“Worms are disgusting” - Culinary novelties and an evening with Jeremy Loops

As promised, the next post is already here!

I spent the weekend after our Wild Coast Trip in Port Elizabeth. The International Office of NMU had organized a Culture Festival in the middle of the city for Saturday, where some friends and I wanted to go. I don't know how many times I repeat myself, but these people and the work they do is really wonderful! In advance, they had contacted all international students at the university and asked if they wanted to represent their country gastronomically.

We got to see, experience, and above all taste the result on this Saturday!

On the small square, partly covered by a tent, people from all over the world gathered to try dishes from all over the world in the sunshine. And all of it was free!

Each booth represented a different country and could offer everything from typical breakfast dishes, lunch menus, and desserts that they didn't want to withhold from their culture. Besides some European representatives such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France, many students from different African countries had also come together. After the extremely positive experience of last week with the traditional meal of the Xhosa people, I was especially curious about their food. And I was not disappointed again! It was noticeable that many dishes were cooked based on corn or beans, but the taste of the "pap" (maize porridge) varied through special spice blends or additional ingredients, so you always felt like you were trying something new. I also noticed that grilling was popular not only in South Africa but also in many other countries where fish or vegetables were served grilled. Including worms. And even though I'm a pescetarian, I've always said that I definitely want to try these little insects if I ever have the opportunity to eat them in a traditional way.

And what can I say? Actually, they mainly taste salty and strongly reminded me of anchovies. The consistency is difficult to describe, very chewy and crunchy at the same time. I didn't find it incredibly good, but it definitely wasn't as "disgusting" as you always imagine it to be!

In general, I ate a lot that morning, beans in all variations, nuts with a sweet coating, unfamiliar fruits, and delicious dough balls.

During the snacking, the festival was accompanied by performances of various kinds. Talented singers performed folk songs from their countries, and dancers moved in a way I had never seen before. The festival was not only for NMU students, but anyone who was in the mood for a great, culturally rich morning was invited. The atmosphere was accordingly relaxed and lively at the same time, as the South African temperament of the people was revealed again, who cheered and celebrated loudly.

We didn't mind the delay, we have already gotten used to the fact that here the clocks tick differently than at home. The concert was really good, Loops and the band managed to create a party throughout the entire tent that everyone probably left with a satisfied smile on their face.

I send warm greetings to all of you,

yours Caro

My pedometer went crazy, but here are the completed steps of the "Africa" race: 383,169