Texikiwi
03 May 2006

Around Easter-time Greg and I went to eat at a Mexican restaurant down the street. Believe me, this is a find. There are just five Mexican restaurants in all of Christchurch, in a city of 350,000 people and at least one thai food place on every intersection. The food was very good however predictably un-spicy. Greg and I promptly finished the bottle of hot sauce they had on the table and asked for something more spicy. Out came "Ay Carumba" habanero Salsa. While this wasn't HOT by Texas standards, we were impressed with the nice kick it had. We read the label and saw this it was made by a mexikiwi, a Mexican who moved to New Zealand and resides here in Christchurch. I commented to the owner of the restaurant that the sauce was very good and that I make some myself. "Do you know where I might find some jalapenos in Christchurch?" I asked. "No, but you might give this guy Alejandro a call. He makes the Ay Carumba sauce and would probably know where you might find some."

I gave Alejandro a call a few days later (over Easter weekend) and left a message. I wanted to use the little, yet conversational Spanish that I know, but felt awkward and just spoke english.

Two weeks roll by and I'm thinking that Alejandro is pretentious and too snooty to call a salsa fan back, then out of the blue the phone rings. Guess who? Alejandro and I talk for nearly 30 minutes about salsa, immigrating, the film industry, where to find various chillies in NZ (or the lack thereof). I'm totally stoked because he's asked me to come over and make some mexican food with him, and teach me how to make stuff-like salsa! Yum.

Also, after turning down a job at a camera shop (selling picture frames) I got a part-time job working at the Mexican restaurant. Greg and I were eating there this week (cheap mon/tues specials) and I inquired if they filled the waitress position that I applied for the week before. The owner, Pat, recognized me and suddenly looked very happy. When filling out the application I felt over qualified. Experience: yes, I have some, Other skills/life experience that would aid in your job duties: Native Texan, keen on mexican food/cooking, speak some spanish. References (in NZ): no. This is why I was so confused when I didn't get a call.

"You're that American girl! I've been looking for your application. I've been trying to get a hold of you. When can you start?" she said. Answer: Saturday