Monday, November 12, 2018

In the Neighborhood

The human mind is a miraculously curious organ, isn't it? Every single day on my drive to or from work I follow blindly the GPS through "Avenida das Jaqueiras." Severely mispronounced by a computer-automated English speaker, the street is part of my neighborhood. I can locate it and successfully navigate its dangerous roundabouts and even get gas or a car wash nearby. Without blinking, I know this street. What never occurred to me was to investigate the meaning of "jaqueiras." So much for curiosity. 

Last weekend, we were out with a friend and turned onto the famed "Avenida das Jaqueiras" when I noticed large fruits protruding from the trees along the route. Every tree had tons of spiky, enormous jack fruit protruding from its branches. Suspicious that every tree on the road seemed to be producing jack fruit. I said as much to our Brazilian friend, who replied, "of course, that is why it is called Jack Fruit Avenue."

Really, what could be more obvious to decode? 






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