Food Adventures (by Terry)

I decided that since sports fans often get sidetracked on food that I would simply start on food. Bottom line is if you like everything and like to try new stuff, then you would have had a blast. If you're not so inclined, then nuf-said.

I pride myself in liking almost everything, and I'll say that I really didn't try anything that I couldn't eat. However, I do believe that genuine Chinese food has a little room for improvement --- you won’t find any good ole American/Chinese food like Kung Pao Chicken.

Most of the meats I tried were very good. However, I would have to get used to the idea of several being served cold and with sweet spices. The best meats were duck and pork --- mostly enhanced by higher fat content than westerners are accustomed.

The vegetables are considerably different and are served in a wide variety of ways, though most were bland in flavor. Additionally, they all seem to have a similar aroma --- kind of like broccoli, greens, or cabbage. Add that to curry and that is what I seemed to smell all around town.

Bottom line, if you come to China one day, then you need to accept the idea that meat is often served whole --- eyes, beaks, and fins, that few vegetables taste like you are accustomed, and deserts can be anything --- e.g., pumpkin soup (sweet, warm, and with rice added).