We have not had hot water for two days now. And it is not going to be fixed until Monday at the earliest. The only comfort we take in this situation is that the portero, encargado and dueña of this apartment also live here and also have no hot water. If there were possibly something they could do to get it, they would. So, I guess we all bathe in the sink with boiled water for a few more days.
However, I got a call from José Luis, the portero, this morning to say I had a package downstairs. It was from my sister-in-law, Suzie. She sent us some spices that we can’t find here and two packages of taco seasoning. We have not had anything like tacos since before new years.
I went to the supermercado to see if I could fill out the remaining ingredients. Tomatoes, lettuce—no problem. Sour cream—well, mendi cream will do. But what about tortillas? I looked in the aisle where the empanada shells were and was thinking they would work. They are more like a pastry shell, but this is Argentina and one must improvise (that may even be the national motto).
Just then, a Porteña came up to give me advice on the brand of empanada shell I should use. Apparently I had selected an inferior product. When I gave her the deer-in-the headlights look, she said, (and I translate) “Oh, you don’t speak Castellano.”
“A little”, I said. “Well try English and I’ll see if I understand you.” I went for it in Spanish.
(Again in translation) “I am trying to make a Mexican meal, and I am looking for tortillas. There are two types: corn and flour.”
“Oh, I know what you want. Follow me,” she said.
She led me to an isle and pointed out the Bimbo brand Rapidadas. They sure looked like flour tortillas to me. “Muchisimos Gracias!” I said. And I was on my way.
So, tonight we had what was a very close approximation of tacos. I ate waaaaaay too much, and will most likely pay for it tomorrow. But it was worth it.
Helen was much more restrained.
But it will still be until Monday before I can take a shower.
P.S. Thanks Suzie!!
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1 comment:
Dear Ken and Helen,
I get corn tortilla shells at Jumbo and sometimes at Disco and Norte. Some of the boxes have the seasonings, too. You have to bake them a bit to get them crunchy again. Rarely can I get the flour tortillas, but Rapiditas work just fine.
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