The Shoe is on the Other Foot

I've blogged about my son's eating adventures in China. He is home now (living at college) hosting the Chinese delegation. After six weeks of the American students trying food strange to them, the shoe is on the other foot. Now it is time for the Chinese to try the strange food. He was anxious to see how they adapted to American culture and cuisine. He is thoughtful, and was concerned it would be a shock for them; such a big change. He took them to a supermarket so they could buy fresh produce to cook themselves. They didn't. They are going with what the college cafeteria provides. At noon they must order a "box lunch" due to some time constraints. Andy said the girls said they didn't like bread, dairy, sweets, or cold drinks. That pretty much sums up what would be in a box lunch. They didn't get their wishes and reluctantly ate the food. I think wiser people realized that is what a cultural exchange is about. Experience the others' culture, not find a way to live your own culture. Funny story yesterday; Andy said his partner took a bag of potato chips and some grape jelly to dip them in. He told her that wasn't what it was for but then regretted saying it. Who knows, maybe she was on to something. If I were eating grape jelly or potato chips I might try that sweet and salty combination myself. Peanut butter and chocolate may have been discovered by a traveling student.