Cooking (w/o gas)

04.21.2004

One of the things I didn't know before moving to La Paz is that most apartments don't have kitchens. That is, they have a room designated a "kitchen" — but they don't have kitchens. I never bothered to ask about my first apartment, since I just assumed (as is the case in Michigan) that apartments come at least w/ a stove and refrigerator. Not here.

So. I'm learning to improvise as much as possible. I can make sandwiches & simple things w/ the little fridge I bought. And I can make tea & coffee w/ my electric water boiler. But I'm trying to expand my repertoire. Scouring the little ZATT supermarket near my apartment.

It finally dawned on me that I could make quite a few things. I can make spaghetti w/ Ramen noodles (sans powder) & cold marinara sauce. Not ideal, but passable.

And I can make mashed potatoes. I just have to boil the water, while mixing salt & butter in the bottom of a mug. Add the potato flakes. Add hot water & cover w/ a plate. Sure, it's not Grama's homemade mashed 'taters, but it'll do.

When I'm back in Michigan in 90 days, I plan to spend several days just cooking.

Posted by Miguel at 04:43 PM

Comments

Just 90 days left!. You have to seize them,try to go to Yungas.

Posted by: Daniel at April 21, 2004 05:01 PM

Yes, I do have to take advantage of those 90 days. Mainly to get caught up on my research! But on the list of things to do are: Sucre, Copacabana, and Coroico (if I can). Probably spend the last week or so in Santa Cruz, w/ a short trip to Samaipata.

Posted by: Miguel at April 21, 2004 05:15 PM

Someone else counting days???? I am leaving the States (for the summer) in 20 days. :)

Posted by: Melli at April 21, 2004 08:37 PM