Captions to Fried Chicken

So, for some reason I couldn't post captions for the pictures I posted about Guatemalans loving chicken, but essentially, some of my neighbors who are well-behaved and super cute told me that their family had never been to Pollo Campero. I was shocked! That's like an American saying they've NEVER been to Burger King, McDonalds OR Wendy's (except Pollo Campero is way more expensive than fast food). It's practically unthinkable that any Guatemalan family-no matter their income level-had not at least sampled a tasty morsel of this universally loved and attended restuarant's famous friend chicken.

The pictures below are of their first offical visit to and tasting of Pollo Campero chicken. Judging by the empty plates and licked fingers, I think they liked it : 0)

We had a lovely picnic in the zoo and the weather was perfect! I made rice and Dona Jauana made tortillas and we shared a 2 liter of Coke along with out 14 pieces of delighfully crispy chicken, french fries and special Pollo Campero ketchup (it deserves a place next to the mentionin of chicken and fries because it is SO...and I mean SO good!)

I love the first picture because the baby is hidden in most of the pics but in this one, he was determined to show his face!

The one with the boy holding a stick with a bag on it was especially funny because this little jokester saw the fish in the pond at the zoo and decided to make himself a weapon so he could bring a few home for dinner. When he realized the stick wasn't long enough, he used the plastic bag to tie two together. He eventually put one on the end like a net...future engineers of Guatemala man....

I wish the pics show how high up these slides really are...It's probably totally unsafe for children under 10 lol It looks like I'm scared to go down but really the boys wanted to go down slowly the first time and I'm just wondering how my skinny little arms are going to support my weight as I try to slow myself down using the sides.

It was a great day and I know they really enjoyed the whole experienc, the bus ride to Xela, setting up the picnic in the zoo, getting to see the animals and going down the slides...well, if they didn't, Cristina and I sure did!

*Sigh. Another great memory to tuck into the memory box.

Guatemalans Love Fried Chicken Too

Home Sweet Home

So just a quick update (I'm vowing to be better about updating in 2011...we'll see how long it lasts : )

REALLY enjoyed my time in the States for Christmas. I have to thank my mom for bringing me home, she did a GREAT job keeping it a surprise. I don't think I've ever seen my dad or my sister so surprised!

We ate so much: went to the Indian buffet, had steak, shrimp and twice baked potatoes for Christmas dinner, had dal (lentils) and a delicious asian dish by my sister....I must have gained 4 pounds while home!

One of the best things...SPICES! Mom is so generous. She really hooked me up. I brought home Garam Masala, Chipotle Chile Powder, White Pepper, Paprika, Cumin Seeds and SO much more! Ahhhh!! I'm excited to try new recipes with all my goodies. And thankfully mom and dad made bags and bags of delicious granola.

The time just flew by of course! Glad to be at home and working again...I will say that when I walked into my living room it seemed so naked until I remembered that we don't use carpet in Guatemala. I'm still getting used to it even though I've been home for 4 days already.

I'm missin mom's food but glad to be home : )

Will post pics of our humble but entertaining New Year's Celebration.