#75 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Exotic foods of China)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
May 28th 2007

Published: May 28th 2007

China's feeds one-fifth of the world's population, daily. Much of the economy of China, in the cities and in the villages, conspicuously depends on the food industry, struggling to supply the variety of tastes for the exotic or the more mondane. China has suffered much during its well-documented famines. They are still in the memories of my students' parents. But the variety, quantity, and the q... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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star-fish??

I collect star-fish on the beaches of the world. At this fair, I can sell them. They become sought-after health-food, and they are also quite crunchy.

"Spider, spider, in a dish??"

They are quickly sold, but more are available, still living in the baskets behind the Taranjula-stand. There were hundreds waiting to be slaughtered for man's palate on this day.

Brown skorpions on a skewer are sold....

... to the native Chinese for a few Yuan. They simply know how to negotiate better. For the tourists, they cost more than double.

hmm

Not to be underestimated for their taste are these monster-centipedes, one to a skewer. They are fried to order for each customer. The massive, black scorpions gave competition for their taste. Catsup was not available.

Live scorpions have one last fling with each other.

A live scorpion-orgy inside a plastic bucket. They too ended in the stomachs of satisfied customers.

pupae on a stick

Between five and seven larva/pupae, depending on their length, grace each of the skewers. By the size, color, and texture, 2007 seems like a good year for the pupae-feast.

meat-balls

These meat-balls seemed not as popular as the scorpions. Their different colors point to various flavors.

for the table

I have never enjoyed fish, but if I did, these would do.

your choice

The small cages hold the next meals. Little guessing is needed as to their content.

"What did I do to deserve this?"

Aging the beef and fish for tonight's menu, and to be offered in the restaurant of my hotel.

Hanging to age the meat.

It's the same fish, only a different angle.

frog-legs

When I now enter a restaurant, and frog-legs are offered, they no longer seem so exotic.

I prefer them already peeled.

These mini-lobsters are a hit on any family-table.

rice and wheat harvests

The rice is made ready for the tables of restaurants and homes of Taizhou.

street food

These "birds" also found their calling, a skewer in their butts. The customer will eat it from head to claw.

Waiting for the next customer.

"They taste better than they look", so I was told.

Fruits are fresh and cheaper than the pupae.

Never worry! Fresh fruits are always available for the vegetarians of China and its visitors.

28th May 2007

Brittney Hinckley
non-member comment

I think I would starve if I moved to China, I'm not sure I could eat any of that.

28th May 2007

Celia
non-member comment

Schneidypooooo
hallo schneider... i really enjoyed this entry.. it was interesting to see similarities between the chinese culture and ours such as this: "Whenever I ask my students, where they are going as we pass each other, the two prominent responses are: 'We're going shopping' or 'We're going eating.'" who would've thought? thanks for the kind words about graduation.. i wish you could've been there. we're all really excited, anxious, and even a bit nervous. we miss you so much, schneider. :)

29th May 2007

Ashley Santiz
non-member comment

Hey mr schneider! Um, first all i can say is poor little chicks!!! Eaten whole?!? Little babies born just to be fried up? **sobs quietly** And im not horrified by the tarantulas (well okay, i AM a tad horrified) but i am grossed out by what i think i saw sitting next to them....ROACHES. eeewwwwwww... I am *such* an american. Lol. Well it looks like you're learning (and being grossed out) more and more each day. These entries are so informative and interesting (especially with the pictures) you might even want to consider turning them into a book. Memoirs of a Traveling Teacher or what have you. Just an idea. :) Keep living the dream! (and thanks for the comment about graduation i am sooo nervous [i just KNOW im going to fall]) toodles ash

29th May 2007

Clarissa Borge
non-member comment

FOOOOD!!
hey schneider! looks like you're doing well! no wonder you've lost so much weight since you left. I would've lost some of my weight if I lived in china. The duck feet I would be willing to try, I've actually heard they are good it's the bugs and the (ugh) tarantula that are wigging me out quite a bit. well, hoping for a another entry soon!! love you lots! and Hurray for graduation!

31st May 2007

Sandra Cordoba
non-member comment

Okay, so I lost my appetite...I'm glad to see how well you have adjusted! Have you tried any of those?? I would starve....I can't even look at those dishes, let alone eat them!

1st June 2007

Sandra
non-member comment

schneidyyyy... i just wanted to tell you that as of yesterday i am a coral gables senior high school graduate! it is exciting but at the same time i am extremely sad about it, especially this morning when it is starting to hit me. i wish you could have been there to share it with us... hopefully we will still be seeing each other around some time. in any case, i hope we can see each other here in FLORIDA, considering that if i rely on the food in china, i can pretty much count on dying of hunger hhahaa... as always you are quick to point out the lack of compassion in our human race, and that is what i never forget about you. love always

1st June 2007

Thomas Scianmarello
non-member comment

China
Wow Schineider how can you live over there with that type of food? lol

1st June 2007

Josue
non-member comment

Orange Sesame Chicks!!!
The most poignant picture is the one that looks like breaded chicks in Panda-express orange sauce. I'm a big food fan, but my kind of food festival involves lots of goetta and brats. By the way, greetings from Cincinnati herr Schneider!!! -- Josh :)

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#75 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Exotic foods of China)

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