Youth Voices: Dead Cats, Wander, and Cotton Eyed Joe
I am incredibly grateful that the World Food Prize secured housing next door to Katthya and her family. Carpooling to work has been a joy, especially with native Costa Ricans as neighbors who are always willing to lend a hand. One of the best things about this apartment is its location. Besides being close to work, it's a short walk from a major grocery store. Since I haven't found a Latin American cooking show on TV, I've taken inspiration from Guy's Grocery Games on the Food Network to keep myself entertained on weekends. Following the show's spirit, I set a timer at the store, challenging myself to pick an unfamiliar ingredient in 20 minutes, and then teach myself to cook with it at home. Full transparency, I have not yet mastered the gas oven. I did in fact bake a loaf of bread using a microwave oven that requires NO gas or matches (iykyk).
Getting to the grocery store is the first hurdle. In Costa Rica, houses often have fenced-in front patios that extend to the sidewalk, making it feel like you're stepping into someone's front yard. Costa Rican dogs, I've learned, aren't always thrilled about this setup. Once I navigate out the front door and down the street, I have to cross what feels like the equivalent of Lincoln's O Street. The lack of crosswalks in many residential areas adds an extra layer of tension. Trust me, real-life crossy roads are more nerve-wracking than it was in junior high study halls.
On Thursday, I made it out of my front door and across the street when I nearly stepped on a CAT CARCASS—wearing OPEN-TOED SHOES, no less...[CONTINUE READING]