistani meal sometime!
On the first day, I brought some candy. Chili Mili, little gummy sweets in the shape of chili peppers that also have some ACTUAL pepper in them - they're spicy! I love them, and I took them to class and handed them out. Next time I brought a different kind of candy, amrood (guava) candy that also has a little spicy masala in the middle. On our next to last class, I brought Pak Cola. It was mentioned in the dialouge we were working on that week, and I wanted everyone to be able to taste what they were talking about. Now, Pak Cola doesn't qualify as one of *MY* favorites, I actually can't stand the stuff. But I took it nontheless.
Tonight is the 3rd installment of my Urdu III class, and that's the background to why my work refrigerator is stocked with Mirinda and Limca and why there are candy-coated saunf seeds sitting on the passenger seat of my car. If only I could find a why to fry pakoras and bring them with me. Or maybe I can convince my classmates to drive all the way out to the 'burbs for a full Pakistani meal sometime!
9 comments:
I'd love to be your classmate ;) :)
Ditto on what Aaliyah said!
I've been meaning to tell you that you are one of the most caring daughter/sister-in-laws I have come across! The amount of thought and effort you put into embracing the Pakistani culture is really admirable. Really, you're quite awesome! That family is lucky to have someone like you in it.
I've recently gotten married myself (Pakistani girl living in Canada to Pakistani boy in USA but in-laws in Pakistan) and even that's a bit of an adjustment. You've gotten married into a whole another culture and taken it in such stride. I hope our country and culture doesn't disappoint! Take care
What a nice classmate you are!
Umm ... Limca is not a Pakistani drink, but Indian. Parle Group was later taken over by the Coca Cola Co. Just FYI.
Chili Milli! YUM!
I want to be in urdu class! But I think everyone would just hate me like the kids did in arabic class. but its the good kind of hate i guess.
Have I mentioned before that you are more Pakistani and most born and bred Pakistani people?
I've never tried chilli milli! or amrood candy! The most Pakistani favorites of mine were Cocomo (little round biscuits with chocolate inside) and Slims (spicy crisps).
I never really liked Pakola either!
That Chobani Yogurt is made about 2 miles from where I live in Upstate NY! :)
Hey there...
firstly Im seriously surprised your blog hasnt been bought up by a hi-fi Hollywood producer to turn into a movie already - ITS HILLARIOUS!
The best part about your writing is the depth of our culture..unfortunately for us pakistanis, the shadow of once being Indians is so dense that we end up believing that we're a form of wannabe indians..which truly is a shame. Your comments on Pakola and chilli milli, made me see us as such an Individualistic culture that it actually made me proud to be a part of this group.
Welcome to Paki-land :))
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