Vacationing Around The World!
This is meant to be a “fun” section that describes the foods in the different places I’ve lived and visited. As I rewrite this section, we are in week 9 of the COVID-19 quarantine, so I’m definitely reliving these experiences with a mixture of joyful and sad nostalgia. I pray for every one of us around the world, as we have all been affected by recent events.
Anyway, I’ll try to give a little introduction on the different cuisines you’ll find in each country and, in some cases, the different towns or locations within the country (e.g., the term “Mexican Food” is really a misnomer, as each area within Mexico has a different cuisine!).
I’ve been truly blessed to have lived in and traveled to many different parts of the United States. In addition, I’ve gotten to see a number of other beautiful countries, mostly with my husband, George (an extra added treat!). Part of the fun in traveling is getting to sample the different cuisines. But I also get some questions about international cuisines from people who haven’t traveled overseas much. For example, “Do the food & beverages I’ve consumed at EPCOT® truly represent what I’ll find when I travel”? Or, “How do I learn the country’s culture so I won’t offend those who live there”? Also, “Is it safe to buy food from the street vendors?” Finally, a related question, “how do I learn what foods and drinks are safe or unsafe where I’m going”?
Let’s deal with the fun ones first! As to EPCOT® cuisine, the “type” of foods and beverages you find there may be the same, but the quality may differ a bit. For example, my husband used to travel extensively to England on business. When we went to EPCOT® he ordered a “Stout,” beverage at the Great Britain Pavilion—and discovered it was served cold (pubs in England serve Stout at room temperature). Get the idea? These days, dining at any of the smaller (non-chain) "ethnic" restaurants in our major cities might give you a better idea of what to expect, but remember what I said above: different regions of the countries can have different cuisines. As to local behavioral norms you’ll find in different countries, the best advice I can give is to watch the locals and try to follow what they do: When in Rome... That should ensure you’ll be able to enjoy the cuisine and not worry that you might get chased out of town! Speaking of watching the locals, I’d strongly encourage you to pay a visit to the shops where they go to buy their food. These aren’t just supermarkets, but include little specialty shops, farmer’s markets, and sometimes open-air butcher shops! I find the varieties of unfamiliar foods or just packaging to be fascinating and, yes, sometimes a bit disquieting (chocolate-covered bugs…), but it will give you an idea of what to expect when you go out to dinner.
Before I get to the more serious questions, I wanted to mention that, although US fast-food chains abound throughout the world, I personally don’t recommend them, unless you want to see what it’s like to get a beer in McDonalds in Germany, try “McSeaweed fries” (no joke!) in Japan, or have those fries (or pomme frites/chips) you so love drowned in mayo in France! My husband hates mayonnaise. Nothing speaks to learning about another country as much as the local cuisine.
Now, on to the more serious questions. Personally, I LOVE buying from street vendors in the different countries I visit! I guess it comes from my growing up in the Boston area, often shopping at Faneuil Hall Market, and getting to attend numerous Red Sox games at Fenway Park (er…I mean, “Paak,” and, yes, “Go Sox)" where the roadway leading into Fenway is lined with street vendors. The only advice I would give you regarding the safety of street vendor food is when traveling in areas where cleanliness standards might differ from the ones you're used to, try to find street vendors where the person handling the money is NOT the person cooking the food. Safe or unsafe foods & beverages—and even ice—differ from country to country. The best thing you can do is contact AAA (if you have an account), ask a friend or colleague who’s been there, or (as a last resort) Google it.
Well, I hope this section inspires you to travel and try some new eating experiences.
Enjoy! Bon appetit! Genießen Ihr Abendessen! Pasar bien! Gustare!!!