I was born and grew up in Quito,  Ecuador, in South America. When I was little, my immediate and extended family would pile up in a car and take a 2-hour long drive north of the city and delight in all the flavors, sights and textures of the small towns in the way.  

It was amazing how in a valley on top of the Andes the weather will be warm enough for growing avocados and chirimoyas (custard apples) and a short drive north we were faced with a snow covered mountain, Cayambe.

I still don't understand how so many of us fit in 1 car (no seatbelt regulations then) and how much we managed to eat on these trips.  It really was like a tasting voyage.  Sometimes the final destination was Caranqui, we waited for this brick oven baked cheese bread, that burned many tongues, but was oh so scrumptious.  The bread was cooked on a leaf and steaming hot when opened to be smothered with arrope (berry syrup).  Ok, now I am craving the whole experience!