Spaceman over the Andes - HotList South America!

The bags are packed; that's the easy part. Intent on leaving Bolivia by-land over the Andes through the Atacama Desert (driest place on earth) ... en route to the Nazca Lines (2nd time there). In approximately 1,000 sq. kilometers, there are about 300 different figures. But I really want the renown Spaceman. 

As well, I'm sure to capture the Hummingbird, Monkey, and Spider, etc. from the windows (turbulence be damned) of a tiny Cessna airplane. The resulting photos will complete my third book  "HotList South America" which is soon to be available (with the others) at Amazon.com... "HotList! Go and Know the Best!" And check in from time-to-time. There's always a new travel book freshly published. Because the stories are so incredible, they really write themselves!

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

HotList! South America! Go and Know the Best!

First SALSA! Now HotList?

I've been asked, "How is it possible to have written two books in one year?" The answer is quite simple. As subject matter, both books contain aspects of South American life. And since I've traveled the continent for twenty years photographing the marvels and scribbling impressions all along the way, there's been ample material to draw upon... the inspiration of travel diaries makes it possible.

Then I should add that our literary team is stupendous! Editor Alix Shand is a bit of a language prodigy and has unerring focus. Designer Rocio Laura has been involved with some of the most impressive works published in this part of the world. And she's deigned to work with me. Gratefully, these two experts have harnessed my energy, profusion of words and oft times wayward ways. Tech support Marco Antonio makes the uploads easy. Otherwise, I'd be flummoxed and frustrated. Really publishing has been a long time coming yet the teamwork makes it all so very immediate and accesible. Realistically, future titles will take more time but they are forthcoming. Look for "SnowBlind in the Andes" (Sacred Leaf to Cocaine Tourism) and followed soon thereafter by another travelogue/cookbook: "Down East" (Boston to St. John's).

So this is answer to the above question, acknowledgement of great talent and an expression of appreciation all in one... mil gracias a todos!

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

Salsa! The Sauces of South America! A Travelogue of South America's Finest Sauces... made easy!

How was this collection put together? Really, it has been a journey of twenty years making my way into South American kitchens and speaking to chefs and cooks. I would ask, "What is the emblematic sauce, the representative sauce of your country?" Then, "Which sauce is your favorite?" Never wanting to miss a thing, I'd rush to scribble the recipe in my aide-mémoire (ever-present notebook) in the language it was given. Later in the hotel; I’d flesh out context, observations and details.

Eventually then I’d translate recipes into English from the Spanish and Portuguese. And with those notes in hand, I’d enter the kitchen with local ingredients to recreate sauces, always looking for the flavor I had enjoyed on the road. Most times the photographs were taken mid-conversation right there in the restaurant yet others were taken at home in La Paz, Bolivia. No special set-up or gear it was simply a matter of taking advantage of our large set of kitchen windows which daily afford ample unfiltered Andean sunshine, and that light lends a luminous quality to the images.

Most certainly these stories come alive when you cook, a face for every sauce. This is what I had wanted to share in the writing of this book; the living human side to culture and kitchen. To make a recipe from “SALSA!” read the cook's story before you begin. I believe it’ll change your end result. Somehow in the making you will open and enjoy a South American world of flavors, traditions and lifestyles. Now that is something to savor.

And finally here it is! And in all it's colorful glory!  

Salsa! The Sauces of South America!: A Travelogue of South America's Finest Sauces... made easy! 

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

 

 

SALSA! Available in a couple of days, just in time for the equinox!

Honestly, it's amazing and overwhelming  the amount of work and all the challenges you face when writing and publishing a book. Then attempt it from the hinterlands of South America! Daunting! I suppose Life presents the speedbumps and we are to maintain our cool when all the world seems to operate with a "manana" mentality. All the philosophy aside, allow me to say that I loved every minute! Really, every minute!

Available in a couple of days; just in time for the equinox. I like the thought of having an auspicious day for a book launch! Must be the Aztec in me... I'll take a breather from writing as we prepare for the launch party here in La Paz, Bolivia at 3,650m (11,975 feet). Sure to be some Chilean bubbly knocking around, too. In the meantime, we send you our very best from South America!

 Now available - "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.

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

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! 

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!