Day 3 - 249 -- Foraging for Food

Ordering food in a restaurant -- something we may take for granted. I know I do. I've traveled to many places and things I believe are similarly named items, may not always be the same. On the whole, this is a good thing. We may often be too used to the 'fast-food-ization' of the food service world, that quality control so  a menu item is the same no matter where you are in the world. In some countries, familiar foods -- familiar to me <smile> -- may not be easy to find. While I have a short list of absolute dislikes and another of allergy-causing foods, there are often interesting local dishes to try. They may not turn out to be 'keepers', but the 'once-ers' add depth to our experience -- like the Branson pickle and cheese or the tuna and sweet corn sandwiches that I fell in love with in the UK.

In some countries, language may be a barrier to ordering, even in countries that technically speak the same language, the same word may mean two very different foods. Just think of Maggie Smith's explanation of making a cup of tea in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (priceless). Or think of the consternation with which someone with a British background stares at a plate of sandwich and chips that contains potato chips (crisps in the UK) not fries (chips in the UK and Canada). Now add the extra layer of a language one is not fluent in and see the results. In a Hong Kong noodle shop, seated at a long communal table, we stared at the menu on the wall written entirely in Chinese characters. We were determined to have this experience, so carefully watched the bowls of those business men around us until we saw what we wanted. Mine turned out to be a lovely beef short rib with veggies and broth over rice noodles. Wonderful.

Looking at a menu and trying to translate meal contents is daunting, but comical when those around you Google translations and photos to help you decide. Your dinner choice has become a community event <smile>. If a region blends two bordering languages or uses a unique regional pronunciation things can get weird very easily. Also, beware faulty translations. I once had a table d'hote menu with jellied fish appetizer. Expecting some pickled jellied herring, I was surprised to find strips of jelly fish tentacles served in vinegar. At least my table mate was more than willing to eat what I was clearly not going to finish. As long as I don't end up with brains, chicken feet, octopus, cuttle fish or squid, I should be happy. (and yes, I have tried these, but really don't want to go there again). The bottom line is relax, go with the flow and be open to new experiences. (I'm sensing a theme here recently <smile>). We each have different ways of doing. Sharing these ways with others can be a joy.

Sometimes finding a meal this way can take some time, but it teaches you something about yourself and others. Try not to be stuck in just one way of thinking what will taste good. Who knows, maybe you'll discover that mayonnaise really does taste better than ketchup with fries <grin>. Or you may find you are a champion at charades. The song shared here deals with recognizing a change and waiting and hunting for something.

I've been searching so long -- Chicago