Those who have known me for some time know that I’ve always wanted a cat named Potato. There is something infinitely hilarious about calling after a cat yelling “Potato!? Where are you?”. My close friends do not share this overwhelming sense of hilarity, and I’ve had numerous arguments with past boyfriends about naming an animal after a vegetable. Despite shouldering some serious allegations of lunacy, my obsession with all things Potato (not to be confused with my obsession with all things llama or tarsier) continues. And, in what was the funniest package I’ve received via FedEx, Craig bought me a conch shell engraved with the word Potato instead of a person’s name. Those who have been to Key West will recognize the shell as one of the typical tchatchkes from the city, and I’m sure the guy who sold it to Craig was a bit put off by the engraving request.
May I present ….. POTATO!
Aerial view of Potato:
Side view of Potato.
This is the first of many Potato posts because Potato is coming with me. Potato will have his own tag on this blog. In fact, I plan on taking pictures with Potato around the globe and – depending on when and/or whether Potato (a) gets crushed, (b) gets lost, (c) gets stolen … I hope to have a full Potato Album (PotoAlbum?) when I get back.
Not to be outdone, the United Nations decided to name 2008 as “The Year of the Potato”. Following up on 2004’s “Year of Rice”, 2008 is all potato all the time, starting with a conference in Cuzco this March 25 (such a shame that we are only getting there in May!). Why Potato? Per the UN, “The celebration of the International Year of the Potato (IYP) will raise awareness of the importance of the potato – and of agriculture in general – in addressing issues of global concern, including hunger, poverty and threats to the environment.” Thanks to JC for bringing the UN designation to my attention.
And thus, a deliciously karmic state of affairs, not only will I be traipsing around the globe with Potato in hand, the potato will be globally lauded as the UN’s food of 2008.
If you want to get involved with the Year of the Potato, see the United Nations IYP website at http://www.potato2008.org/en/index.html
-Jodi
I am a former lawyer from Montreal currently eating my way around the world, one country at a time. Marshmallow enthusiast, volcano climber and cave spelunker - and also a geek. Traveling since April 1, 2008. See the 
he knew just what to get you!!!
potoalbum! BAAHAHAHAAHAHAH!