Sights, Sounds, and Smells

Introduction: In today's class we are going to compare compare the kitchens of three women from around the world and also describe the sights, sounds, and smells of a typical Costa Rican kitchen during a busy holiday party.

Task 1: Discuss

Discuss these questions with your partner.

• What does your kitchen look like?
• What appliances do you have?
• What food can we find in your fridge and cabinets?
• How much time do you spend in the kitchen each day?
• How many meals are cooked in you kitchen each day?
• What is a smell that comes from you kitchen that makes your mouth water?
• What is a smell from your kitchen that you don't like?
• Is there anything that you would like to change about your kitchen?

Task 2: Read and Think

You will read an interview with a woman about her kitchen, what it is like, and how she spends her time there. Look at the pictures and read the descriptions of all three women. Then click on your assigned group link and complete the exercises.

Group 1: CLICK HERE

Group 2: CLICK HERE

Group 3: CLICK HERE

Task 3: Compare and Contrast

Tell your new partners about the woman you read about and her kitchen and discuss these questions.

•  What similarities and differences can you find? 
• Who is the wealthiest materially?
• Who is the happiest spiritually?
• Who is the most creative cook?
• Who has the hardest life?

Which woman is most likely to say...?

• "I can never decide where to go swimming."
• "We have found you a very nice girl. Why won't you marry her?"
• "If anyone wants me, I'm weeding and watering."
• "I'm too busy to cook today."
• "I live my life in tune with nature."
• "I'd love to have a new kitchen."

Task 4: Think and Describe

Imagine a typical Costa Rican kitchen during a busy (pre-pandemic) Christmas party. Work with your partners to write a paragraph with a rich description of the sights, sounds, and smells that we would find there.

• Who is in the kitchen?
• What are they doing?
• What is happening?
• What can you see?
• What can you smell?
• What can you hear?

• Group 1: CLICK HERE
• Group 2: CLICK HERE
• Group 3: CLICK HERE