How my daughter became a Vegetarian

We extended Jessica's birthday-week (ha) by letting the boys get on the school bus Tuesday morning, and letting Jessica "skip school" and spend a special day with Keith and I. We took her out to breakfast and to the "Tuesday Market" --- a wonderful, colorful market that rivals any Super Target in the States. The kids never get to go, as they are always in school.

You can, literally, get ANYTHING, there. Clothes - new and used. Pinatas. Car parts. Shoes. Plants. Barrettes. Dry beans. DVDs of brand new movies just out in theatres (Hmmm - not legal??). Embroidery. Arts & Crafts. School supplies. Kitchenwares. Pets - kittens, puppies, fish, turtles, gerbils, birds, parrots.......

this is where we got in trouble. See you can also get live chickens. You can also get produce -- eggs. There are also wonderful stalls to eat -- churros, papayas, coconuts, jicima, tacos, bisteak, even pizza.



Within about 500 feet, Jessica witnessed the entire lifecycle of a chicken ---- a produce stand with eggs. After some very loud Mexicano music to display the power of some speakers and quality of CD copies, we saw a group of cages with some adorable baby chicks, ducks, geese, and many different chickens and roosters. Not far after were some of those large oven spits roasting some 20 chickens over a hot broiler. Nearby were happy couples and families enjoying their meals. It wasn't too long before my 10 year old was HORRIFIED!!!!

Luckily, we are in a land of plenty when it comes to beans and lentils. Soy milk and tofu??? Probably not.