Only In South Texas - Part 1

South Texas is a unique place. The Rio Grande defines the border with Mexico, but it does not define culture. South Texas is bi-cultural and, to an extent, bilingual. Some of what I see is obvious and other things are unexplainable. To that extent I decided to post about the unique, the strange, and the unexplainable.

A wet Spring brings cacti to life and fills them with flowers. These flowers in turn will become the fruit, Cactus Pears.

For some folks both the fruit and the cactus "leafs" are delicacies. During Lent, the devout will shun all meat products and indulge in eating cacti. The cacti dish will look like sliced green beans. The cacti can be prepared with eggs, or sauteed, or steamed. I used to tell my mother, grandmother and aunt that cacti was not meant for human consumption but for cattle feed.  Remember the cactus that is eaten is the tender new growth, not the mature plant seen above.

The fruit on the other hand is tasty. It must be peeled and eaten cold. It has a unique texture and taste. The picture shows a very large cactus plant in a field.. This fruit may not make it to maturity as the birds will peck away if there is no one to harvest what remains.

Bilingual

Pronto Insurance has these billboards all around.  There is no explanation or translation offered or expected. If you live here you will get it.

The reference to the flour tortilla needs no explanation.

If you are not familiar with the Tex-Mex language, you have no clue about the "chancla." A chancla is everyday footwear. It can be flip-flops, sandals, tennis shoes, etc. The moms and grandmas would use the chancla as a threat to punishment, "Te voy a dar con ls chancla." (I will hit you with my shoe is you don't behave.) I don't feel threatened when I read the words in English. Although kids would try to run away from the dreaded chancla, there was no escape. A flying chancla always seemed to find its target. 

There is no stronger a football following than in Texas. In all of my travels, I never came across a house that honored a championship, not even in Prosser, WA.

 The local high school colors are purple and white. The football fanatics are alive and well for the home team as well. Purple and white are colors commonly seen around town.

In Weslaco, Texas there are at least two "hierberias." This is a store that sells all sort of herbs (but not for cooking) used for medicinal purposes. In case you were not aware there are products designed for weight loss, cancer, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver. There are ointments, powders, and incantations to help the consumer with the evil eye, poverty, and revenge. Look at what was on display in the front window of one of these shoppes.

I took these pictures through the looking glass after the store closed. I did not want to have a voodoo doll with my name on it. 

The figure on the throne is sitting on a pile of gold coins. The legs are tied and it is wearing Liberace's robe. I don't know what it all means. 

This figure is holding a ball and chain with broken chains. Or it could be that Death is playing volleyball and is about to serve. (I know. I am doomed.)

 If you prefer to believe and follow a more traditional religion, consider the Catholic Church and their belief in "holy water." It almost sounds as bizarre as the "hierberia ." I first saw this when I attended a wedding at this church. I knew that I had to take a picture.

San Martin Church is a pretty picture amongst the swaying palm trees. Notice the small red section at the base of the bell tower.

This is it. Is it just me that questions and asks, "Huh?"

There is another HUH?

A trip to the cemetery gave me the opportunity to snap the following pictures and ask, "Huh?"

What is the line of thought? I noticed that many graves had these solar lights. The departed were both young and old. Is this in line with "walk into the light?" Or is it similar to the Motel6 slogan, "We'll keep a light on."

 Believe it or not. It is a wacky world in South Texas - only in South Texas.

More to come.

Joe