I just realized that I never see vending machines in Paraguay. I was happy with looking at the eight different choices of cool drinks, but it wasn't hard to decide which one I wanted. I put in my coins, yesterday, pressed the buttons and waited as my mouth watered at the cold diet coke that fell to the bottom. It was a hot afternoon and the coke was just as cold as I wanted it, plus it was in a can.
You probably wonder why this was so exciting? Well, in paraguay I see "vendedores ambulantes"...People selling "cold" pop. They are saying that it is cold pop and when you buy it is is lukewarm, in a plastic bottle and maybe even not too fizzy. These people get on buses, stand on sidewalks or stand at traffic lights with a small styrofoam container trying to convince you that the pop they are selling is cold pop. Others sell dry chipas or little cakes that make you even thirstier for just about anything. Others even sell peeled oranges with the tops cut off so you can suck out (warm) fresh orange juice with seeds and all, without getting the oily orange essence all over your hands.
Well, If I can find some more coins, I'll go down for another one.
3 comments:
I'll have a couple of chunks of ice waiting for you when you get back.
Oh Karen- I love your perspective on American priorities! We place such a premium on comfort and forget that the rest of the world doesn't have "cold" anything on demand!
Your post reminded me of the the first time I used a vending machine as a little girl. We were on a road trip and staying at a motel and Robin and I went to get a coke to share. I got to put in the coins and she got to retrieve the can! I was so excited! It seems funny to realize how sheltered we lived at the greenhouse. Or maybe it was just that we got to have our own soda rather than just a sip of my mom's fresca or Tab! I'm looking forward to lunch at the Post House on the 22nd!
Yeah...ice...!
Oh, can you get a vending machine, too?
No, just kidding, how about a can of diet coke?
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