For the second time since we have been here we have been invited to a matança. A matança is a killing of a pig. Not sure any of you would want to see the body of a dead pig hanging from the ceiling or the served head on a table. If not, you’re in luck because I won’t be posting any. We missed the actual killing of the pig both times, but my kids did see that above mentioned carcass and head. Our involvement in these matanças was more to enjoy some of the freshest meat you could ever consume. That and some great company.

Lana had the ‘opportunity’ to see some turkeys being killed the last time we were in Portugal and although this did not have a significant impact on her, she is no longer interested in seeing any animals being killed. That being said, she also has no problem knowing where her bacon comes from. I think that is very important. Many people would cringe at the sight of a dead animal. If they do, then it is probably because they have a hard time with the concept of eating meat. Funny, but even as a person who strives to eat a vegan diet this is something that has never bothered me. Well, not until this year. Funnily enough it is my son who is making me rethink the ethics of eating meat. Both he and I are on some journey. Where it will lead us, who knows.

Since we arrived in Portugal we have gotten three chickens and two cats. Nuno has also asked for a dog, goat, donkey, and that’s just to name a few. Problem is, if we get them, we are never allowed to kill them. Cute concept, but I can’t go back to New Zealand with a menagerie of animals so looks like my son is out of luck.

Tonight my friend Emilia, was just about to offer Nuno this rabbit, when I interrupted her and informed her that we could not take it. Even with his limited Portuguese, Nuno understood exactly what conversation we were having and begged for us to take it. I stood firm. Yes, it’s cute, but to me a rabbit has no business being a pet. No, rabbit was always this lady’s favorite food. But like I said if it comes to our house a pet it will become. So the answer is não.

As of yesterday besides a number of ducks, chickens, roosters, rabbits, and geese, there was also a pig living in that pen. Yesterday afternoon a man came by and shot it. They used to slit the pigs’ throats, but they believe this is more ethical. Then after draining it’s blood, which can be saved to make blood sausage, the same man butchers the meat. Most of the meat is frozen to be used until one’s next matança, but some is set aside to eat immediately with friends and family. In talking to people this is not the less expensive option. Pigs need a lot of water, and they eat quite a bit. The vegetables they consume are grown for the most part, but the grains must be purchased. Although economically it is not the cheapest route, there is no question which manner renders the most beautiful meat.

Besides our meal, we were also given a tour of their property.

my husband enviously admiring the fields 

white plums, not to rub it in, but they are amazing

watermelons

This last picture is of one of the five varieties of grapes they grow. They have kindly offered to have us come back in the fall and to pick our favorite so that we can grow some ourselves. I have also been offered their assistance with my garden. I have willingly taken all the fruit and vegetables given to us, but the thought of having a nice garden influenced by their green thumb is very exciting.

The kids had a great play with their friend and at one point Nuno said that their house was heaven. When asked why he said because of all the vegetables, fruits and animals. I know at least for him, he was referring to the live ones.

The past three days were a marathon on school work. We had so much catching up to do after 1) Kyle & Carly’s visit, 2) Diane and Jose’s visit and 3) the two weeks the kids spent at the Portuguese school they will be attending next year. All justifiable reasons to play hooky, but it meant trying to get 4 weeks worth of school work done in a week and a half. But somehow we did it.

Nuno had a project on getting to know ‘the orchestra’. It was a cute unit, but one that I really needed us to plow through if we were going to get any vacation. One section involved his being a conductor. Poor kid, he had me and his sister to pick from since his dad had to video the piece. Well, homemade maracas, a homemade trumpet and a keyboard were what we had to pick from. Oh yes, and a mother who can not really sing, but likes to play the part. Lana is still laughing at my first attempt, that one I will not post.

Even though I may regret putting this video out there, it was nice to have some fun amidst the madness of that ‘learning’ marathon.

click here for video