Today was my initiation to being accepted as a local
On my way to the market yesterday I was heckled by a few guys sat under a tree by a house in my ‘compound.’ So I went over to greet them and see what they were shouting about. I was invited to stop and join in with some Pito drinking. (Pito is a local brew made from Maize and then fermented over 3 days before it is drunk communally from calabashes.)It tastes a bit like cider. I managed to refuse politely as it isn’t really something I’ve fancied and didn’t really fancy sitting around in the blazing heat. I told them I would join them another time.
On my way back from the market today I walked past another house and the same few guys were once again sat drinking Pito. They shouted over and reminded me that I was still to engage in Pito. I couldn’t refuse, I sat under the tree, this time in the shade and was given a huge calabash full of this brown, murky liquid. Mmmm ! ! It wasn’t actually that bad, a vague cider like taste and drinkable. I chatted to who I later found out is actually my landlord and he explained all about how they make it and the alcohol content to match.
Not a bad stop on the way back from the market I was thinking until, I saw that they were roasting a duck, I was also invited to try some of the duck, oh dear, I was given a chunk of what could only be described as fat, gristle and bone. Apparently this is seen as the best bit and is always given to the guest of honour. I tried to chew away at it to be polite, but left most of it in the dish under the bench for later ! !
*Note to self, politely refuse when the meat is given out.
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