Mexican Ice Cream

So, this is a great culture clash, one that's seen all over Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico. These are Hispanic vendors of frozen fruit treats. They are similar to the Otter Pops that most American kids grew up with, except they are shaped like large popsicles. It's a culture clash because the fruit snacks are very popular in Mexico, but they are sold using traditional American ice-cream push cars, similar to the ones I used to see as a kid in Chicago.




As you can see, they are very popular. In the front is a cardboard box. It's filled with puffed wheat chips that he also is selling, according to Poe, the photographer.



And here he is again, still selling.

I know some people who really frown on this enterprise, but I personally applaud it and think it's brilliant for several reasons. First off, most traditional "Mr. GoodHumor" Ice Cream trucks are a thing of the past. Corporate America didn't see a big enough profit in door-to-door (or neighborhood to neighborhood sales as it were) so they ditched that great piece of Americana so they could sell in grocery stores. As a result, there are many independent ice cream trucks out there, but I swear just about every few weeks, one gets busted in my current town for selling meth and heroin out the back. These carts, on the other hand, are pretty cool. I can't recall any of these sellers being arrested. They always seem to be really nice. And it's great that they have the spirit and the will to do this for a living.

I have to personally thank my friend "Poe" for taking these photos in her Texas neighborhood. Her name links to her Xanga blog. Not sure if you need an account to read her blog, but accounts are free there so it's worth it.