I was on a day tour in Chiapas, Mexico, when I met this woman who was making tortillas. We’d visited the mysterious Chamula church and the nearby Mayan cemetery in the highlands, then stopped off at a local arts and crafts center to check out the weavings. While there, we had the chance to meet the local indigenous, who speak the Mayan language Tzotzil.
Making Tortillas, Being in the Moment
There was something about this woman and scene that caught my eye. I liked her colorful clothing and the coolness of the earth–the walls and ground. More than that, however, I think it was that she seemed very in the moment as she worked.
In fact, it didn’t seem like she was really working. She was simply making tortillas.
Mexican Woman Making Tortillas, Chiapas, Mexico. (c) L Egle, 2012.
By the way, we got to sample the tortillas. I don’t remember what topping or fillings there were–it’s been a few years–but I do remember that they were delicious. Authentic Mexican food. Not the fake stuff made to cater to traveling or ex-pat gringos. And they were the perfect meal during a day of local tours!
Photographic Details
Camera: FujiFilm FinePix E900
F stop: 2.8
Shutter: 1/30 second
Setting: Natural light
Your Experiences?
Have you been to Mexico? Have you had tortillas fresh off the grill? Where were you and how were they?
If you haven’t been to Mexico, would you like to go? If so, where?
Ah, you just reminded me of the simple pleasure of eating a warm tortilla, as I sit here in frozen Stuttgart, Germany! I have been to Mexico before (I spent a week in Mexico City), and yes, I have eaten tortillas there, but I have more fond and vivid memories of tortillas in my recent trip to Guatemala last month. Having had them on literally every meal I had, I now associate the perennial clapping sounds of the hands of the women who make them, as they flatten the tortillas and then bake them on the hot plate.
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Glad I reminded you of that–nice! Didn’t know you were in Germany now. I can imagine it’s a bit chilly there.
Cool that you enjoyed tortillas in Guatemala–very nice. I remember that sound…I can hear it now!
This picture is really moving ! it gives me the impression of the simplicty ( in a good way) about how life is simple and how there are many other ways to live outside our urban chaos. Simply beautiful!
Hi, Jude. Glad you appreciate that about the photo–cool! And I like what you said re: alternatives to how most of us live. Definitely.
I wonder if tortillas could be made at home. Nice write-up!
Hi there. They probably could be made at home–with the right griddle!
Have been to Mexico, but can’t recall fresh tortillas. Those were in Nicaragua this past summer where the same lady would set up in the park every night and make them, grill them, and sell them until they were gone! Delicious. Mouth watering now. We would eat them almost daily, paired with gallo pinto or fresh made guacamole. Siiiigh.
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Hi, Claire. I don’t remember eating them in Nicaragua, but wow–the way you describe them, I’d like to go back to have some! I loved that gallo pinto–and guacamole. I’m getting hungry now!
Tortillas are a common staple across Central America. You can put almost anything on top, even spaghetti!
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Do people put spaghetti on top? I didn’t know that!