Grilling on a Summer Evening

When I made the decision to move to America for college, naturally, I went over the changes I would make in my life. Obviously, the bigger things came to mind - how easy would it be to adapt to an American school, would I fit in, would I fare well in school and so on. I gave little thought to what I would eat in America and how I would survive on a daily basis. In the months that led to my departure, I frequently ignored my mom's warnings that I needed to learn to cook more than the basic things I knew. Now, living on Ramen noodles, Taco Bell and McDonalds, I wish I had listened.

So it was a joyous occasion when my uncle invited us over to his place on a summery Charlotte evening to grill out. When I grill out, on rare occasions, I think of thick meat patties and sizzling hot dogs, dripping cheese and ice cold cokes. My uncle likes to approach it from a more cultured direction, opting for marinated chicken, cantaloupes wrapped in prosciutto and red wine.

The day was brilliantly sunny filled with wonderful friends, good food and great conversation.