Jen O’Connor, Teacher

Amazing! That is all that that I have been able to say for the past couple of days. The people, the food, the accommodations, the food, the cit ... Did I mention the food??
I have to admit that before making this trip I was a Chinese food junkie. I come by it honestly. I believe my Uncle Pat received Christmas cards from the local restaurant, so when I was selected for this adventure, many comments and questions were in regards to the food. In an effort to answer many questions, this first blog entry from me will be about the food.

Meals are served and everyone sits at a large round table. In the middle of the table is a lazy Susan that is glass and extends almost over the entire table. The table setting consists of a plate the size of a bread plate back home. Chopsticks, I have found, are usually black and plastic. They are washed and reused as silverware would be back home. There is also a small white bowl for soup. Although they have been gracious and also set the table with a fork and knife for us Westerners, you would be proud to know that we are all getting very efficient at eating with the chopsticks.

The first items on the table are what we in USA would consider appetizers; they are shredded white fish, cherry tomatoes and nuts served in oval small bowls or plates. The plate patterns are mixed patterns and sizes. The courses served are vegetables. Some of the vegetables that we have had are: eggplant, celery, bok choy, green vegetables (That is what they call them.), black fungus (This is shaped like a ribbon and has the consistency of the top layer of Jell-o after you have put it in the fridge and it has set.) and beans of many varieties. Items come out one at a time about 5-10 minutes apart. Meat is not served whole, as a pot roast would be.  It is served sliced - sometimes in sauces, with white oniony material that is cut in very thick strips. We have had: duck (Nanjing is apparently known for their duck.), pork, pigeon, fish, and eel. On an aside, I need to let my brother know that eel really does taste like chicken.

There are many dishes on the table with different sizes and shapes. There is always a soup, some of the soups that we have had are: spicy, wonton, egg drop and green vegetables, fish, and duck. Near the end of the meal either rice or noodles are served; they do not serve both. Lastly, fruit is brought. Some of the fruits that we have had are: apples, watermelon, honeydew, grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Fruit is always served last, as everything is cut into small pieces you take from the lazy susan and eat directly as well as putting some on your plate.

Mary Kassabaum continues to impress me by trying everything, without regard or hesitation. She bit the head off the shrimp and peeled it in her mouth. I, on the other hand, find myself still asking what everything is on the table before I try it.

Okay, well, for now from China. Please know that whatever might be going wrong today, don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world. It is already tomorrow here. Have a great day, and be sure to check out the sky tonight (as we are 12 hours ahead of you). It will be beautiful!