Traditional Trade on our Plates

Since we have been in Latin America, we have always tried to do our shopping in the “Mercados”, the traditional markets instead of going to supermarkets (called modern trade in the food business). True, it is a bit more time-consuming, but this year, we have plenty of time. The San Pedro Market in Cusco is one of the best we have seen so far. It is indoor with plenty of stalls selling absolutely everything: all kind of meats, poultry, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and packaged products as well (including Nestlé products of course). Everything is fresh and the meat is usually excellent. Yesterday, we tried a beef sausage, a local specialty. The day before, we had a beef fillet that was delicious. We also had shrimps and squids on the coast one night in Mancora, yummy. We always eat proper meals, no tins or canned food, except the few times where we ended up with nothing else in the middle of nowhere.

Well, as you can guess, I am not the one doing the cooking; if I were, we would only eat meat and seafood for dinner and cured meat for breakfast. Xénia D. is an expert cook and always gets vegetables and fruits. I always push for bigger pieces of meat; as for vegetables and fruits I could not care less…but eat them all the same, in reasonable amount though: abuse of greeneries may be bad for my health, who knows?

Nights are very cold in Cusco and guess what? Our heater does not work: because of the altitude, the propane does not ignite. Just when we need it. Who needs heating at sea level really…anyway, it is fine as we are inside and have a goose-feather comforter. The challenge is getting out of it in the morning… Some people travelling on motorbikes or even bikes are sleeping in tents, they must be freeeeeezing.

Tomorrow we are going to Machu Picchu, a must-do when in Peru. However, we almost wanted to pass on it… will tell you more on this on a next post!