Fiambre is the Spanish name for everything to do with sandwiches such as salamis and cheeses. One of the more favoured snacks here in Argentina is salami and cheese on bread and it is one that I too have grown to really enjoy.
The fiambre man and his shop.
I was on my way home when I realised that I had not yet purchased these essential ingredients from the supermarket. Just at that moment I noticed a Fiambreria - or salami and meats shop. This is different from a butcher shop which has raw meat, the Fiambreria carries meats that are ready to eat just as they are: ham, salami, corned meats, etc. They often carry cheeses too.
The owner was not very busy at that moment. His was a new shop that had only recently opened, and clients were not yet aware that he existed. I found him outside in a chair enjoying the warmth of the sun, watching the cars and people pass by. As soon as I approached he got up and welcomed me warmly.
A talkative type of fellow, once we got inside the shop he began to tell me all about the different meats and suggest a number of different ones. Not having any experience in the different types of meat, he also offered free tastings of each type. Before long I had ordered the salami that I needed. The same applied to the cheese.
Somewhere in the conversation he asked me about where I was from. Upon hearing Australia he proceeded to tell me all about one of his friends that now lives in Australia. It constantly amazes me just how many people I have met who have a friend or family living in Australia. This friend had described Australia to him in such a way as to help him feel as though he had actually been there, and he pumped me for more information still.
Not being in any hurry and happy to chat with such a friendly guy, I hung around and told him a little more about Australia and life here in Argentina, comparing the two at times, and showing the similarities and differences. He was delighted, and as I left he came out and waved me off, returning to his chair in the sun.
This photo was taken a little later when I passed by on foot. He was very enthusiastic and happy to have the photo taken, recognising me immediately. It seems that I now have a friend. The only thing is that I never actually caught his name... nor he mine.
So for now I refer to him as, "The Fiambre man."