Tuesday, June 9, 2009

On Chopsticks: "You do not sew with a fork, and I see no reason why you should eat with knitting needles." ~Miss Piggy

Actually, I'm pretty dang good with chopsticks now, after using them everyday for 6 weeks!
 
So the day after my first authentic Chinese food experience at Don Xiang Lake, we were off to another factory, which meant another lunch. This time I wasn't nearly as excited to be out of the office for hours as I had been the day before. Not now that I knew what was coming. Much to my surprise, my anxiety over the ensuing meal was quickly subdued. The meal turned out much more pleasant than the previous day!
 
There was still a fish dish or two, but there was much more that tickled my taste buds! There was a beef dish that melted in my mouth and a pumpkin (or was is squash?) dish that was delicious, as well as shrimp that, once I got past having to take off the tail and head with the little black beady eyes, was pretty good! The whole experience, in fact, was much better. The factory owner's assistant, Katie, spoke English fairly decently, and tried to keep me engaged in conversation throughout the meal. Actually, I'm pretty sure she was just kind of enthralled with me and my being Foreign. She was the sweetest, cutest little thing. (I say that like she wasn't years older than me; but when I've got 7 inches and 30 pounds on her, I can't help it). She really was sweet though, helping me out with the food I couldn't figure out, and serving me more of the stuff I seemed to like.
 
With the good comes the bad, Unfortunately. Muscles. *Shudder*  The worst thing I have ever eaten in my life. Yes, Elizabeth, even worse than the peanut butter hamster treats. I thought I'd be brave and try one, just for the experience. If gagging down the squishy slugness of the muscle wasn't enough, including the goop inside and tentacle who knows what poking out, Katie assumed I liked it because I'd eaten it and loaded my plate up with a second. I didn't want to be rude, but that wasn't even my dilemma. I could make myself choke down a second one, sure, but what if that inspired her to give me a third!? Luckily no third came, probably because I decided to attack the rest of the food I enjoyed, and left her no chance.
 
Overall though, a much better lunch, and a much more pleasant experience. My following meals with Lola (the girl who was my "trainer" in the office) and the select staff members at restaurants around Lau Wai Tan (where our office is) were delicious. I was able to give a little input, so my delicious broccoli beef dish and fried bananas set of their choice of fish head. (Oh yes, just the head). I adjusted to the heavy accents and broken English of the office staff, which made lunches much more enjoyable (and conversation filled).
 
A few interesting things I've noticed:
 
Here, it is not rude to chew with your mouth open. The family warned me, but I learned quick enough on my own. Smacking, chomping, and talking with your mouth full is not considered bad manners; everyone eats like that. It didn't bother me at first. Today, however, Jenny and Grace ate lunch here and I literally could not sit at the table and wait for my lunch. I had to go downstairs and listen to music on my headphones. The surround sound of smacking and chewing was just too much...
 
It is bad manners, however, to use a toothpick without coyly hiding your mouth behind your free hand.
 
They think all Americans drink Coke. I accepted out of politeness at the fish restaurant after everyone looked surprised when I almost declined. Day two everyone looked extremely confused when I politely refused asked for juice, like everyone else. Though, I think I still ended up with glass anyhow...
 
You don't drink out of the bottle or can. You pour it into a tiny glass, and refill if necessary.
 
Chinese drink their water hot. You have to ask for cold water if you want it. I tried drinking hot water one lunch...only lasted about two sips.
 
That's all I can think of for now... look forward to hearing about the traffic!

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