Sunday, November 30, 2008

The politically incorrect entry

So it has to be said.. a lot of the people here in Oaxaca are really short! And hence for the first time in my life I am TALL!! But really tall.. taller than most of the men even!! I kind of love it... now I can see what all the fuss is about.. I can see over crouds!!

Ok enough of that.. and more about food.. three random points not related to each other...

1. The sweet ball of fluff usually served on a stick.. known as 'fairy floss' in Australia has many different names.. all of which are amusing to me..

Zuckerwatte (Germany)
Cotton candy (USA)
Bomboncita (Mexico)
Candy floss (UK)
Fairy Floss (Australia)

I wouldn't mind being called any of those names as a term of endearment! If you know what fairy floss is called in other places, please let me know..

2. The other morning I arose late from bed having had a couple too many cervesas and not much sleep. I had my bowl of fruit as usual and then recieved my hot second course with tortillas...

I began cutting the meat I had the thought 'Looks a bit different?.. perhaps I don't want to think too much about what this meat is today considering my present, fragile state'. As the thought was passing through my mind my Oaxacan Grandma asked me if I knew what it was - coincidence! - and she proceeded to point at her mouth exclaiming LENGUA!! I fained joy and tried my best to disguise the fact that I didn't eat very much.

The culinary report is that tounge is very tender, has a strong flavor.. and is definitly best eaten with out a hangover!!

3. Street vendors...

I mentioned them before and I'll mention them again.. sooo good! I have now found my favourites. There is one stall that opens each night near the gallery I'm working in. I love empanadas.. They press the tortillas right there, add all the ingerdients - chicken with salsa and fresh cilantro, or flor de calabasa (pumpkin flowers) with Oaxacan cheese are my favourites - and then cook them in the open over a fire.. They are grande, 18 pesos each (approx $1.80) and they have a little television so you can sit and watch the novellas while you wait ! love love love

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Words cannot describe how envious i am of your little corner store...

although i do have the comfort of wednesday nights fahjita night... The chicken fahjita draught is finally over.
thank god the night market has started up again.

Heidi B said...

Hi sweetpea..
Its been too long sice I heard your little voice .. hope all went well with the festival weekend, was thinking you would have been very busy!!
We have to speak this week , call me on skype.
Your words are beautiful to read, I love you and would love to give you a big hug.
Lets talk soon or text or email your Mama!
Much Love.
Mumsy
xxx