One of the most memorable experiences I've ever had was a trip to Mexico city. I had the most amazing friends to show me around and they gave me an opportunity like no other. There was no resort or special treatment, I was right there with the locals. I have so many amazing memories from this trip, and i can not tell them all, but i will give you one.
One special experience that brings a smile to my face every time I think of it, is when I was walking through the market with a very passionate girl just looking to help me experience every possible thing. Well we entered into like a food court type of thing and there were hundreds of people buying, selling and eating. The smells were so unbelievable, mmmmm, how i miss Mexico. My mouth now waters like i was there now, and my stomach is growling for taco's! So we stepped into this one little place and I remember I was looking through the glass at the lady who was just whipping out these taco's and her hands were like machines. I to this day have never seen hands go like that.
While I am observing the lady make the orders for her many costumers, this companion of mine was speaking in Spanish, which i have no idea whats being said. Then my friend look at me with her huge smile and laughs. Then I step up to place my, and the lady says "no, you make!" (only in Spanish) well I almost died, My friend told the lady that I was a chef, so now this lady would not cook the order and told me to come around and cook my own. Well the place was full, I was so nervous and very excited all the same time! I had so much fun, this lady even took my hands in hers to teach me how to do it properly. Just let me say that hers was by far much better, but now because of the love shown to me, I can truly say that I made my first taco.
On another occasion with the same girl and her brothers family, I remember going to Tapuzlan, where we walked the cobble stone streets and seen so many people selling their goods in the streets and in local road- side markets.
After walking the streets here in this town, they decided to show me a place that they have been to before. It was a restaurant. There was no roof so we were open to the elements. And let me tell you that we had our selection of visitors. Just after we finished our dinner a very large flying thing landed on the corner of the table. It was a little frightening.
But let me tell you about the dinner. Well I've had "Mexican" food before, but never have i ever had something like this. It tasted absolutely amazing! The name of the dish was Cecina. Its a style of beef were you slice the meat really thin and cure it. Then you would fry it on a hot cast iron pan. You would serve it hot. It came with sides like soft flour tortillas, roasted jalapeno, green tomato salsa, a cheese that I've never had before but taste sooooooo good, a salsa made from the cactus that grows naturally there, guacamole, and a few corn chips if all that wasn't enough. Let me tell you, It was maybe the most amazing meal i had ever eaten.
It was truly humbling to see the way of life of the locals there and let me tell you this last thing, ill never forget that experience in Mexico, and nor will I ever forget the hospitality of those dear companions!
