Bringing the Taste of Learning Home: Road Scholar Expert Christopher Gibson Shares the World of Indigenous & Hispanic Food Online
“Bottom line is, food is such a great topic.”
That’s Christopher Gibson’s response when asked what he’s most excited about in teaching a new Road Scholar online lecture about Hispanic and Indigenous food in New Mexico: New Mexico’s Culinary Traditions — A Blend of Culture & Flavor. And Christopher would know — he’s been teaching Road Scholars about New Mexico’s history and culture for more than 10 years.
“I initially became involved with Road Scholar back in the late fall of 2014, when a friend called me and said, ‘Oh, I have the perfect job for you!’” Christopher explains.
“The rest is history,” says Christopher. Now, he’s the senior Group Leader for New Mexico, working on a variety of learning adventures both on-site and online. His latest online lecture is a continuation of his work showcasing New Mexico’s culture through its traditional cuisine.
“This is a food history course,” Christopher says. “This is a regional cuisine that has been modified over centuries, using ingredients that have been in this region for thousands of years and modified by different groups of people.”
Christopher credits his own passion for food to his family, including Navajo and Hispanic family members. “I was exposed early on to diversity, and I started cooking from an early age,” he explains. “By the time I was a teenager, I was making tortillas by hand and helping my neighbors, since I grew up in a largely Hispanic community. And as a young adult, I had a lot of friends who were chefs. I got to learn by working side by side with skilled cooks.”
His background in anthropology also informs his teaching. “Food, from an anthropological point of view, is a carrier of culture. I think the region’s history and culture are exposed through food. If you think about it, every living organism must eat to survive. Fortunately, we humans are at the top of the food chain, so for the most part, we get to make the choices about what to eat. Every culture has their methods.”
Christopher Gibson
Looking forward, Christopher is excited about the opportunity to teach his new online lecture, as well as continue to instruct Road Scholars in New Mexico. “I find being a Group Leader is a combination of great responsibility and a lot of joy,” he says. “The joy comes from sharing New Mexico’s art and culture with people who aren’t necessarily familiar with the region.”
And there’s plenty in it for Christopher, too: “I’m learning alongside them.”
Road Scholar’s Online Lectures
Did you know you can learn with Road Scholar online? All you need is an internet connection and access to Zoom! Join experts like Christopher Gibson this summer for foodie topics and more. See all of our Online Lecture offerings.