Phoebe Week 2: Fajitas and Family

     This past weekend I traveled with my family to Mexico City for my second cousin's wedding. I was excited for the big celebration which began at 10pm and ended at 8am. I had never been to a wedding before, let alone, one that went on all night. We were invited to the shabbat dinner, brunches, and many other festivities prior to the wedding for just the family members. However, I had never met any of my 9 second cousins and other family members there including the groom. From the beginning of the festivities, my brother, Asher, and I had shockingly connected with these family members instantly that we previously didn’t even know the names of. We spent four days getting to know them, traveling around the city, embracing the culture, and of course celebrating at the wedding. We enjoyed the local food in our free time and visited famous parts of the city. It was amazing to enjoy the authentic candy, snacks, and meals. Initially, I expected to introduce myself to the family and awkwardly eat and make small talk each of the nights. After all, the family was organizing the whole wedding so I had assumed they would be focused on that and uninterested in getting to know me and Asher. However, I was wrong and effortlessly found myself enjoying the nights and creating memories with family that I barely knew prior to the trip. At the wedding party, Asher and I danced, sang, and hung out with all of our second cousins. It felt like we had known them forever. It was beyond a special feeling. 

    The whole experience of meeting tons of my family and living their lifestyle and culture was amazing and extremely eye opening. It was so interesting to hear old stories of our shared great grandparents and listen to my dad talk about memories he remembered from his childhood with his cousins. Meeting a whole new side of my family was incredible. I felt completely at home regardless of where I was and the people I was with. I didn't feel the need to impress anyone there nor try to be anyone but myself.  The experience really emphasized the importance of family. The sense of love and care that I felt throughout the trip from family that I had never met before was incredible. Despite not knowing hem from the beginning, in less than 4 days, I built special relationships and made unforgettable memories. Have you made an effort to visit your distant relatives and if so, did you feel a similar special connection?