Life's simplicity encapsulated by a few choice plums in Mexico shows my personal experience there.
In the vibrant heart of Mexico, Bel Woodhouse, an experienced writer, photographer, and videographer, finds herself immersed in a lifelong memory of warmth and friendship. One sunny day, as she wandered through a bustling market, she was drawn into a lively atmosphere in the fruit and veg section.
As she squeezed her way among a group of women, they were laughing, chatting, and approving of something she couldn't see. Intrigued, she discovered they were discussing plums—a fruit not commonly available on the island. The women were examining the plums carefully, sniffing and squeezing them, a behaviour that reminded Bel of an Italian market.
The specific type of plum, commonly referred to as "ciruela" in Mexico, is often the fruit of the Red Spanish or Hog Plum (Spondias mombin). Despite being called a plum, it belongs to the genus Spondias and is distinct from the typical European or Japanese plums. It's a popular fruit in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.
Bel, being tall and large, had to squeeze in among the women to get a better look. She noticed that the women were choosing plums that were firm but not too firm, and those that were too soft were discarded, as they're for cooking. Large plums were too dry and not as tasty or sweet, they're a little bland.
The women were friendly and soon engaged Bel in a delightful chat about plums. They showed her the sweetest, most perfect plums, and even taught her how to choose the best ones. Bel was fascinated by the fact that the small red plums were the same as the large, dark purple ones: they were just called plums.
The interaction led to a conversation about the different types of plums in Australia, with colours such as red, white, yellow, and dark purple. The women were interested, and Bel was touched by the warmth and friendliness that even a simple conversation about plums could bring.
As Bel walked home, people on the street often said good morning and waved to her. Such is life in Mexico, full of kindness and warm culture. Bel's life in Mexico is a testament to the warmth and friendship that the country is known for, and she continues to cherish every moment of it.
[1] Flacourtia indica (Governor's plum) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flacourtia_indica [4] Ciruela (fruit) - https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciruela [5] Spondias mombin (Red Spanish or Hog Plum) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondias_mombin
After learning about the Mexican 'ciruela', Bel was intrigued to discover that the Australian plums come in various colors, including red, white, yellow, and dark purple. This conversation, though seemingly trivial, was a friendly exchange that showcased the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Bel's exploration of the local markets unveiled more than just exotic fruits; it exposed her to a rich culture that takes pride in their unique food-and-drink traditions, much like Italy's customary fruit-and-vegetable markets.
In her daily life in Mexico, Bel found herself immersed in a lifestyle that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of home-and-garden produce, and she has embraced this new way of living as part of her own life and culture.
