LATIN America is doing its own thing in the world.
For instance, its airlines seem to say: "We're still prevailing with common sense when it comes to airline service. Here, have a metal cutlery set to use."
When was the last time you used held a steel knife and fork on a plane? Not since 9/11/2001 I'll bet.
It could be a bold statement, suggesting South America is not confirming to the wants of that other large, powerful nation to its north.
Or it could just be that's what this particular airline has always done.
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The funny thing is, the meal served is a gourmet sandwich which doesn't require cutlery at all.
Anything potato related is notably absent from this meal, although it is still delightful.
Just to put this potato consumption mission in context; it's not like the pursuit of Melbournian, Andrew Taylor, who ate nothing but potatoes for a year.
He did it successfully, lost a heap of weight and improved his all round health in doing so.
My quest is more about exploring what else can be done with potatoes and how another country that's big on spuds, Peru, treats their gems from the below the soil.
South America takes its food fairly seriously. It's something to rejoice in.
I mean, there is no hesitation in the staff at an airport restaurant from breaking into public dance, albeit to KC and the Sunshine Band.
If this is the sort of celebration of food that's done in between destinations, imagine what it will be like on the ground in one of the potato capitals of the world.
- Ashley Walmsley travelled to Peru with assistance from the Crawford Fund and with financial support from DFAT Council on Australia Latin America Relations.