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| As immigrants the process of ACULTURATION between two countries and two cultures can be long and complex. My family has been in the US for almost 40 years now and I ponder the loss & rentention of our traditions - it seems that as time passes and we become more Americanized some of our celebrations are no longer practical. Gone are the days of large Thanksgivings, Christmases, the countless birthday celebrations when 30-50 of our family and friends used to come together in big fiestas. Fortunately for my family that we grew up running a family restaurant that could host such large gatherings. It seems now that as time passes our celebrations are shrinking. This loss may be inevitable, after all who has the time or energy anymore? Not to mention the expense. As we adapt to modern times and settings, letting go of some of our traditions may be necessary; what may be appropriate in smaller towns in rural Mexico may not fit in here in modern Silicon Valley. But I feel most a sense of loss for my Mom whose idea of fun on a Sunday is cooking for 20 people & nothing makes her happiest than when the whole family gets together. |
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| My Elders; my Mom & Auntie Aminta have supported me unconditionally with my business from the very beginning when things where the hardest. I am fortunate to still have them with me, I know they day will eventually come when I will have to step up and become the elder to the next generation. My Mama y Tia siempre me han apoyado con mi negocio incondicionalmente. Estoy agradecida que todavia las tengo en la tierra para disfrutar. |
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| I am always happiest with different generations around me. Siempre me siento mas feliz cuando tengo varias generaciones a mi alrededor. |
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| Since we cannot turn back the clock, the best we can do is hold on to the memories with nostalgia & create new meaningful memories with the next generation. |
ESTRELLITA RESTAURANT in Los Altos, one of the original Mexican restaurants in the peninsula of San Francisco, is still in my family after almost 40 years. It is currently owned by my cousin Carlos Corlay and still has some of the best authentic Mexican food in the Bay Area. My older cousins have branched out with a restaurant of their own; MEXXI'S TAQUERIA in San Ramon, also a blend of traditional and Mexican American recipes- they are currently celebrating their 20th year in business. You see I come from a long line of family businessmen and women.
