Life is good here. Interesting, as always. It's always good entertainment, simply greeting people on the streets because we get such mixed reactions. I've come to realize that we really look exceptionally odd. One gringo, one latino, young men, dressed really fancy for something, walking around town all day, every day. We usually say something like "buenas tardes, Hermano/Hermana" to which they usually at least mumble a little "buenas" in our direction. They probably would say more, but they often times forget the time of day. (We get a lot of "good morning"s at night, and viceversa.) Also, they're never sure what to call us. We're known to most as the "Hermanos". Close enough. They can't really say Elder, anyways. Today, sombody called my companion Wilbur. Meh, that works. Wilbur Alexander has a nice ring, actually.
We aslo just met an old lady who is 114 years old. And she still cooks, even though it takes her 5 hours. Lots of super old people here. Its really admirable, amist all the greasy foods, diseases and tocosh. Oh, and car crashes. People drive like children here. Possibly because a lot of drivers are children. Dang kids these days. Always getting into trouble, playing marbles for keeps, and driving taxies.
Remember that tie Brother Sevy gave me that's covered in flowers? Well, whenever I wear it, everybody tells me how beautiful it is, including guys. One girl started naming all the different flowers, and her name was Margarita, which means Daisy, so I guess the people here just really like flowers a lot. I love showing families the picture book you sent with me. The one comment that everyone always makes is how beautiful Emmaline is. And last night somebody asked me if you were my little sister (mom). And I always tell everyone that the picture with Abby and Harmony and Kylan and Malorey are all my girlfriends. haha. But anyways. Im excited to see you all via internet soon! Love you much much much!
Much love,
Elder Alexander
*Note from Shelly (mom): For those of you who, like myself, do not know what tocosh is this is what Wikipedia had to say...
Tocosh (also known as Togosh) is a traditional Quechua food prepared from fermented potato pulp (corn is less common). It is often prepared for celebration events and has a strong odor and flavor. Tocosh can be used as a natural antibiotic because penicillin is produced during the fermentation process.[1] Medicinally it is used for the common cold, gastric ulcers, pneumonia, and altitude sickness among others. The Incas believed it was a gift from Inti for preservation of the body.
The fermentation process of creating tocosh was discovered by the Incas (or possibly one of the many tribes in their empire). A pool of water with a current is found or dug on the banks of a stream. The potatoes or corn are then placed in a mesh bag of grass, covered with stones, and left undisturbed for six to twelve months. The current flows through the stones to wash away bacteria during fermentation. Once fermentation has occurred, the tocosh is dried in the sun and stored for future use.
The most common preparation in the Huánuco region of Peru is to make a mazamorra or jelly-like dessert.
Ummm...... Yum?
Psh yeah right gabe would have four girlfriends!! I know exactly the picture he is talking about though, that was a good idea to send him a picture book!!
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