It's true what they say...you learn something new everyday!

Ever wonder why people put a slice of lime in their Corona?

Well I didn't.

At least not until this past New Years Eve.

My husband and I packed up the kids and trekked down in the snow from our igloo in Barrie to my cousin's humble abode in Cambridge, to ring in the New Year in a (somewhat) low key atmosphere. I stress on 'somewhat', as my almost 4 year old son and my cousin's 3 year old stepdaughter entertained each other for several hours, sliding down the carpeted stairs face down with their shirts dragged up to their armpits exposing their reddened bellies, while my 15 month old daughter laughed and cheered them on!

We are good 'role model' parents. I swear it to you!

While sitting on the couches telling our children to 'be careful' and commenting on how old Dick Clarke looked on TV, My cousin got up and asked if anyone would like a drink. Although my drinking days are mainly over (with the exception of a recent red wine experience), I decided to have a beer. He said he had Corona, and asked if I wanted a lime in it and I said "of course!". His fiancee, who was sitting next to me suddenly looked at me with an "are you insane?" look on her face. Knowing she is from the outskirts of Havana, I quickly assumed that this was odd to her.

I responded intelligently with "What???"

"Why do people do that here?"

Again another intelligent response. "Do What?"

"Put a lime in their beer."

Of course, being confident in my experience and great wisdom, I proceeded to tell her that most people don't put lime in 'our domestic' beer, just in select varieties like Corona, Sol, and Bavaria.

"Yes, but why do they do it here?"

"In Canada?" (God I'm quick!)

"In Canada. Yes."

I started to feel less confident in my experience and great wisdom.

"I dunno. Because it tastes good. I guess ......"

My cousin stepped in to save me. "Well don't they do it in Cuba?"

"Yes....." She said looking rather annoyed. (I have a feeling she gets that way a lot with him)

"Well why do they do it there then?" He shoots back. Of course, I'm very eager to add this piece of information to my experience and great wisdom.

"Because it keeps the flies out."

I nearly peed my pants.

A few days later I remembered this 'turn of the century' moment and decided to "Google" it. It is indeed true. Beer-drinking joints in tropical climates serve their bottled beverages with lemon or lime wedges, as the citrus keeps the flies and other unwanted crawly creatures out. Unfortunately, this ritual may not turn away any inebriated 'drink-stealers'. Consider yourselves warned.

As for me, the Canadian toque-wearing, poutine-loving, curling-lover, closet Leafs fan (they will win the cup someday...I can feel it!), I will continue to proudly put a lime in my Corona because...

I ENJOY THE TASTE!!!!!!

Whenever I can afford it of course. Corona's pretty damn expensive up here.