Last week, Francisco’s niece sent THE List.
She’ll be turning 15 in February, and it’s a milestone age somewhat equivalent to sweet 16 in the United States.
I say “somewhat” because even the most lavish sweet 16 can hardly hold a candle to a well-done “quince.”
And a girl’s quince must be well done.
*
So. THE List.
“15 blouses. 15 mini skirts. Three pairs of high heels. Three pairs of flats–one gold, one silver, one bronze. A gold chain. Matching gold earrings.”
Francisco and I had a good talk about THE List, dragging other friends with families in Latin America into the conversation. Should we actually send her all these items? Does she have any idea how much these things cost? What’s a “normal” quince list? Is it right, as I argued, that we convey a “teachable moment” to his niece, a mini-economics lesson, perhaps?
*
Francisco, true to his nature, listened to everyone’s arguments, including mine, and pondered how he wanted to handle the expectations implied by THE List. He called Cuba to say that, yes, some items on the list were possible, but didn’t Viviana want an experience she could remember– not just 15 mini skirts and 15 blouses? The family went back and forth for 40 minutes, passing the phone from one family member to another, arguing the merits of each person’s idea of what’s best.
Me? I just poured myself a second cup of espresso to nurse one of my 15 headaches.
Photo: jubilo haku (Flickr creative commons)
Wow!! I’m curious, if this would be at all standard for a 15th birthday in Cuba, or if her expectations for THE LIST stem in part from having an uncle in America?
That’s more skirts and blouses than I’ve owned in my life!
Eva- That’s what I’m curious about, too! And I’ve never owned that many skirts or blouses either!
Totally with Eva on this one. There’s a little “uncle-in-america” undertone to the list
I used to date a mexican girl during a time when her sister turned 15. That was bigger than a royal ball! I don’t think Louis the Sun King had more extravagant parties at versailles!
She’s a great negotiator! Wow.
@Matt: I saw 282 Mexican girls celebrating a mass 15 in Mexico City earlier this year– impressive is not the word. Made me feel like I was underdressed for my wedding.
@Kaitlin: You put a positive spin on the situation! Which is great, because I have a hard time being positive about this particular family member.
@Lola: Ah, uncle in America. We could almost name a syndrome for it, I think!
hahahahhahahah!!!! 15 blouses!! I want 39 for my next birthday!
She’s an old fashioned quinceañera! In my country they are already doing plastic surgeries instead of the fiesta de quince!
Is she Piscis?
Loooove,
Lau