Page - 46 - in Hanadi & Christian - English

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 46 “Just like at home. Whenever we have a birthday, my mother always makes paella. It’s a custom of hers.” says Silvia. “Really? Every birthday? That’s boring.” José says. “Why do you care?” says Bochdan. “Why are you always criti- cizing? I wouldn’t like to be criticized because I have paella on Sun- days or on my birthday or because I put ketchup in my paella. If I like it, what’s it to you?” “Well, my mother does.” says José. “Does what? Puts ketchup in her paella?” Silvia seems surprised. “No, of course not. She criticizes me for putting ketchup on my paella.” José says. “I don’t understand why she criticizes you.” says Silvia. “The other day, I saw a programme on TV where they said that people in Mexico eat fried grasshoppers the same way we eat peanuts. If it’s normal for them, I suppose they don’t like being criticized for that. It’s a custom for them.” “Yes.” I add. “It’s like the lamb with couscous at Mohamed’s, or the paella at Silvia’s.” “I don’t think it’s the same thing.” says Elena, who has kept quiet up to now. “Mohamed’s family does it because it is a Muslim tradition, not just one person’s custom. Right? ” “Who cares, anyway?” says Silvia. “Exactly. Who cares as long as it’s tasty?” says José. “And it would taste better if it were pork.” “Well, I’m sorry, but tradition says it has to be lamb.” Hanadi says. “How boring. Why are things like that? Why not change things and put pork sausage instead of lamb? Have you ever tried it? How can you know you don’t like something if you don’t try it? You’re so strange.” says José. “I don’t really know why, but is not a matter of taste. We’ve al- ways done things that way, but if you want I can ask my parents.” says Mohamed. “There must be a reason.” Bochdan adds. “I’ll ask my parents and let you know, but are you coming to my party or not?”