I've always wanted to be that guy in the corner of the bar who sips whiskey on the rocks and automatically looks ten times cooler. But I've never really liked spirits. Correction: I've never been able to afford spirits that actually taste nice. Jose Cuervo is bad enough to make anyone gag, that (insert stereotypical russian name) vodka that costs $25 from Dan Murphy's also doesn't do me any favours either.
So when I finally got to try some decent spirits in Oaxaca I was suprised when, at first sip, I didn't gag. And spirits with nice flavour? I didn't think that existed?
For those who don't know, Mezcal is pretty similar to tequila - but as a Oaxaqueño would tell you they definitely aren't the same. It orginates from the Corazon de Agave (heart of the Agave plant) which is unsurprisingly ubiquitous in the state of Oaxaca.
It's extremely common to see Oaxaqueños sipping it at any time of the day. It - like nearly everything in Mexico - is done slowly and enjoyed. Last week, at an open-mic night in a small bar called Nueva Babel, a woman who spent most of the night announcing suddenly sprung onto the stage with the most insane voice and admist the booming notes she sipped on mezcal. Re-reading that, I don't really think I even slightly conveyed the effortless beauty of the scene but I can't be bothered to rewrite it.
I digress, I've frequently indulged in the local poison and have now come to realise that one Mezcal glass is actually twice as big as a normal shot glass. That explains a bit. But with anything of a higher quality, I haven't had a hangover since I've been here.
Rant finished. I want to keep the stream of conciousness flowing, so I thought it was worth writing another. I'm sure I'll enjoy re-reading these when I am engulfed by piles of paper and blank screen where my 3000 word essay should be. So, assuming I read this - I'd just like to say - uni, you suck sometimes.
Sidenote: After 4 days of meaning to, Emma (NY crew) told me yesterday that I looked like a young Abraham Lincoln. Not sure if that's good or not but he did free the slaves so it can't be all bad.
Loving your blog, Tom. It sounds like you're having a ball. When flying to Bariloche a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled over a documentary on traditional Oaxaca cooking on the in-flight entertainment. I have never been so mesmerised by cooking and was seriously tempted to hijack the plane and turn it towards Mexico. I hope you have sampled the *** (insert name which I have forgotten) - milk drink with frothy top served with traditional egg dish for special breakfasts. It looked amazing. I look forward to hearing your stories! We had a great time (and Til and Hugo continue to do so) in Argentina and Chile. El Bolson was certainly a favoured spot. Thanks for the suggestions. Janelle x (too lazy to sign in, so I'll prob show up as an anonymous guest)
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