The Best Thing I Have Ever Eaten: On A Stick

Oh, this one is easy.

In 2005, I loaded up a dozen sophomores in high school and headed to Mexico to build a house. We pitched tents in a dusty field, cooked all of our meals outside and built an entire house by hand, no power tools allowed. Bucket showers were the only thing that kept us coexisting because high school boys start smelling like roadkill before too long. And on top of that, one kid counted over 200 bug bites on his legs and three girls came down with Mexican Two Step on our only day off.

So, the only thing that kept me from either running away or being committed was the most delectable thing I have ever tasted on a stick: the Magnum Bar.

No words can describe the Magnum Bar. You can never find them in the U.S., which makes their discovery that much more sweet. It's the world's best ice cream wrapped in the richest, darkest chocolate and frozen solid on a stick. And they come in dark, shiny wrappers that make you feel like it is Christmas morning, only it's not, it's June and you're in Mexico with smelly teenagers, sandy food and a bucket shower that has long sense lost its effectiveness.

Since I had the keys to the 15-passenger van, I would sneak out for a moment of peace to the nearest gas station and eat a Magnum Bar in total silence, praising the good Lord for chocolate, ice cream and the beloved peso that made those suckers affordable.

I am pretty sure it kept me going that week. That's probably why they are mostly sold in other countries, just to keep whiny Americans who can't hack it in the Mexican desert from going insane. If that's the case, then it has my undying devotion and the thanks of many high schoolers who should never have to witness their leader teetering on the brink of reality.

So, after a week of sweat, hard work and bug bites, our team finished the house and handed the keys over to a smiling family.

Was it worth it? Yep, definitely!

Would I do it again? Only if I was paid.

Is the house still standing?  

crickets chirping...



So peeps, let's hear it: what is the best thing you have ever eaten on a stick?