I’ve escaped the clutches of the grey Northeast and made my way down to the South. Alabama in fact. So far I’ve been called “honey” in multiple stores, had my first Starbucks in months, and am enjoying the distinct lack of snow. I’m looking forward to a week of catching up on Fire Girl work, exploring the deep South, and maybe getting a wee bit of R&R (novel concept!)
And the food.
I’ve driven past more seafood and Southern restaurants than I’ve seen in my life, and people everywhere seem to be nibbling on various regional substances. Notably looking forward to oysters, a cheese/ale fondue, mom’s magic cookies, and other odds-and-ends. It’s a far cry from my “what’s fast and easy ‘cause I have too much to do” mentality back in Vermont.
A change of cuisine brings back good memories of last month’s food in Belize—mystery meat street food in a wondrously earthy sauce, coconut milk-sweetened rice and beans, the ever-present potato salad, and any variety of rum-ridden drinks.
Food is a fun part of any new culture, sometimes creating memories all its own, like this lean stray dog who joined us for a day of photography at the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, and relished nibbling a few of model John’s cheese crackers. John made a friend for life.
So cheers, all. Hope you are with good friends and family this week, enjoying a few treats of your own.
