Life's simplicity encapsulated: A small bunch of ripe plums personifies my experience in Mexico
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In the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, Beth Woodhouse, a correspondent for International Living, found herself immersed in a vibrant culture that reminded her of Italian nonnas. But it was in the fruit section of a local supermarket where she stumbled upon an unexpected adventure.
One day, as she joined the women in the plum section, she caused a bit of a squeeze. The women were busy digging, squeezing, and sniffing plums, their faces filled with concentration. Intrigued, Beth asked what the commotion was about, and she was introduced to the search for the sweetest, most perfect plums.
The women were experts at their craft, giving second opinions on plums before handing them to Beth. They were looking for plums that were firm but not too firm, and not too big, as big plums were often too dry and not as tasty or sweet. Beth, who had a plum tree back home in Australia, was fascinated by this meticulous process.
As the women nearest Beth began digging through the pile to find perfect plums for her, she asked what the plums were called. She was told "ciruela." Beth was intrigued and later discovered that the name for a "blood plum" in Spanish is commonly "ciruela sangre" or simply "ciruela" with "sangre" referring to the deep red or blood-like color of the fruit.
The women were also fascinated by the different types of plums in Australia. They showed Beth how to select the best plums, their faces lighting up with excitement as they shared their knowledge. Beth was touched by the warmth and friendliness of these women, a trait she has come to expect from her life in Mexico.
Outside the supermarket, life in Mexico continued to be filled with friendly interactions, such as people greeting and waving from the street. Beth enjoys sitting on her balcony with a pot of tea and sketching in the mornings, taking in the warm culture that surrounds her.
Whether it's the bustling fruit and veg section of the supermarket or the friendly interactions on the street, Beth's life in Mexico is a testament to the kindness and warmth of the people she has come to know and love. And of course, the sweetest, most perfect plums.
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