High School Graduation

This is the time of year when school ends for summer vacation in Paraguay. We were invited to go to the grad supper of two friends who were graduating so we went.

The invitation said that it started at 8:00 pm and that is was a supper. Knowing that events tend to start late rather than early, we made sure not to show up before the stated time. We were within the first 10 people to arrive. The rest showed up between 9 and 10.

Every grad could invite 10 guests, who all sat at one table. I guess the drinks were not included with the supper so the family of every grad brought a cooler full of drinks for their table. The family we sat with had good taste, Coca Cola.

The grads had decided that all the girls would wear baby blue dresses and the guys would wear black pants, baby blue (or light blue, maybe it's even the same colour) shirts, and gray ties. They were all different shades and styles, but the same general colour.

They took pictures forever in groups, with family etc. behind the cakes and finally the girls were presented and escorted by a "special" guy with whom they eventually had the grad dance.

The dance was interesting. I'm not sure why, I'm even embarrassed to admit this because it means I have to admit to having watched a certain movie in my childhood, but the music reminded me of Anne of green gables. In the movie they danced much better. The couples couldn't slow dance to the beat (does a waltz have a beat or a rythm or is it 3/4 time?). Most coupled dances faster than the music. Maybe it was because they were too busy smiling at the cameras or trying not to bump into all the camera men. When the fathers bumped the "special" boys aside to dance with their daughters the dancing got much better. I thought the whole thing was rather entertaining. Especially when the mother of the one boy bumped his girlfriend who was so busy trying to kiss the poor fellow. She didn't know where to go or who to dance with.

Once the dance was over, at 11:15 pm, the supper was served. I didn't know that one waiter can carry 8 plated of food on a round tray with his one hand and two more plates with the other hand. The food was good, a little cold (it had arrive, all cooked, at 8:30), but good.

We enjoyed the grad, especially talking to our friends and their families.