August 30 - Gazpacho vs. Salmorejo

This morning, Albert and I headed out to Costco for one final time before my membership runs out.  It is pretty cheap to get a membership here if we decide later on that we want one, but it was a good excuse for a field trip anyway - we took a bus today whose route took us through a part of the city that we had not seen.  In addition to some lovely parks and buildings, we passed by a large street "flea market" and lots of squares filled with vendors. 

After school today, there was another "cultural activity".  These extras (cultural activities, tours, intercambioes) are great practice with informal interactions that are much different than the classroom activities.  The only problem is that after more than three hours in class, it is hard to be motivated for anything extra.  But today, it was no problem at all.  First of all, the teacher for the cultural activity is awesome.  Secondly, the activity today was making and comparing Gazpacho and Salmorejo - and then eating the results....mmmm!

First, we talked about the ingredients and recipes for both types of cold tomato soup.  A good review of food vocabulary and imperative verb conjugations.

Next, everyone helped with the prep work - cutting tomatoes, chopping bread, peeling garlic,.....

Finally Mercedes (our glorious guide) did the blending.  You may notice the cloth she has wrapped around her waist - she realized that blending Salmorejo while wearing white pants was not going to be smart.

The results were delicious- a nice refreshing light dinner on this hot August evening.