I did a double take today when I saw a bowl of peeled oranges. That’s exactly how we used to peel our oranges when I was a kid. Well, until we learned the American way; a way which never seemed quite right. I’m from Puerto Rico and there, like they were in this bowl, oranges are peeled circularly. (Or at least they were, I don’t know about now. It’s been 12 years since I’ve been in P.R.)
I saw the oranges, saw the juicer and stopped in my tracks, because of course I had to have a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice even if it was tart, which to my surprise it wasn’t. It was super delicious. And cold (he added ice). And not at all in a cup, but rather in a plastic bag with a straw.
The vender’s name is Ernesto and every morning he rides the bus for half an hour from his home in Rivas, carrying a bag of oranges which were picked near a village by the Frontera (aka Costa Rican border). He’s at his stand across from Banco Lefise every day but Sunday from maybe 9 to 3.
You don’t want to buy one before you go into the bank, or into the market or need to look at your phone. It’s definitely a two-hand affair. Or at least it was for this rookie who did not grow up drinking out of small, clear, plastic bags.
When I rounded the corner I passed an older Nica woman who was just finishing her own plastic bag drink. She looked up at me, pointed towards my drink with her lips, glowingly smiled as if I’d just passed an initiation and said “Salud” (To your health). For a second I felt Nica!
Cost of the delicious orange juice: 20 Cordobas ($0.63 U.S.)
My love of my life here: Sin Precio!
