Forgive my posting delays- needless to say I have been enjoying myself every minute of being here and therefore most of my time is being spent with my family or doing something else to keep busy. March has arrived, and it was sure to be noticed. It rained for 5 straight days of this past week, and the temperature dropped significantly. It felt like a Minnesota Spring- how unfortunate.
Las Ferias del Sol began this past weekend, although the on-going joke is that they should be called "Las Ferias del Agua" since there is so much rain. However, last Friday brought the sun (and the warmth) back thankfully. Last weekend my friend Meghan and I went to the elección de la reina (election of the queen) at the Plaza de Toros. Quite the experience- even though we didn't see the election or the coronation, we were still able to experience the big party that it was. The mix of people, food, sangria, music, and rain was nearly overwhelming, but it made for a good experience overall.
La Plaza de Toros- full of people, but no events took place on the stage due to the rain
Meghan and I in front of the stage at the Plaza de Toros
So far, that's the only experience I've had with the Ferias that are going on through Tuesday, but I believe tomorrow my familia is going to take me to the Metropolitano stadium down the mountain to see some of the events taking place.
Speaking of family, I've been spending lots of time with them lately. Since they all love food and cooking so much, I thought we could take advantage of the rainy weather and do just that. On Saturday, my mamá made "comida árabe" or Arabic food, and it was really amazing. It included a homemade beef and seasoning recipe wrapped in grape leaves (from the garden- yes, they have a grape vine in the front yard), an Arabic rice dish, tabbouleh, and homemade hummus.
So good.
Jack and Vicky (newlyweds as of last week and good friends of my family) came over a few weeks ago to make a traditional Chinese dish consisting of braised chicken legs with mushrooms, deep fried green beans and pork, a tomato egg dish, and fried rice- everything was absolutely incredible. We've been eating internationally quite a bit around here, and looking forward to some more in the next few weeks- I'm hoping to make another dish with the wild rice I brought, and perhaps a Mexican dish, and maybe Italian- the pasta here is pretty cheap.
Jack (left) and the cooking team prepping
So fresh.
And the final product...
Last but not least, I was finally able to make a cheesecake. It was a difficult process finding the ingredients- a lot of times here grocery stores will run out of particular items or won't get shipments in- what's there is there, and that's all there is to it. It's been a bittersweet thing really- I miss having access to all of the products that we do at home, but at the same time, being limited in your resources presents a new challenge for anyone who likes to cook. Had to use strawberries in place of the famous "mora" or blackberry- here they are rather unique in taste and texture, but needless to say the cake turned out well and they loved it. I'll be making another one next month for my papá, Jorge's birthday- he and Nilda practically demanded it.
Furthermore on the food side of things... I've come to know (and somewhat enjoy) sardines, and have re-discovered canned tuna- it is frequently used in my morning arepa, the mayonnaise jar next to my plate and a cup of coffee usually mixed with powdered milk sitting in front of me. Mayonnaise is a staple food item in most Venezuelan households I have learned, as well as Cheez Whiz and Nestea. It's been really interesting learning about the cultural differences when it comes to food, but also the products that they use here in everyday cooking. However, even though these items are used a lot, natural is usually the way to cook and eat here. We go to the market about once every week and load up on all sorts of fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and poultry. I've been introduced to yuca which is a root that has a texture similar to that of a potato, but a very distinct, very flavorful taste (when cooked right). I will surely miss it when I leave, and need to figure out where I can buy it back in MN. Plantains are also a staple, and they are served in the national dish, Pabellón Criollo, which consists of veggies, rice, and beef, topped with a fried egg. Had a plate of it in the Mercado Principal the other day and now don't want to eat anywhere else for lunch.
That's about all I've got for food for now. There is so much more to share... so far the food is one of my favorite things about this country.
Been hanging out with Maru everyday now- she's even gotten as comfortable with me as to knock on my door in the morning in order to wake me up so we can play.
All in all, everything is still going great. I'm meeting all sorts of awesome people- today met an Irish traveler who is here with his Venezuelan girlfriend, and we will hopefully do some hiking over the next few weeks, or maybe make a trip to the beach soon. Every person I meet here is so awesome- whether always including me in conversation, helping me with my Spanish, sharing travel tips, or telling me I'm always welcome here, I can't get enough of it.
Today I attended a "despedida" or going-away party for my host sister's best friend, Vicky, and her new husband Jack (they were married last weekend). Jack is from Chicago. He summed up my thoughts thus far quite perfectly today. He said "Venezuela es como una droga, y somos adictos" ... "Venezuela is like a drug, and we are addicted." Every word is so true.
Saludos,
Travis
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