While attending a Spanish II trip to the Vallarta Supermarket, Nov. 24, sophomore Ricky Lopez tried to take notes despite distractions in the form of pork rinds reminiscent of parachutes.

The spicy, fatty smell of the staple Latin American snack permeated the area around the grocery store’s deli section, next to the meat department which included other unique animal products such as cow tongue and pig feet. Despite the strange and sometimes disturbing delicacies, the class learned about Hispanic culture beyond the textbooks. Although the crispy delights sparked the curiosity of many students on the trip, Lopez neglected the opportunity to sample the treat.

For more information, read Vallarta Supermarket trip broadens culinary, cultural boundaries or check out Head on its shoulders.