Like I said, though, different doesn't mean bad. Because of the high hispanic population, I'm getting a chance to experience a more diverse city. Basically everything, from Wal-mart aisle signs to menu items, have Spanish translations. The politicians focus largely on hispanic issues, and I've met new terms in their campaigns, some of which are, unfortunately, negative.
This is all fine. In fact, the emphasis in hispanic culture on hospitality and servitude has actually been really nice and welcoming. But yesterday, things took a turn for the worse.
Andrew and I went to McDonald's for a lazy dinner. We haven't gone for fast food much out here because we finally have a functioning kitchen, which is awesome. But yesterday, we volunteered for a fall festival at the local elementary school and didn't get done until late, making a quick dinner pick-up all we (read: I) really had the energy for. I ordered my typical "number 1 with no cheese" and we took our meals home to chow down. The first bite I took of my usually delicious Big Mac was...odd, but I didn't think much of it and kept going. Then I realized how spicy it was. Upon further inspection, I realized my Big Mac had jalapenos on it!! Wha whaaaa?
Maybe some people would have found this to be a pleasant surprise, but I was not one of them. Jalapenos might do well on a regular burger even, but I could not have imagined a worse place for them nestled between my special sauce and buns. I mean come on, there's even a song as to what goes on a Big Mac, and jalapenos are definitely not in it.
Hopefully my other encounters with the culture here will be more positive than the one at McD's. But be warned, fellow travelers, if visiting the state of NM, be sure to know what you're ordering at restaurants could be different than what you expected. Or don't, and be immersed on a higher level than I'm prepared for.
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