Journey to the Andes: I hate bolivian food SO much

Monday, February 27, 2006

I hate bolivian food SO much

Next trip I´m going to India where I will actually WANT to eat.

Today I ate the shittiest plate of shit I have ever consumed. The problem is that it wasn´t unlike most Bolivian food. Cuban food is far superior to this, and as me and my parents both know, Cuban food is also shit. The difference is that Cuban food doesn´t taste like MUCH, but a lot of Bolivian food actually tastes BAD. For example, they have these crappy little black potatoes that look like lumps of dirt that just taste AWFUL. And the SOUP!!! I will be happy if I never eat soup again, at least not in this country. THERE IS MORE TO MAKING SOUP THAN BOILING VEGETABLES IN WATER!!!

Typical Bolivian meal:

Hunk of meat or chicken deep fried in oil (no spices, no sauces, just the meat)
Crappy rice
Lettuce (no dressing)
A slice of tomatoe

But what´s worse is when they TRY to make it taste good, I.E. adding spices or different things, it usually ends up tasting AWFUL, like today, when the cook at Alalay (street kid home) made some pitiful attempt at making a currey sauce for the chicken (with a far-too-large side of maize and crappy black potatoes) which just tasted like a bit of tomatoe paste and currey mixed with water.

I discussed the crappiness of Bolivian food with my friend William and he totally agreed. He said that he´s willing to "go local" anywhere and eat what the local people eat, but Bolivia crosses the line. It´s just crappy.

Today I was actually thinking about what I´m going to order from Theo´s when I go there when I come back (rosemary chicken and domatés)...as well as from Ishin (octopus sashimi...*drools*)

In more positive news, parades in South America are approximately 293048230948230 times better than parades in Canada, at least Carnival parades. Between every section of beautiful south american cultural dancers (not crappy "corporate sponsors" and "grad 2005!" floats unlike home) there´s a massive water balloon fight between the people sitting on either side of the street. I got hit in the nuts but an unexploding water balloon and everyone laughed at me. The entire main street is actually DRENCHED and COVERED in water balloon reminants. In all seriousness, all you UVIC folks, we´re going to get a monthly water balloon war started up on campus.

We need Carnival in Canada.

posted by Ben @ 4:31 PM

8 Comments:

At 7:12 PM, Anonymous said…

Hola Benito: Your most recent post will go a long way to encourage tourism in Bolivia. Sadly all countries are not equal in the art of food preparation. Had you been intent on great cuisine, Italy or France would have afforded gastronomic delights.At least you have been having fun and helping out others who have not had an easy go-good on you. Mom and I are headed to Victoria wednesday for three days relaxation(mom is about to have a significant birthday-we will think of you fondly as we are dining out at some of our favourite places. Hope your health is holding up-did you catch any of the closing ceremonies at the olympics. I hope that the political turmoil has abated(you goofball) Take care Love Dad
At 10:28 AM, Anonymous said…

BEN JAMMIN'!!!!

its robb. i want oyu to know i'm planning your 19th bdAY... well no, im not, but youre definately getting a water balloon in the nads from me ;) lets hope it explodes this time. har har har

love robbin lacey -bass player at large.
At 10:29 AM, Anonymous said…

Looks like you'll have to step into the kitchen and show that cook who's boss.
Ellie
At 10:30 AM, Anonymous said…

The water balloon...not your nads
have fun
robbin lacey - bass player at large
At 11:20 AM, Anonymous said…

Miss you Ben...love reading about your adventures. I am thrilled that you have found a place to volunteer...an amazing experience that I am sure will fill pages in your memoirs. 16 days until we leave for Ecuador....we will almost be in the same neck of the woods...I hope my food is better.
Take care, Sandra
At 9:19 PM, Anonymous said…

Hey Ben, Glad to hear of your recent volunteering and friendships. Sounds like your trip is going very well.

I just read your Dad's comments about gastonomic delights - -and actually France and Italy have some really bad food too - however even their worst food doesn't sound like it is equal to this experience! And yes, the food in Cuba as I remember was pretty bad! Amazing that so little fresh fruit and veggies seems to be available - eh! So there you go - your criteria for places to travel has changed already! And you are sounding dangerously like a capitalist! (sorry, couldn't resist that one!) When you get back - we'll cook you a great Italian meal! Cheers and have a great time! Really enjoying hearing about your adventure .Moreen and Len
At 5:55 PM, Ben said…

Like a CAPITALIST? Pfff, I think not! :)

Alright, I have to redeem Bolivia at least a little. Theres tons of fresh fruit around, and thats one good thing. Also, theres a bunch of awesome juice stands that will buzz up a huge fruit smoothie right in front of you for only about 40 cents...which is something I wish we had at home. Also they have people on the street that make good hotdogs and "salchipapas" which are like french fries and cut up hot dogs. Those are nice too.

Can´t say I´ve found much else though...
At 8:24 PM, Anonymous said…

BEN!

It's so wonderful to read about your journey, your blogs are mindful and so wonderful.
I'm so glad you are enjoying your time. Although the food doesn't sound so hot (I found myself laughing out loud reading your description of it), I'm glad you can find some deliciousness is fruit.

Too bad we couldn't catch up @ the airport,
Hope you're learning mountains,
and growing knowledge,

Emily.