This is my third Thanksgiving in a row in a country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. However, you just can’t take the thankfulness out of a Gringo come this time of year, it’s unnatural. So despite the absence of pumpkins, despite the summer heat and despite having to work that day, we give thanks in our own little way.

Two years ago, I was thankful I got to shoot a Manu Chao show. Last year I ate a peanut butter sandwich, and was very thankful that peanut butter had re-entered my life (just recently made available here). And this year, well, this year the ladies and I are going to do Thanksgiving right. So in preparation, I decided to make a “pumpkin” pie. I have neither a pie pan nor a rolling pin; evaporated milk, shortening nor pumpkin exist in Chile. My life is rather simple these days. I’ve lived nearly a year now without a microwave, toaster, tv, furniture…sometimes I eat cereal for lunch. And all the while, I’m just as happy as can be, enjoying it to the fullest. I’m thankful for the struggle, the end of the month pasta binges. I’m living. I’m doing it. I may not be doing it in luxury, but I’m comfortable enough and I’m happy. The struggle makes you appreciate the simple things: Those moments of uncontrollable laughter with friends. Talking with your parents through a computer screen. Walking down the street on a warm, sunny day. Getting an extra handful of cherries from the fruit man on the corner. Thinking, “well, at least I have a stove to reheat my food on.” Owning an awesome little metal tray that in the course of 10 minutes stovetop, somewhat toasts bread… The struggle makes you get creative, use what you’ve got. I had a bread pan, a pilsner beer glass, butternut squash, cream and butter. I made a “pumpkin” pie! It may not be beautiful, and it may be a little too sweet from basically making up my own recipe, but, I’m going to eat that pie, and I’m going to give thanks.

 Happy Thanksgiving!