Dinner at Marie's

Just before Uncle Dave and Aunty Elly went back to Australia, we all went to Marie (the Sharp’s Chadian cook) and her family’s house to share a meal. Marie has cooked for the Sharp’s since Aunty Elly taught her back when they lived in Marie’s home village out in the Guera. It was a chance for Uncle Dave and Aunty Elly to catch up with the rest of Marie’s family and a chance for us to meet them.

Marie, her husband and their three children

Marie's half sister and one of her nieces

Marie’s 13 year-old daughter Elizabeth (named after Aunty Elly) prepared the meal. We were very spoilt; starting with boule, crepes and a traditional meat sauce, continuing with fried fish and then bananas for dessert, before washing it all down with a selection of soft drinks! Aunty Elly said that if Elizabeth was living out in the village and cooking like that she already would have received numerous marriage proposals.

Marie’s youngest daughter overdosed on the soft drink and was having a great time literally bouncing around, flashing big smiles and climbing the verandah poles! Soft drinks are a rare treat and after attempting to calm her down, her father very honestly exclaimed, “She’s drunk!” Aunty Elly was quick to explain that it was just the way so much sugar affects a tiny body and there was nothing to worry about.

We had a really enjoyable and entertaining evening and we hope to visit again before we leave (when we have learnt more conversational French).