Taco Bell

 Many of you probably heard about the Taco Bell Hoax that fell on Bethel a few weeks ago.  Right about the time we were getting here, we heard whisperings that a Taco Bell was soon to follow us.  It didn't take long for these rumors to be dispelled.  Apparently, just before we got here, flyers were being circulated advertising a new Taco Bell complete with a phone number for those interested in employment.  It created quite a buzz, but unfortunately it turned out to be a prank.  Somehow, this joke gone bad made national news.  I've heard that it was some kind of research project; I've heard it was just some guy playing a joke on a friend.  Either way, the stir got the attention of the real Taco Bell.  I guess the powers that be at corporate Taco Bell decided this little town in the middle of Alaska deserved a day of tacos.  And if they were going to fly tacos to Bethel, why not make it big?  And if they were going to make it big, why not make it into a commercial?!    
We heard about free tacos and film crews yesterday.  The action was supposed to start around 1:00pm in front of the Cultural Center and we were promised we wouldn't be disappointed.  
I think 3/4 of the town showed up for the chance to be in a commercial and get a taco they may have never tried.  The whole affair had Hollywood stamped all over it.  So its true that there are no roads in or out of Bethel, but we do have roads within the town.  But why drive the Taco Bell truck from the airport to the Cultural Center when you can air lift it by helicopter?  After the dramatic truck landing, we were prompted to all charge across the muddy road for our free tacos like starving children.  All in all, it was a lot of fun.  I'm probably going to end up on national television shoving a Doritos Taco Bell taco into my mouth.  At the very least I made Anchorage news.  But for those of you who know me well, seeing me shove delicious food into my mouth should be no surprise.