Hola! I am writing this article from Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. From April, I will teach Japanese as a native language (national language) and Japanese as a second language.
On the way to Ota City by train, I saw plum blossoms blooming in the garden.
Exactly one year ago I came back from Oaxaca.I remember posting and showing the plum blossoms to everyone in Oaxaca, saying, "The cherry blossoms have already started to bloom."
Along the way, I stumbled upon a few palm trees along with plum trees, which are rarely seen in Japan.The appearance of lined with houses with black roof tiles gives a strange feeling.Ota City is a town where many people from overseas, mainly from Brazil, live, so maybe that's why.When I see a trunk that looks like a plump pillar, I imagine the blazing sun of Oaxaca above it.However, perhaps because of this cold weather, the height and the thickening of the leaves on the top are modest.Even so, I am impressed that Mexican corn grown in the summer can grow even if the land changes.
Palm trees in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture
Well, today's theme is "baked sweet potato", which is a complete change from palm trees.
The day before coming to Ota City, the end of February.I heard a nostalgic phrase of winter tradition from outside the house.Somehow, I feel rushed, and I go outside to take a look while I'm out.A truck slowly moves along the side of the road.An uncle who drives while looking around well.The scent of roasted sweet potatoes that lingers after passing by.I was moved by the fact that the familiar sight of Oaxaca, where people meet and buy and sell things on the way, was recreated.
Even now, I remember the phrase and melody I heard that day, but before I knew it, the high-pitched “puff puff puff puff” sounds of the Oaxacan mobile food stalls were playing in my head.
So this time, I would like to talk about the food stalls and sounds of Oaxaca that reminded me of baked sweet potatoes.
First of all, "Tamales" arranged with roasted sweet potato as a theme.He is traveling on a yellow tricycle with several deep-bottomed pots.Local friends also imitated the distinctive voice of "Tama-res-su" using a loudspeaker that can be heard early in the morning.Like baked sweet potatoes in Japan, this dish is part of the familiar Mexican diet.In February, people would gather to eat tamales at a Christian event, and they were often served at universities at big events such as the Day of the Dead.
As for what kind of dish it is, it is made by wrapping ingredients in corn dough, wrapping it in banana or corn leaves, and steaming it.The contents vary from those with tomato sauce and chicken to those with Oaxacan traditional dish "molé", which is finished with lots of spices and chocolate.Some are sweet snacks, some are simple with fragrant herbs, and some contain seafood.
tamales
Tamales with tomato-based sauce and chicken
Tamales and Champrad served at a language school during the Day of the Dead festival
Speaking of food stalls, fast food stalls such as hot dogs and hamburgers are also popular.The stalls of Hamburgesa, which I used to frequent, open in the evening between the main street where taxis honk their horns and the supermarket.
When asked "Con Todo?"Bake the pineapple, cover it with bread, and press it down with a spatula.When I think about it, I turn over the bread with the pineapple and start baking the front of the bread.
The patty and ham are baked in parallel, and the melted cheese is placed on top of it.When you open the lid on the side of the iron plate, you will find a sauce made of caramelized onions that have been grilled in meat oil, diced Mexican tomatoes, green peppers, and limes.Each and every one of them proceeded in an order that was familiar to their body, and their expression as they assembled the Hamburgesa was serious.Every time, I am fascinated by the master's technique, which has a thrilling and powerful feeling like a show.
A shopkeeper wearing a cap with his nickname given to him by a regular customer
A stall famous for burgers with avocado sandwiched between them
Sit on the small chairs around the stall, feel the heat from the aluminum wrapping, and eat without spilling the ingredients.The food is even more delicious when you eat it in the midst of the bustle of orders coming in one after another, the lights of the stalls illuminating the night, and the lights of the passing cars.
A woman who sells donuts for the day.Next to her, she brought a table and a chair large enough to hold a cutting board, and she made a sandwich called torta and sold it as "torta de milanesa."There are many taco stalls around and inside the university.A man waits outside the junior high school with a transparent plastic bag containing snacks attached to a food stall.Everywhere, people find their own places to sell food, that's how Oaxaca lives.
A stall that carries a parasol and packs luggage into a tricycle to move around
tacos and watermelon juice
Among them, as expected, corn is at the center of street food in Mexico.The tamales introduced at the beginning are sandwiched between French bread and coppé bread."Champrad" is like melting corn dough and chocolate in hot water.When I live in the area, I am amazed at the spread of the world of corn.The color of the fruit also varies from yellow and white to purple, blue, and red.
"Turkey" "Wachrota"
colorful corn
Unsweetened white corn is most often used in cooking.After XNUMX o'clock at night, "erote" and "esquite" come around with a "pup pup" sound. "Erote" is boiled white corn with a skewer, spread with mayonnaise, lime, chili sauce and powder. "Esquite" is corn kernels removed from the core and seasoned in the same way.
Elote
Stall selling fruits and vegetables with chili powder
Tap water in Mexico is generally not drinkable.Gas also buys a new gas tank once every few months.When it comes to it, it's basic to buy both through someone.
For water, take a XNUMX-liter bottle called a Garafon and go to a store to exchange it for a filled one.Or buy a Garrafon that's loaded in a truck that goes around yelling "agua".Just before entering the store, a passing truck called out, "Hey, Chino (Chinese), would you like to buy one?!"
The melody of the call begins with the cry of a goat, followed by a cheerful melody of "tettettettettettettere", which is called "GAS OAXACA".Other gas dealers also have a humane, fun melody or song.At first, I didn't understand Spanish very well, and I just thought, "Oops!" to the bright, mysterious rhythm.
Finally, one memory of "garbage collection in the morning" that is just like everyday life.
Garbage trucks in Oaxaca go around the town early in the morning, ringing bells at around XNUMX:XNUMX.When the sound is heard, people come out and hand out the garbage while saying "gracias" (thank you).
One day, a man who seemed to be the owner of a nearby restaurant, whom I had seen several times, came with garbage in a basket on wheels.Just when you think he's going to take out the garbage and go home, the man gives the pot to the garbage collector. "I brought you coffee." "Thank you." Then the coffee was poured into each water bottle.I think I've seen that scene several times since then.
When I see garbage trucks in Japan, I can't help but remember this episode.
In Oaxaca, I feel that even the slightest things can be related to someone, and every day, stories with a human touch, funny stories, angry stories, and stories of shocking moments were born.
Surprisingly, I met Japanese people there, and I still keep in touch with some of them.Some people exchange letters with each other, and some become close enough to visit their parents' homes.The relationship that begins in an unexpected land and continues, makes me feel that meeting people is truly a strange and fateful thing.
The Japanese friends I met there happened to say the same things in writing and on the phone. "I like people".The simple and straight words, along with the people and the atmosphere of Oaxaca, have remained clearly in my mind.
After all, I also think that "I like people".Thanks to Oaxaca and the people I met there, I came to think that it is good and interesting for people to meet and interact with each other.
The Japanese language textbook I'm reading from April.On the first page is a poem that says, "Let's call beautiful things beautiful."
While saying that I like what I like, I will cherish the encounters I have had so far and the encounters I will have in the future, and I will enjoy the present to the fullest.
So, Muchas Gracias a Todos! (Thanks everyone!)
After posting all four issues of "Viva Oaxaca"
This time it was a stall special. Were you able to convey the atmosphere that makes you want to say "Viva! (Hurray!)"? ?
So far, we have delivered the Day of the Dead and school, the life of a local family, and an introduction to Oaxaca by a local student.Language, handicrafts, history, art, food, and the kindness and energy of people.The charm of Oaxaca is endless.By all means, please visit the site, feel Oaxaca with your whole body, and find the charm of each "Viva!"The locals will undoubtedly welcome you with open arms and a smile!
Viva Oaxaca!!!
*If you search Youtube for "Asi suena Mexico" (this is what Mexico sounds like), you'll find a video of the food stalls introduced in the article!