Mystery Foods

You know how I feel the lack of a little “culture” ‘round these here parts, right? Well, one area we’re doin’ pretty good in, is that of the Latin American type. I wanted to share a little of that with you all today. Hold on tight, and you might have to cover your nose while reading. (And remember, I, like most of you, am a spoiled American.)

I went to Mexico and Guatemala when I was 19 years old, was there several weeks and had a fantastic time. Life changing, in fact. I learned so very much, grew through amazing experiences, and attainted an appreciation for a very different way of life.

One major part of my trip, was – OF COURSE – the ‘experience’ of the food. It was like unfolding a mystery. “People really eat things like this?” I ate cows stomach, not the lining of the stomach, THE stomach. And it was furry.

I don’t need to say more than, “woof” for you here.

But it was part of the ‘experience’.

I saw stars I’d never seen before on a remote lake in Northern Guatemala. I basked in torrential down pours in rain forests. I climbed most of the ruins you’ve seen on the travel channel, and lots you haven’t. Bats hung above my bed while I slept in my mosquito net. I saw the lives of people that have been, for the most part, untouched for thousands of years. I swam in the clearest waters and smiled at schools of the most heavenly fish. Words can’t fully tell the imprints this experience left on me.

But the food. The food was amazing. And quite frightening, at the same time. I have loved the cultures of Central America since my first Spanish class. (Remember my tree trimming post, and my fantastic Spanish abilities? Yes, those classes.) But many of the smells and aromas you encounter in these Latin American countries are part of the ‘experience’. Ones that I think of when I think of visiting these far off lands again.

So, recently when I was in a local Mexican Tienda, I was blown away. And not in a good way. One of the things that astounded me in Mexico, was the smell of their carneceria’s (meat markets). They wreak. I mean, like sweaty, hot, stinky meat. Guess what? I think they can import the smell to the U.S. now. Really. I had to put my nose in my shirt and leave. Which in Central America, is pretty much just the smell in most markets. Here, we cover ‘that’ up – or try to keep it at bay.

I came home and told Peter about all of the fun things I had seen; and smelled. The store was, seriously, just like the stores there. Fresh tortillas being made and packaged right there, the shelves packed and messy, great looking produce, international phone cards being sold everywhere, and – last, but not least, meat stink.

I think we should leave that ‘mystery’ there. Let’s save that for the, ‘experience’. Okay?

Well, yesterday I got the local grocery ads with my mail. And, there of course, were ads for the latino mercados. So, in an effort to show you a little of the ‘mystery’ I think is better left south of the border, I took some pictures for you. And here they are:

Yep, right next to the "Fresh White Corn" you can hurry down and get yourself some "Beef Tounge." And only 1.49/lb. Sheesh, my tounge would cost a lot. Huh? Anybody need to see "the big tounge?" Just for fun? You let me know, and I'll get 'er done for ya.

And, mmmm. Beef feet. Has no one driven by the farm and seen what these beef feet have been standing in? Really? I'm sorry, but I just don't think these look, or sound, that great. But at .59/lb, who can argue?

And, a little of my favorite here. Patitas De Pollo. (Please note how they put the english second here, so as not to scare off any native english speakers) These were being served to me, one eveing in Southern Mexico, but I politely avoided them. Cluck, cluck.

Now, I'm sure that these things aren't the worst. But I think I can safely say, that for me, none of these are on my top list of "super yums." How 'bout you?

I think I'll leave the 'mystery' for my next exciting 'experience'. But thanks anyway.