Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Chicha

In addition to offering us food (which I will show tomorrow), the local folks offered us a drink that they made. My half full (or half empty) glass in this photo shows the drink.

Throughout Latin America chicha is a term used for local drinks made or brewed at home, rather than commercially. There are many variations. It is usually made from corn, is often fermented, and sometimes fruit is added.

Chicha is especially common in Peru, and in the Andes typically people will hang a red flag out their doorway to advertise that they have chicha for sale, usually in a bucket.

I have never had chicha before the glass you see here. In Costa Rica the water is safe to drink, even for Americans like me, and even in little rural villages. I would never drink the chicha in places like Peru. I do not drink beer, as I never acquired the taste. I did not care for the chicha, either, but drank it to be polite.

I really appreciate the comments people left yesterday about their expectations for the food that they offered to me. I will show it tomorrow, but I will have to make two confessions that will expose several of my faults and disappoint you. I apologize in advance.

We are showing photos of the village of Cernobbi on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, this week on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.

11 comments:

brattcat said...

Regardless of the gustatory experience you had, the social and cultural exchange is wonderful to behold and your willingness to share this experience with us is much appreciated.

Kate said...

I am wondering what you had and whether it was tasty to our Norte Amerian palate? If you didn't like it or couldn't eat it, I will not think less of you. Hope that was not the case, tho. Sometimes gastronomical experiences abroad can be a bit dicey.

Kate said...

PS. She looks like she's happy to have you there. Great portrait.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Now I am really intrigued and looking forward to seeing what the food was and also to hear your 'dreadful confessions' haha!Was the chicha an alcoholic drink?
btw I did have a chuckle at your comment on my post today!!

Sharon said...

I agree with Kate, she does look happy to have you as a guest.

Lowell said...

I would echo all of the thoughts so far. I'm not much into exploring new cuisines. And I doubt very much I would like the chicha...although I would probably try it, as you said, to be polite.

Leif Hagen said...

She looks like a kind, sweet woman!

Lois said...

I probably wouldn't have liked it either, but the lady looks very nice!

Unknown said...

Great portrait, David! It's fantastic all that green.

glenda said...

That can be tricky when offered foods we're not used to from a different culture.

Anonymous said...

what an adventure.

please have you all a good wednesday.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...