Food

First of all, let me say that it takes Amy a lot longer to write these entries than me. She is either too tired or too detail-oriented. Either way, you should demand more of her. Mostly, you should demand that she write more quickly so you can get to my less-informative but certainly more-humorous entries. You all deserve the very best!

Today's entry is about food. As most of you know, this is a subject I know a lot about. I come from a two-child Jewish family where eating is an art form. Amy is one of seventeen children and the Cassidys eat quickly so as not to be devoured by the next youngest child. To that end, Amy arranged to have Luna Bars and almond butter sent to every stop along our trip. That is very un-Zack like. While trying to watch my weight and working out every morning (Charlie and Dick - I can prove that!) I am definitely enjoying all of the eating experiences available to me here.

Some eating facts from the trip:

• I have not once eaten at McDonalds or similar chain (that has never happened here before for me!). By contrast, Amy has not passed up any opportunity to stop at a Starbucks!

• The breakfasts at international hotels in Asia are spectacular. They offer every type of food imaginable. Some things they do pretty well (croissants, french toast, bacon, eggs, etc.). However, doughnuts are definitely not their specialty. But if you want this type of luxury - and occasionally it is a necessity - be prepared to spend $30-$50.

• Hot pot (Xiabu Xiabu or Gua Gua) is my absolute favorite. Huge caldrons of spicy boiling soup filled with meats, vegetables, fish, and lots of crazy other things that I won't mention. You pull out what you want, dip it in your own sauce creation and you're good to go! The spicier the better.

• Shanghai has incredible dumplings and eating them requires three steps. First, bite a small hole in the side. Second, suck out the soup. Third, eat the remaining dumpling! Steamed or fried - simply amazing.

• Street vendors are everywhere. In Beijing there are famous street markets where you can get any food imaginable and some that are unspeakable!

• Beverages are a bit different here. Most served at room temperature (and I generally don't drink the ice) and in small glasses. Hard to find diet sodas so we mostly just drink beer and water. Lots of interesting juices - corn juice is a favorite. And thank goodness for latte - every hotel can get you your caffeine fix if you need it.

• Dessert really isn't big here. Mostly fruit or some rice creations. I think they know something that we don't.

Tonight we shared a wonderful hot pot dinner with Colleen He in Shanghai - the mother of a Gould alumnus. After dinner, the restaurant manager took us on a tour of the kitchen (this restaurant served about 300 people at a time). Another incredible behind the scenes experience!



And sort of related to food, I commissioned a special piece of art today. A sculpture made from dough. I hope you enjoy this sculpture of our beloved Head of School!


Hopefully, it won't take Amy another fortnight to write her next blog.