The Traveler

No…not me.

Yes, my position usually (pre-COVID) has me traveling a fair amount (by which I mean I remember the year that I failed to make 100,000 miles by less than 2,000, because my then-boss told everyone that reported to him to avoid travel in Q4). It has it’s perks, of course. A chance to see different places, try local foods and wines, and generally get to know the country a bit more are all great benefits of this.

No, I’m talking about this…

You know, if you follow me at all, that I really enjoy cooking. Deep, rich flavors, especially when paired with a fine wine, are a true joy. The ingredients, obviously, have a huge impact on taste and quality.

To support this, I regularly order this specific Spanish-style Chorizo as it tastes great on it’s own, renders out a very nice fat when fried, and just generally makes a great addition to the refrigerator.

I had not thought, however, that Chorizo could also suffer from a need to travel, beyond the normal shipping routes…

Ordered on the 8th, the Chorizo arrived at the shipper on the 9th and moved through multiple scan locations on the 10th, reportedly arriving in our town on that date.

Then … and I am only speculating, at this point, it appears to have come to the realization that it was destined to simply arrive at a house, get integrated into various dishes, and diligently serve out the purpose for which it was crafted.

Whatever the reason … 13 hours after being received in town, the tracking switched quietly to “Delivery Delay” and the Chorizo went AWOL.

Wanderlust? Fear of commitment? Who knows why.

The one thing I do know is this: By the 14th, it was tracked down in Anchorage at 2:47am. I like to think maybe the Chorizo was found sleeping in a cooler in a wine bar, after last call, having indulged a bit too much in a bottle of Rioja. 19 hours later, it was extradited back to Washington State, arriving at what may have been it’s original point of shipping departure, then back on to our town.

What should have been 2-day delivery ended up as 7-day delivery, but I guess I can understand why there may have been the need to see Alaska. Maybe some day my client will add a building there, and I will have the chance to go looking for clues, myself.

In any event, the wayward Chorizo has already contributed to various meals. Chorizo with cheese and crackers, and a lovely omelette.

I wonder what else I’ve waited for, in past orders, that simply “took to the roads” instead of doing what it was told…?

Tight lines.