Culture Trek

Posts Tagged ‘banku’

July 9th

Mez

A young woman came to the porch with a large tray of wrapped corn on her head and I was offered a piece. It was luke warm, which was perfect in the scorching heat. Was this Florence, my cook, and was this considered lunch? In case it was, I didn’t want to ask as though it weren’t enough.

I carefully unwrapped the plastic bag and savored each kernel one row at a time. The cob had been steamed in saltwater and tasted divine. Fresh from the refrigeration unit, Salomey also brought two cold water bags to go with it. (Note: Rather than using water bottles, you chew a hole in the corner of a half liter plastic bag and drink.) After perspiring in the heat all day, I was truly grateful for both.

Taking a break from gluing tea boxes, leaning back against the wall to enjoy her own food, Salomey asked, “Do you like mez?”

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