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Hash #519:   Saturday, December 11th - CHHH Christmas Dinner & Party 

 This Hash was held in Valle Arriba at la casa de Blacklock.  The objective of this Hash was to celebrate the festive season with our fellow Hashers and their children.  The Hash involved a walk through the house, admiring the decorations which the group set up a few weeks ago.  Smaller groups then meandered around the yard while others prepared the food.  The potluck dinner was next, followed by a gift exchange.  After the event a short clean-up exercise was held.

Comments or questions to Jay "Hash Flash"  ==>  jayzuela@yahoo.com

(click any picture to get an enlargement)

As we entered the house, we were met by Santa's Helper...
... a fully stocked bar ...
... and nice Xmas decorations.. 
The first-comers gathered around various parts of the house.
As more people showed up they spilled into the patio area... 
Some groups finally moved out into the yard, as it was a beautiful Caracas evening!
The selection of hats might look similar, but there were many small variations.

Hmmm... I like his hat better.
The kids kept busy outside by riding the dog ... ... telling wild stories about their life-threatening injuries... ... and just being kids... who joyfully know Xmas is here!.
Some kids had to keep their brother out of trouble.... ... others looked like they were ready to get into trouble. And other, much older kids, got to play in the kitchen!

Mmmmm.. looking good!
A Mis-management meeting? No, but that sample tasted great!
The hors 'd oeuvres were quite extravagant ...  ... and the Hash police had to monitor portion sizes! Remember folks, this is just the beginning of the feast!
Some didn't heed the "hot" warning from dos Nicoles. Others didn't care & ate whatever was placed in front of them. Overall, the group was satisfied and ready for more...

Without his bugle, "Horny" announced dinner manually.
Presenting the vast amount of food "the English way" ... it was time to chow down!

Then there was dessert....
... if anyone still had room!

I knew Santa Claus when he was just a boy and ...
... he put presents under the tree ... and then announced ... 
... the "Gift Exchange" !

To start the gift process, a person was called up and ...
... sent to the tree to select a gift; crowds gathered for the opening.

The gift "stealing" sometimes began immediately ...  
... and needed a little force ...
... or "begging" to settle.

Luckily the bargaining was kept light and the group was  well-entertained.
A few visits to the bar also kept some people busy.
"I'll trade my son for your gift"
Afterwards it was time to relax... ... to serenade ... ... and to dance ...?

The festivities were called to an end by a nice round of fireworks, generously provided by some other festival.
We got a lesson in "looking cool while smoking"...  ... with the only response being "Here's the ash tray!"
 

"Clean-up" was the next item on the agenda.

Nicely enough, there were many hands to help out.

There was so much food left over that second helpings were also encouraged.
Good kitchen help was not hard to find this evening!
As we departed the teens tested our sobriety .... ... to ensure that the roads were kept safe ... ... or to just have a good laugh!

Overall the CHHH wishes our members, and everyone else, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

   
 Public Service announcement  :  

If you, or anyone you know, is having a tough time in Caracas due to the language barrier... I know how to get some good help.... as I am in the same situation.  

Four months ago, when we first got here, I had a hard time doing simple things that I used to take for granted: shopping for special items, ordering telephone service, interfacing with building managers, etc.  

I then hired a local bi-lingual student through www.tranassist.com ; since then my life has been much easier.  My "Translation Assistant" went with me to the bank to set up an account, to Cantv to get internet DSL, to shopping centers to get shelving, etc.  She even helped me get a  membership at a local athletic club, which had previously been a pain in the butt!  I now use their service about once per month and am totally satisfied.  

The costs were reasonable and all of the money went to the students; as the web site is managed by a volunteer.  Hopefully this type of service will foster incentives for locals to learn other languages.  Note: I understand some students speak other languages too (French, Italian, German, etc.).  For more info on this service, please feel free to contact the web site or me. 

Jay "Hash Flash"  ==>  jayzuela@yahoo.com
 
 
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