Thats nitrate salts used in sausages, salami and such. The NaCl used in fresh meats is mostly to add weight and supposedly make it more “juicy”.

Probably in a similar category as lutefisk in Norway. I like it, but I realize it’s an acquired taste.

True. I remember visiting El Paso a decade ago.

There was a starbucks in viewing distance from the hotel but the only way to get there was by car. The fact that taking a short walk to get my morning coffee was not possible seemed absurd.

And this kept happening. Walking anywhere was just not a thing there.

Thats rough. I had a fairly traumatic experience once. The result was about a month of a zombie-like state. It took me some time to discover i was having nightmares i could not remember when waking up, in addition to depression and occasional flashbacks.

In my case it was a “normal” reaction to extreme stress since it eventually improved. Having to live like that would not be fun. Ill deal with having to go to work instead.