It's good when things fall in to place Travelling is always at its best when you are at the right place at the right time with the right people. It is not always like that but when it comes together it gives you the greatest moments. Great blog and amazing photos, as always.
Gorgeous Pic Dave..... I do love how you mingle with the locals. Meeting people in far off lands is the most compelling thing about travelling, isn't it. Shame you didn't get a contact number for Wong, but then again, maybe serendipity will bring you together again one day :)
brilliant travel tactic Hiring a taxi driver led to such amazing experiences and personal connections--something that we budget backpackers sometimes miss on public buses. Loved that part of you all sharing a meal and laughter in that little backstreet eatery. Brilliant also to go in the magic of off-season snowy winter. Great fun!
Better than Egyptian Lasagna May not necessarily eat the meals you have but the sickest we have ever been is eating attempts at "western" food done in un-westrern countires. Egyptian lasagna had us sick for 3 weeks. Would much rather eat "chicken soup" than an Argentinian pizza. Glad you can identify your meals, we had one in Colombia that we think was horse, maybe donkey, could have been a steel belted retread.....maybe it is best when you don't know.
THANKS SHELLEY & SCOTT When you gotta eat...you gotta eat. And when you take your true love travelling...gotta make sure she eats well. Most of the food in China is so so good...the fun is often in the choosing! I am usually careful to ensure it is freshly cooked and hot. Some areas I would not eat salad...as I know where the water to wash it came from!
Totally gross! OMG--this is the reason I might not visit China if I ever make it to Asia. You are such an adventurous eater, and I am a total wussie. The first thing I'd have to learn is "I'm a vegetarian." What an adventure!
ALWAYS CLEAN THE PLATE When you Rachael serve Tasmanian salmon, quinioa and colourful exotic salads...easy to clean the plate...just good manners in my book. However in China it has been suggested I should leave some on the plate otherwise I am inferring the cook was not generous enough. I think that is a lot of bunk. The smiles from my hosts in China...that I have enjoyed their spread such that I finish it...appears genuine to me. This blog however includes some instances where I was unable to eat everything...but fun to watch those that can! No way I could eat scorpion...no way!
Delicious? A bit hard to swallow? Always remember my incredulity at being served up chicken soup with the feet but sounds as though your experiences have been far more adventurous.
Wot! No Canary Soup???? We have a similar thing here; duck embryos eaten straight out of the shell...disgusting I know! Anyway, it sounds like you bravely took one for the team, yet again I might add, by sampling many of the culinary 'delights' that China has to offer. Mind you, you haven't really lived until you have had a Lassie kebab. If you ever find yourself in 'Nam, the first bowl of dog meat is on me ;)
Another great story I am so glad that you did decide to dig into the archives to recount your earlier travels to China, as they are filled with so many terrific tales!
Tough gig! "This was a serious cultural event...with the dignity dictated by traditions of the ages...toasting with an eminent gentleman...bad manners to refuse"....People just don't realise the tough things you need to do when travelling, but I am glad you were up for the challenge. As always a bloody great blog with photos to match....keep it coming.
Shelley and Scott
THANKS SHELLEY & SCOTT "People just don't realise the tough things you need to do when travelling"...you are so right. If we shirk & wimp out...how could we live with ourselves? It's a matter of duty & honour that we travel the hard yards. Someone has to do it!
My wife Denise & I like to travel "on paths less travelled" that capture our imagination, inspire my photography & where we mix with locals & remain safe.
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Shelley and Scott
Michele Hutchinson and Scott Maberley
It's good when things fall in to place
Travelling is always at its best when you are at the right place at the right time with the right people. It is not always like that but when it comes together it gives you the greatest moments. Great blog and amazing photos, as always.