I’ve never really paid attention to the proper “rules” of traveling eating and drinking because if I see it and want it, I consume. No matter the digestive problems it may cause; I’ll deal with that later.
That being said, Jake went to the travel doctor for some immunizations and while there received some travel guidelines as well. Fifty+ pages worth. The printer was running the whole time he was there and he waddled home with a ream of single-sided printed paper. (I mean come on, this IS Seattle after all where one would not even think to cut down a tree or use styrofoam. So anyways…)
On one single-sided sheet was a list of rules for eating and drinking:
1. Do not eat raw seafood
2. Do not drink from glasses that are wet from washing in tap (i.e. contaminated) water
3. Do not consume ice, because it could be made with contaminated water
4. Do not eat raw egg whites
5. Do not brush your teeth with tap water
6. Do not eat fresh salad or fruit unless the fruit has a thick peel and it’s not rinsed with water.
Phew. Okay. Now.
Day One in Peru:
1. We made our way to the market where we ate ceviche at one of the open restaurants across from where they sold the seafood in the market. Ceviche = Raw fish citrus “cooked” by marinating in citrus juices.
2. At the same place, they pulled wet glasses from the rinse tub and poured our beers into it.
3. Later that day, we went out for drinks at a hip place called Huaringas bar, and ordered the Peruvian national drink, a margarita-like drink made from a spirit distilled from wine called pisco, lime juice, ice, and frothed egg whites.
4. Brushed teeth, rinsed with tap water.
5. Ate salad with dinner and fresh fruit for dessert.
Think that covers it! Sorry, doc, we didn’t really set out to break all the rules, but it just happens when you’re enjoying yourself in a foreign country. I mean, why go if you can’t fully experience, right?! And I’m still alive. HA! Nothing a little Pepto won’t solve anyway. Ha.