Friday, January 24, 2014

Alacitas! Embattled Festival of Abundance!


Some twist cultural events into a chance to save souls whether anyone would like that or not. And today in the battle for converts, some came armed. This is the most Andean fiesta of the year, "Alasitas," the Inca Festival of Plenty! And sadly for a few hours, it became a clash between ancient Andean tradition and extremist christian soldiers equipped with bullhorn, pamphlets and obvious lack of respect for all else but their own way of thought. Frankly, I never thought fanaticism was christian, moslem or jewish; just discourteous and intolerant.

Happy to report families went on to enjoy the sunny day and festival atmosphere in spite of theological attack...

 


Copyright © Mick Huerta 2014. All Rights Reserved. 
mickhuerta@gmail.com 
 All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food, Wine!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Almost there... Salsa! The Sauces of South America!


Really it's not so difficult. I write in the witching hours when fuss is at a minimum and well before the city comes to full din and babel. I find no burden in scribbling to the piercing spotlight of my lonely lamp, wrapped in darkness filled with Songs Without Words by Mendelssohn. Really any voiceless classical piece will do simply because I prefer to commune with my inner voices. It is from these that the writing comes.

I write on the road or at this desk where I share experiences from that endless rhythm of countryside, hotels and restaurants. At altitude, in low lying jungles or facing the sea the roads slip stream together connecting me with the world. I travel rough and fast for days on end and when weary I sleep in a dark room with nice linens and where hot water comes out of the showerhead. 

I've traveled by bus, taxi and sailboat from South America to Mexico. I´ve rattled through 9 of 10 time zones of Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway and voyaged the reverse route (west to east) through the straits of Magellan holding onto the rail, wine glass in the other hand.  With no reservation, I arrive and make arrangements to store my gear. Directly, I move to the market with notebook and camera… it is there I take the pulse of a place. It is said there is no wealth in this world without food production. And in the market you readily see the health of a regions fields and orchards. The strength of commerce in fruit, grain and meats is measured in urgency of clients hungry to buy. It is from there I end up in kitchens. A conversation over ingredients turns into an invitation. It's with the cooks of the world, I feel most at ease. Tasting, discussing local cuisine and a technique or simple trick which makes all the difference; this is what gives me joy. I chronicle life from the kitchens and it's this spark that compels me to write. All of this I find easy.

It is the editing, ISBN numbers, reading copy write law and formatting a book for publishing that makes me anxious. The minutia best left to the professionals is what kills creativity in the self-publishing writer. Instead of working on book two, I am doing what makes me crazy. So sincerely, I believe it’s now time to look for dinner and a good glass of red.

Now available - "Salsa!The Sauces of South America" & "HotList South America" an essential addendum to your travel guide of choice. Both just $3.99 at Amazon.com! Meanwhile, writing continues on "Down East ~ Boston to St. John's" & "SnowBlind in the Andes ~ Sacred Leaf to Cocaine Tourism."

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2014. All Rights Reserved. 
mickhuerta@gmail.com 
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food & Drink! 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Angels Amongst Us! In Manaus, Brazil!


With a back drop of the Amazon River, my favorite little Manaus eatery is situated in the middle of vendors hawking the freshest veggies and giant fishes in the Municipal Market where all things arrive by boat. In the clamor, Candida Rodrigues is principal cook at “Amazonas Restaurant” and for good reason. At the sight of simple yet beautiful plates of perfectly cooked fish my eyes welled with joy and I could barely see to fully appreciate the feast set before us! And her sauces come right from heaven! I am certain there are angels amongst us and Candida is one! 


Now available recipes for heavenly Latin Sauces - "Salsa! The Sauces of South America." Just $3.99 at Amazon.com! Meanwhile, writing continues on "HotList South America" an essential addendum to your travel guide of choice...

Mick Huerta @ Amazon.com

Copyright © Mick Huerta 2014. All Rights Reserved. 
mickhuerta@gmail.com 
All Accordin' - Travel, Culture, Food and Drink!