Food for Thought

I'm convinced the further east one travels in the world the more unique and unusual the food. Simple fact. Asia's got this one locked down.

Some have touted me as a picky eater. Yeah, what gives. However, I've done it more out of necessity. The more yoga, the more sensitive the digestive system becomes. Which is a good thing. And frankly, I know what works for my body...I know what feels good. The more raw foods the better. Although, I will never label myself a raw foodist. Never. I like a little leeway, and breathing room. Also, labeling myself in terms of diet as a badge of honor is lame. I'm completely over that. Yes, I eat vegetarian for the most part...but, I've learned what I ingest comes from personal choice and evolution of what deems proper for me at a certain time.

Simplicity. Eating foods, as much as possible, in their natural state makes sense. Dunno. Call me crazy.

I remember making the mistake of simply stating I was a vegetarian when I worked for Corportate Hell Incorporated. People made such a flipping big deal out of it. I didn't say it for attention or to make myself appear different then the rest...I just didn't want the steak being served.

It's better to do things quietly.

But, it's interesting how people take what you put in your own mouth so personally. Get over it.

Why do some think it extreme to eat a salad for dinner? You wanna eat something extreme? How about eating a Starbusrt Chew?...that's extreme...WTF! What are those things made of anyway?

With that being said, I've taken my stint in Taiwan as to being a bit of a food adventurer. What the hell. I'm here. I'm open to the experience. Let's roll.

I've been handed the most freakishly strange stuff...to have someone say...here, eat it. To then be like...what is it? Yeah. It's been the running joke, because of the language barrier, and the uniqueness of the food, people don't know how to verbalize what it is in English. Pretty funny. So, now people will quickly tell me...It's good food. Eat. It's gotten to the point where I don't even ask anymore. I shrug my shoulders and pop it in my mouth. Nine times out of ten it doesn't taste half bad. However, I still draw the line when it comes to meat. Not going there. But, I have been eating some seafood on occasion...which I know is still meat in some form. But c'mon, I'm living on an island nation, it's fresh. It's widely available.

I did have a slice of octopus in my mouth. I chewed. Couldn't do it though. I couldn't swallow. The texture was all wrong.

What I've noticed however, is longevity is alive and well in Taiwan. So, when it comes to diet they must be doing something right. The biggest thing I've observed is they like their veggies. Duh! I'm down with that. When I've eaten out with a group, we usually eat Chinese style. There will be various dishes and and we sample from various plates. The first thing to go will be the vegetables. It's true. Where if I were in the U.S. that would probably be the last thing to go.

60 years of age here is much different than 60 years in the states. I realize there are always outliers and exceptions. However, consistently I'm amazed and delighted at the energy emanating from the Taiwanese elders. I love it!

I'm definitely learning a thing or two.