A Lunch Story

Years ago, I hosted a few guests who had previous homestay accommodations in the city and had requested new housing for various reasons. One of my more long-term guests had been with another homestay family and was not happy with her accommodations. Later, I was contacted by her agent with a request to host her.

My soon-to-be guest came to my house for a get-to-know-you chat before making the move. She was obviously being incredibly careful this time around and I almost felt as if I was being interviewed. Conversely, I was curious to know why she was so desperate to leave her current homestay. She explained that there were several small issues, but the main problem was lunch. She was accustomed to eating a bigger meal for lunch and her current homestay served sandwiches. She could not get used to it and did not like sandwiches. I asked her what she wanted for lunch and without hesitation, she offered that leftover dinner from the night prior would make a great lunch for her. This was music to my ears as I always made big batch dinners, which my homestay students would take for lunch the next day. It turned out that what I had to offer was exactly what she was looking for.

Sandwiches and salads are popular on the lunch menu here in North America but not so much in many places throughout the world. Some cultures prefer to have smaller meals closer to bedtime and save the large meal for the middle of the day.

What’s your preference? Do you enjoy sandwiches for lunch or a more substantial meal?

Sending you all lots of love.