Fantastic Food; Abundant Fruit

This past week we've had many things going on, but the one that stands out the most is the unique Bolivian foods we've been tasting! The day after our arrival from Torotoro, our uncle, aunts, and cousins came over for lunch. We bought and ate a dish of potatoes, corn, salad, and chicharron. Chicharron is the Spanish word for fried pork. For drink, we had soda and mocochinchi (dried peach juice). It was all so delicious!!

The tray on the left contains the chicharron.

Yesterday, my mom, Jonathan, and I took a bus to the Mercado Campesino (Farmer's Market). This market sells mostly fruits, some vegetables, and a small variety of other dishes. Walking down the dusty street, you would notice several trucks parked on the sides of the street, loaded with fruit. The fruit is piled high in stalls and on blankets along the road. Looking at grocery stores in the US, you appreciate the quality and quantity neatly packed and stacked. In this street market though, the sprawled abundance of so much fruit at such a low price makes you appreciate abundance in another way. It made me think how fruit and vegetables, like air and water, can be found anywhere and is for everyone. We bought bananas, oranges, papaya, coconuts, avocado, and a watermelon for less than ten dollars! Every time I come to Bolivia the prices never cease to amaze me! :)

Both chicharron, mocochinchi, and these types of markets are common in Bolivia. We love tasting Bolivian tradition! There are so many other types of unique Bolivian foods; I'll keep you posted!