The taste of a memory

In 2009, two girlfriends and I bid farewell to our loved ones, travelled across the Pacific Ocean and set about discovering South America.  Of the amazing myriad of brilliant experiences we had, food remains some of the clearest memories.

Today a colleague returned from his own South American odyssey.  While his trip took him to different regions, I knew there was one thing he was bound to come across that he could bring back and remind me of the brilliant time I spent there - alfajores from Havanna.

Havanna (aside from being the capital of Cuba) is an Argentinian coffee house chain which makes the best alfajores, the national biscuit of Argentina.  Don't you love a country that has a national biscuit?  They are two sweet crumbly biscuits sandwiched together with dulche de leche a type of caramel and coated in dark chocolate, and they are divine!

He was good enough to bring back a box for the office along with mine, so everyone could try the deliciousness without having to get into my stash.  I don't actually have a picture of one because as soon as that foil packet is opened, they tend to disappear!  Now the hard decision arises, who will I share my 16 mini alfajores with?  Or will I just hide the box and eat them all?  Decisions, decisions.

Memories

My primary school is closing down to make way for a super school, so today they held a special fête for past students and teachers. Mum was a teacher there so the whole family headed to the school for a trip down memory lane

There was a slight tinge of sadness as we walked into the school but it was soon overwhelmed by the joy of seeing old school photos and meeting up with our old teachers and friends. It was such fun. All the memories of the great years spent there.

Then we headed out to the fête and bought some food. I got an empanada con carne. I discovered empanadas in Argentina and loved them. The one tonight was surprisingly authentic and it brought back more memories of great times.

Tonight sure has been a fun memory trip!

Singin' in the rain

Well actually walking - my singing isn't anything that is going to make anyone smile!

Today we had that very light misty rain. It might be a little cool but I love the feeling as it settles on your face, something like a very natural facial.

To be honest, getting soaked in the rain probably wouldn't be high on my list of favourite things, but I've had some amazing times in the rain. A brilliant Midnight Oil concert, complete with thunderstorm (lightening and the Oils are an excellent combo). Dancing in the warm summer rain in a Paris courtyard. The U2 concert which they could have postponed but instead added in lyrics about the rain. Touring the Iguazzu falls in Argentina as wet as if we had been standing under them. Somehow in each case the little extra discomfort made the experience all the better.

So while my hair may now be doing the frizzy thing, each time I get caught in the rain, it reminds me of all those other wonderful experiences.